The Best Garlands for Holiday Decorating
Garlands are a classic way to decorate for the holidays. Whether displayed above the mantel or wrapped around the staircase, garlands instantly infuse any space with festive charm. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right garland to suit your style and holiday theme?
Natural vs. Artificial Garlands
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want a natural or artificial garland. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of each:
- Natural garlands
- Pros: Natural texture and scent, organic appeal
- Cons: Can shed needles, not reusable
- Artificial garlands
- Pros: Lasts for years, consistent fullness
- Cons: Lacks natural imperfections, less authentic
Best Natural Garlands
If opting for natural garland, consider these top picks:
| Garland | Description |
|---|---|
| Fraser Fir | Full, flat needles with silvery underside. Classic Christmas tree scent. |
| Juniper | Whimsical twisted shape. Subtle pine/cedar aroma. |
| Magnolia | Lush green leaves and soft white blooms. Fresh, bright fragrance. |
Best Artificial Garlands
On the artificial side, top options include:
- Pine needle - Mimics real pine with soft, slender needles
- Holly - Looks real with glossy leaves and red berries
- Eucalyptus - Airy and refreshing silvery blue-green tones
Key Features
When selecting any garland, keep these features in mind:
- Fullness - How dense is it? Skimpy garlands look cheap.
- Workability - Is it pliable for shaping, or stiff and difficult?
- Size - Ensure it's proportionate to the area you're decorating.
- Accents - Look for details like pinecones or glitter that complement your theme.
Take your time choosing the perfect garland for your holiday decor. A thoughtfully selected garland can make all the difference in creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Garlands for Holiday Decor
When it comes to holiday decorating, few accents evoke the seasonal spirit quite like garlands. These festive ropes of greenery have been used to herald the holidays for centuries across many cultures. In ancient Rome, garlands featuring laurel leaves and fruits were displayed during Saturnalia. In medieval churches, pine and holly garlands were traditionally put up each winter. And pioneer families would gather wild vines and branches to fashion rustic garlands for their homesteads.
Today, the tradition carries on with garlands remaining a ubiquitous part of holiday adornment. Walk into any home improvement store come November, and you're sure to find an abundance of garlands in all styles - from simple pine roping to elaborate pre-lit runway garlands. According to industry sales data, garland purchases increased by over 20% in November and December last year alone.
So what is it exactly that makes garlands such a perennial component of seasonal decor? There are several factors at play:
- They instantly infuse spaces with holiday charm and coziness.
- Their organic nature feels warm and inviting against winter's chill.
- They tie together other decorative elements into a unified theme.
- They can be customized to match any aesthetic - traditional, modern, rustic, etc.
Today's garlands are available in more varied materials than ever before - from plastic and silk, to real branches of cedar, pine and holly. Retail giant Home Depot reported over 100 different garland SKUs this past holiday season. Whether dressing up the mantel, banister or front door, there's a garland to fit any space and style.
So when it comes time to deck those halls, be sure to give garlands their rightful place in your holiday decor. After all, few things impart the warmth, nostalgia and festivity of the season better than a beautifully adorned garland.
How to Choose the Right Garland for Your Holiday Decor
Garlands are a versatile decorative accent that can transform any space for the holidays. But with so many types and styles available, how do you select the perfect garland option for your decor theme and setup?
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Consider the Location
First, think about where you want to display your garland and how it will be positioned. This determines factors like:
- Length - Measure the area to ensure your garland is long enough. Allow extra length for twisting and draping.
- Thickness - Garlands for stairs and posts can be narrow, while mantle and doorway garlands should be fuller.
- Weight - Heavy real garlands work over fireplaces. Go light for wreaths or trees.
Match the Setting
The setting will impact the style choice as well. Ask yourself:
- Is the space traditional or modern?
- Do you want an elegant or rustic look?
- What are your color scheme and textures?
Then pick materials aligned with your theme like faux pinecones for rustic, or metallic accents for modern.
Consider the Climate
Garlands for outdoor use need to hold up to the elements, so avoid delicate trims. Instead choose:
- Artificial greenery in cold climates
- Natural magnolia or cedar in warm climates
Seal any fresh garlands outdoors with floral spray to protect against moisture.
Evaluate Durability
For reusable garlands, assess factors like:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Materials | High-quality PVC or polyethylene for artificial garlands. Real cedar or noble fir. |
| Construction | Sturdy internal wiring if shapeable. Glued tips on artificial foliage. |
| Needle retention | Minimal shedding and detachment from wires over time. |
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Inspect Fullness and Density
A fuller, lusher garland has maximum visual impact. Inspect the spacing and amount of trimmings.
By keeping these tips in mind, you're sure to find the perfect garland to bring holiday charm to your indoor and outdoor spaces this season.
Key Considerations When Choosing Holiday Garlands
The right garland can beautifully enhance your holiday decor. But to pick the perfect one for your space, there are a few key factors to take into account:
Location
Where the garland will hang or sit impacts your options. According to interior designer Lucy Smith, "Over a mantel, you'll want a full, dense garland around 3 feet long. For wrapping a staircase, look for 20 feet or more of garland that's easy to manipulate." Outdoor decorations require sturdy materials like artificial pine or cedar that won't deteriorate in the weather.
Texture
Garland materials lend unique textures. For traditional flair, pine roping with soft, needle-like fronds is ideal. Holly branches and magnolia leaves add natural depth, while faux eucalyptus offers airy fullness. Ribbon or beaded garlands provide a silky smoothness, and incorporated metals/wires give modern sleekness. Combine textures for contrast, like pine cones on a velvet garland.
Size
Proportion is key. An undersized garland gets lost, while an oversized one overwhelms. Interior decorator Amanda Hess recommends taking measurements and holding garlands up to visualise fit. As a rule of thumb, mantels suit garlands around 2-3 inches in diameter. For trees, measure the circumference and get a garland at least half that size.
Weight
Heavier real garlands work well resting on mantels but can sag on the tree. Lighter artificial or ribbon garlands are better for hanging vertically. Check product details - 10 lbs of garland capacity is plenty for most standard displays. For outdoors, ensure wreaths and swags can withstand wind and rain.
Theme
Match garland aesthetics to your overall decor scheme. Gold beading and burgundy velvet compliment classic holiday palettes. For modern looks, metallic pine picks and blue frosted berries are on trend this season. Rustic? Incorporate burlap, pine cones, and an organic style garland.
So weigh location, texture, size, weight, theme and use when making your garland selection. With the right choice, your garland will become the perfect holiday focal point for years to come.
DIY Garland Ideas for Holidays and Special Occasions
Want to add homemade charm to your holiday decor? Crafting your own garland allows you to customize colors, textures, and themes while saving money. Follow these creative ideas for DIY garlands that will lend festive flair to any special event.
Ribbon Garland
For this simple yet elegant garland, cut ribbons into 1-2 foot strips. Use 3-5 varying ribbons in complementary hues – try red, green, gold for Christmas. Layer the ribbons and knot them together at the ends. Fluff the loops and hang in a doorway or wrap around a staircase railing.
Paper Flower Garland
Cut cardstock into 1.5” circles. Fold them in half, gather the bottom, and tie a thread around the middle. Open into flower shapes. String the flowers together, alternating colors, and hang across a wall or mantel.
Tissue Paper Pomander
Cut tissue paper into 3-4” squares. Stack 5 squares and fold accordion-style. Tie a ribbon around the center, then fluff the tissue paper out into a full pomander shape. Make pomanders in various colors and connect them with ribbon to create a festive garland.
Photo Garland
Print out nostalgic photos onto cardstock and cut into desired shapes – try squares, circles, and banners. Punch holes near the top and string photos together with ribbon to create a sentimental garland full of memories.
Decorative Felt Ball Garland
Cut felt into a variety of shapes and colors – stars, hearts, circles, triangles. Roll felt into balls by hand or use a foam ball wrapped in felt. Hot glue ball shapes together in an alternating pattern for a playful felt ball garland.
The options for handcrafted garlands are endless. Get the whole family involved and make it an enjoyable DIY project. Your personalized garland will lend a heartfelt touch to your holiday decorating for years to come.
Finding Affordable Garlands through Amazon Prime
Garlands are a popular decorative accent for holidays, parties, weddings and more. With the right subscription, Amazon Prime can be a cost-effective way to purchase garlands online.
Benefits of an Amazon Prime Membership
An Amazon Prime membership provides a number of benefits when buying products on Amazon:
- Free two-day shipping on millions of Prime-eligible items
- Access to Lightning Deals and other exclusive discounts
- Ability to stream movies, TV shows, and music
- Photo storage and other Amazon Prime member perks
The standard Amazon Prime membership fee is $119 per year or $12.99 per month. However, discounts are available for qualifying students and government assistance recipients.
Finding Garlands through Amazon Prime
With a Prime membership, customers can shop Amazon's wide selection of garlands with free two-day shipping. Search for garlands by type, such as Christmas garlands, floral garlands, bead garlands, and more. Use filters to shop by price, customer rating, Prime eligibility and other specifics.
Be sure to check Lightning Deals for garlands and other party decor discounts. At times, Prime members can save up to 50% on decorative items for seasonal events. Create a Wish List to easily track and shop for garlands you like.
With its convenience and savings, an Amazon Prime membership can be useful for frequently purchasing event supplies like garlands. However, always shop ethically and stay within your budget when buying products online.
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Creative Garland Ideas For Your Next Party
Garlands are a great way to add a festive touch to any party. Here are some creative garland ideas for your next party:
- DIY garlands are cheap and easy to make. Check out these 11 DIY garland tutorials.
- Etsy has a great selection of unique and custom party garlands.
- Make your own garlands with materials like wood beads, pom poms, felt balls, tissue paper, and more.
- Balloons, garlands, and flags are the most typical decorations for any party.
- Try making a brightly colored tassel garland, fringed circle fiesta garland, or easy DIY balloon garland.
- Shop online for garlands and other party decorations and supplies to make your party planning easier.
What Materials Can Be Used To Make Garlands For Party Decorations?
Garlands are a versatile and easy way to add a festive touch to any party. Here are some materials that can be used to make garlands for party decorations:
These are just a few examples of materials that can be used to make garlands for party decorations. Get creative and experiment with different materials to create a garland that fits your party theme and style.
How To Make A Tassel Garland For Party Decorations?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a tassel garland for party decorations:
- Gather your materials. You will need tissue paper, yarn or string, scissors, and a ruler.
- Cut the tissue paper into strips. The size of the strips will depend on how big you want your tassels to be. A good size to start with is 12 inches by 6 inches.
- Fold the tissue paper in half lengthwise and then in half again widthwise.
- Cut fringe into the tissue paper, leaving about an inch at the top uncut.
- Unfold the tissue paper and roll it tightly from one end to the other.
- Twist the tissue paper in the middle to create a loop.
- Tie a piece of yarn or string around the loop to secure it in place.
- Repeat these steps to create as many tassels as you need for your garland.
- Tie the tassels onto a long piece of yarn or string, spacing them out evenly.
- Hang your tassel garland and enjoy!
There are many variations on this basic tassel garland tutorial, so feel free to experiment with different materials and techniques to create a garland that fits your party theme and style.
