A homemade garland adds instant warmth to a mantel, staircase or doorway. These 21 Christmas garland DIY ideas range from easy dried orange and pom-pom garlands to rustic, elegant and cheap options, each with the cost and time.
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Christmas Garland DIY Basics
- Measure first: for a draped mantel garland, plan about one and a half times the mantel width. For a staircase, measure the banister and add extra for swags.
- Fluff and layer: fluff every branch of faux garland, then layer a second garland or ribbon on top for fullness.
- Secure gently: use zip ties, floral wire or removable adhesive hooks so you don’t damage banisters or mantels.
- Fire safety: keep garland well clear of a working fireplace opening and use flameless candles nearby.
Easy DIY Christmas Garland Ideas
These easy DIY Christmas garland ideas are relaxing to make and need only a few supplies.
1. Dried Orange Slice Garland
Slice oranges about 1/4 inch thick, dry them at around 200°F for two to three hours, flipping occasionally, then string them on twine with bay leaves. The slices glow when the tree lights shine through them. Dry them completely so they don’t mold.
2. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
Thread day-old popcorn and fresh cranberries onto heavy thread with a needle. It’s a nostalgic, cozy evening project. Hang it outside afterward for the birds.
3. Felt Ball Garland
String felt balls onto embroidery thread with a large needle, spacing them evenly or packing them tightly. Red, white and green looks classic; cream and gray looks Scandinavian. It’s soft and safe around kids.
4. Wood Bead Garland With Tassels
Thread wood beads onto jute twine and finish each end with a jute or fabric tassel. Drape it over greenery for a farmhouse layer. It can stay out all winter.
5. Yarn Pom-Pom Garland
Make pom-poms with a fork or pom-pom maker and string them on twine. It’s a perfect project while watching a holiday movie. Mix sizes for a playful look.
Rustic and Farmhouse Christmas Garland Ideas
These rustic Christmas garland ideas and farmhouse Christmas garland DIY projects use natural textures.
6. Pinecone Garland
Wire small pinecones together along a length of twine or attach them with screw eyes. Snow-tip them with white paint if you like. Bake foraged pinecones first to dry them out.
7. Burlap and Greenery Garland
Weave burlap ribbon loosely through a faux greenery garland and add a few pinecones and berries. It suits farmhouse mantels and doorways. Wired burlap holds its shape best.
8. Cinnamon Stick Garland
Tie cinnamon sticks along twine with small knots, adding star anise and dried orange slices between them. It smells wonderful near a warm fireplace mantel. Keep it out of reach of pets.
9. Cotton Boll Garland
Wire faux or dried cotton stems along a greenery garland for a soft, snowy look. It pairs well with buffalo check and wood accents. It can stay up through January.
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Elegant Christmas Garland Decor
Elegant Christmas garland decor relies on rich greenery and a few luxurious accents.
10. Magnolia Garland With Velvet Ribbon
Drape a faux magnolia garland along the mantel and weave a wide velvet ribbon through it, letting the ends trail. The glossy leaves look luxurious. Faux magnolia lasts for years.
11. Eucalyptus and White Berry Garland
Layer eucalyptus garland with white berry picks for a soft, wintry look. Keep the palette to greens and whites. It suits modern and Scandinavian homes.
12. Layered Gold Bead Garland
Drape two or three strands of gold bead garland loosely over a greenery garland. It catches the light beautifully. Choose matte gold for a more refined look.
13. Mixed Greenery With Gold Ornaments
Combine pine, cedar and eucalyptus picks into a basic garland, then wire small gold ornaments in clusters of three along it. Mixing greenery textures makes it look custom. Add warm white lights.
DIY Christmas Garland for the Staircase
A DIY Christmas garland for the staircase makes a big impression in the entryway.
14. Swagged Garland With Bows
Attach garland to the banister in gentle swags, securing it with zip ties at each spindle, and tie a large bow at each high point. Keep swags even for a polished look. Make sure the handrail stays usable.
15. Garland Wrapped With Lights
Wrap the garland and a strand of lights around the banister in a spiral. Battery or plug-in lights both work. Use cord covers so no one trips at the bottom of the stairs.
16. Ornaments Hanging at the Posts
Hang clusters of shatterproof ornaments on ribbon from the newel posts and at intervals along the garland. Vary the ribbon lengths for movement. Shatterproof ornaments are safest on stairs.
17. Ribbon-Wrapped Banister
Wrap a wide plaid or velvet ribbon around the banister in a spiral, with or without greenery underneath. It’s the quickest staircase decor there is. Secure the ends with removable tape.
Cheap Christmas Garland Ideas
These cheap Christmas garland ideas cost under $10 each.
18. Paper Star Garland
Punch or cut stars from cardstock or kraft paper and stitch them onto a long thread. Metallic paper adds shimmer. Hang it on a mantel or across a window.
19. Dollar Store Ornament Garland
Thread shatterproof dollar store ornaments onto floral wire through their caps, mixing sizes and finishes. Shape it into a curve over a doorway. It’s bright, cheap and durable.
20. Paper Snowflake Garland
Cut paper snowflakes and tape or glue them along a length of string. Kids can help make them. Hang them across a window for a winter wonderland look.
21. Upgrade a Cheap Garland
Take an inexpensive garland and layer in a few real or faux greenery sprigs, berry picks and pinecones. Fluff every branch first. It instantly looks more expensive.
Christmas Garland DIY FAQ
How long should a garland be for a mantel?
For a draped look, plan about one and a half times the width of your mantel. For a straight garland, match the mantel width or let it hang slightly over the ends.
How do I attach garland to a staircase without damaging it?
Use zip ties, floral wire or soft ribbon around the spindles, or removable adhesive hooks. Avoid nails and tape that can strip the finish.
How do I make a cheap garland look full?
Fluff every branch, layer two garlands together, and add berry picks, pinecones, ribbon and lights.
How long do dried orange garlands last?
Fully dried orange slices can last for years if kept dry. Humidity makes them soften or mold.
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Photos are illustrative stock images from Pixabay. Prices are approximate and were checked at the time of writing.
