Decorating with a festive Christmas garland is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring holiday cheer into your home. Whether wrapped around staircases, draped over mantels, or hung around doorways, garlands add a lush, inviting look that sets the perfect holiday scene. Creating your own DIY garlands allows you to customize colors, textures, and accents to fit your decor style, making every space feel uniquely festive. Here’s how to make stunning Christmas garlands that will transform your home for the holidays.
Mini Christmas Stocking Garland
Creating a Classic Evergreen Christmas Garland
A classic evergreen garland exudes the nostalgic charm of Christmas. Start with a base of faux or real evergreen branches for that lush, wintry look. Add small ornaments, pinecones, and ribbons to elevate the garland’s texture and color. For a natural look, leave some of the greenery bare and tuck in touches of holly berries or eucalyptus for subtle contrast.
To give your garland added sparkle, consider incorporating a strand of battery-operated lights. LED lights with a warm glow are especially charming at night, adding a cozy ambiance that makes any room feel more festive. This style is perfect for mantels, railings, or entryways, creating a welcoming sight from the moment guests walk in.
Evergreen, Ornaments, and Letters Garland
Mixing in a Christmas Wreath for a Cohesive Look
Pairing a Christmas wreath with your garland can create a unified holiday aesthetic. For instance, if you’re decorating a fireplace, place a wreath at the center above the mantel and drape a matching garland on either side. Choosing similar materials, colors, and decorative accents for both the garland and wreath can pull the look together seamlessly.
If you’re going for a rustic theme, use burlap ribbon, pinecones, and berries on both the wreath and garland. For a more modern feel, consider silver or gold accents, monochrome ornaments, and sleek greenery. This cohesive approach adds a sense of balance and enhances the holiday warmth in the room.
Dried Orange Garland
Adding a Christmas Banner for a Personal Touch
Adding a Christmas banner to your garland introduces a touch of whimsy and personalization. You can choose from banners with holiday messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Joy,” or craft your own with felt letters, twine, and mini clothespins. String the banner along the length of the garland, weaving it in and out of the greenery for a seamless look.
This is a fun DIY project for families, as each family member can contribute by making different letters or symbols for the banner. You can use a variety of materials, from rustic wooden letters to glittery cutouts, to match your overall decor. Banners are especially cute on garlands hanging along staircases or doorways, adding festive cheer in areas where people are sure to see them.
Paper Christmas Tree Garland
Ornament Christmas Garland
A Garland with Natural Accents for an Organic Look
For an earthy, minimalist look, consider a garland that highlights natural elements. Begin with a simple base of greenery and add accents like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and acorns. These elements bring warmth and a rustic feel, and the natural colors complement traditional holiday decor beautifully. Plus, dried orange slices and cinnamon add a lovely scent that enhances the holiday atmosphere.
This type of garland is ideal for those who prefer a simple, understated look that still celebrates the season. Drape it over a window, along a table runner, or around doorways for an organic touch that’s elegant and festive.
Gold Wreath and Garland
Natural Birch Bark Paper Garland
Festive Flocked Garland for a Wintry Feel
If you want to capture the look of a snow-dusted winter wonderland, flocked garlands are a great choice. Flocked garlands feature branches that look as if they’re covered in a layer of freshly fallen snow, adding a touch of winter magic to your decor. You can buy flocked garlands or create your own by applying faux snow spray to a basic evergreen garland.
Add frosty accents like silver ornaments, icicle decorations, and snowflake cutouts for a coordinated look. This style of garland works beautifully on mantels, windowsills, or staircases, and pairs well with a Christmas wreath that has a similar frosted look. It’s an elegant way to bring a bit of the outdoors inside, capturing the serene beauty of a snowy landscape.
Paper Star Garland
Staircase Banister Garland
Crafting a Festive Candy Cane Garland
A candy cane-inspired garland adds a playful, vibrant twist to holiday decor. Start with a garland base, and then add red and white striped ribbons or small, faux candy canes along the length of the garland. You can also mix in small red and white ornaments to add extra color and dimension.
This type of garland is ideal for kids’ rooms or kitchens, as it brings a bit of festive fun into the space. Pair it with a matching Christmas wreath featuring similar red and white accents for a coordinated look that’s cheerful and bright.
Felt Holiday Garland
Knitted Tree Garland
Incorporating Textured Fabrics for a Cozy Garland
For a cozy, rustic look, use fabrics like burlap, flannel, or felt in your garland. These materials add warmth and texture, creating a garland that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. You can cut small strips of fabric to tie along the garland, add mini fabric ornaments, or even weave fabric through the greenery for a homespun feel.
This garland style works well in areas where you want to create a soft, welcoming look, such as in the living room or around the dining area. It pairs beautifully with a Christmas banner featuring matching fabric or a felt Christmas wreath, making your decor feel harmonious and inviting.
Bandana Garland
DIY Beaded Christmas Garland for a Vintage Look
For a touch of vintage elegance, consider making a beaded garland. String together beads of different sizes and colors, focusing on classic holiday hues like gold, silver, and red. Wooden beads add a natural, boho feel, while metallic beads create a more formal look.
This garland style is ideal for draping over picture frames, windows, or adding a unique touch to your Christmas tree. Beaded garlands are simple to make and can be customized in color and style, making them a versatile addition to any holiday decor scheme.
Wool Felt Leaf Garland
Lighted Garlands for an Enchanting Glow
Adding lights to your garland instantly enhances the holiday ambiance. Choose warm white lights for a classic look, or go for multicolored lights to add a pop of festive color. For garlands that will be on for extended periods, look for energy-efficient LED lights that won’t overheat.
Lighted garlands look magical around windows, doors, or staircases, especially when paired with a Christmas wreath that also includes lights. This approach transforms your home into a warm, glowing haven, perfect for enjoying cozy winter nights with loved ones.
Holly Light Bulb Garland
Final Touches for the Perfect DIY Christmas Garland
The beauty of creating your own Christmas garland is the freedom to personalize it. From the classic look of evergreen garlands with pinecones to modern beaded styles or wintry flocked garlands, each style can reflect your personal holiday spirit. By pairing your garland with coordinating decor like Christmas banners and Christmas wreaths, you’ll create a unified look that’s full of holiday warmth.
Whether you opt for natural elements, pops of color, or lighted garlands, these DIY Christmas garland ideas will make your home a festive retreat. Drape them on your mantels, around your windows, or even on your tree, and enjoy the holiday cheer that each garland brings to your space.
Oversized Holly and Berry Garland
