Garland Galore: Dazzling Choices to Complete Your Christmas Decor

Dec 12th 2023

pine garland, lights and decorations on fireplace mantel

When you view a setting that’s truly dressed for Christmas success, there’s a good chance the decor includes at least one Christmas garland.

For centuries, people have used pine boughs and other winter greenery to decorate their homes during the Christmas season. Christmas garland originates with this tradition, but it has grown to include so many more options. From traditional pine garland to whimsical novelty options, the choices are vast.

What is Christmas Garland?

A garland is a decoration made from intertwined materials like pine boughs, flowers, foliage, ribbon or ornaments to create a festoon that can be laid, wound or draped around an object or architectural feature.

Common Christmas garland varieties you’re likely to encounter include:

Traditional Pine Garland

pine garland with red berries on a fireplace mantel

Whether natural or artificial, pine garlands are a classic garland style. They can lean formal or casual, depending on the type of pine used, from short-needled firs through long and wispy balsam. Besides natural green, you’ll also find flocked garland that mimics snow-dusted pine branches, plus color choices, like white, black and pink.

Many decorators choose a lush, undecorated pine garland as the foundation for their own Christmas garland creations. Then, they add ornaments, ribbons, pinecones and other decorations for the look they want to achieve. Beautiful pre-decorated garland styles save time and effort.

Artificial pine garland comes unlit and pre-lit. Lighted garland often features small warm white lights, but pine garlands with multicolor lights also are available.

Botanical Garland

unlit blueberry, Eucalyptus and pine garland

Although pine is a traditional garland material, it isn’t uncommon to find garland that incorporates eucalyptus leaves, magnolia leaves, holly, ivy and other foliage.

The look is often lighter and a bit more contemporary. With a few accessories, botanical garland can transition from Christmas to spring and summer.

Beaded Garland

Classic beaded garland adds a retro nod to your Christmas decor. Shiny strings of metallic beads in red, green, blue, gold and silver are used most often to decorate Christmas trees. However, they are not out of place on a fireplace mantel or twined into pine garland and other decorations.

For a more updated style that complements a natural and neutral decor, look for unfinished wood bead garland.

Berry Garland

5 foot frosted pine and red berry Christmas garland

You can’t beat red berry garland for a splash of Christmas color. Bright berries, alone or combined with leaves and greenery, are both natural and festive. White berries, blueberries and even glittery silver or gold berries add drama to a pine garland and look attractive all on their own.

Natural Garland

Many people appreciate the natural simplicity of pinecone garland and garlands made from other organic materials like nuts, dried flowers and fruits.

Tinsel Garland

Tinsel garland is made from very thin strips of colorful plastic. It can have a matte or shiny metallic finish that shimmers in the glow of your Christmas lights. Tinsel was quite popular in the mid-20th century, when it was used to create shiny silver tinsel Christmas trees and colorful and shimmery garlands to hang on trees and throughout the home.

Ornament Garland

Christmas tree ornaments twined together into a garland make cheerful and showy decorations. Ornament garland is another recognizably retro look that has been around since Victorian times but received a mid-20th century revival. These days, many ornament garlands are made using shatterproof ornaments in a variety of colors and finishes.

Novelty Garland

A garland can describe almost anything that can be strung across a surface. Paper chains, pom poms, snowflakes, felt Christmas stockings, bottle bristle Christmas trees, candy-colored beads - if it can be hung on a string it can be fashioned into garland. If you appreciate Christmas decor with a non-traditional style, take a closer look at novelty garlands.

How Do You Use Christmas Garland?

The versatility of decorative garland allows you to create a festive atmosphere virtually anywhere in and outside your home. What’s more, the large variety of garland enables an array of design options that goes far beyond fireplace mantels and stair banisters.

girl hanging garland above kitchen cupboards

Consider these applications for Christmas garland:

Exterior and Interior Door Frames - Welcome guests with a lush frame of garland around your front entrance, or the archway to your dining room. Garland hangers make decorating a doorway a snap.
Window Frames - Drape tinsel garland or beaded garland across the top of an interior window.
Dining Table or Buffet Runner - Garland doesn’t always need to be hung. Typically several feet long, consider it as a beautiful alternative or addition to a table runner. Instead of a centerpiece, arrange a delicate botanical or beaded garland down the center of your dining table or buffet table.
Christmas Tree - Strings of berries and popcorn were among the first garlands to adorn Christmas trees. More recently, tinsel, beaded, berry and novelty garlands have been draped on the tree. Pine garland can be used to fill bare spots in a Christmas tree.
In the Kitchen - Add a little Christmas spirit in the kitchen by tucking lighted greenery in that dead space between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling.Hang from the
Rafters - Accent the decorative wooden ceiling beams in your home by draping garland from rafter to rafter.
Decorate a Chandelier - Add glamor in your dining room by draping garland from your chandelier.
Border a Mirror - Dress up a framed mirror in the foyer or living room with a length of decorative garland.
Fences - Garland is a beautiful way to accent a fence. Lights make the look even more festive! Always make sure your garland is suitable for outdoor use.
Columns - Wind pine garland up an architectural column for a look reminiscent of ancient Greece.

Garland and Christmas tree decorated with gold ornaments

How to Pick the Right Garland

The abundance of options can make it difficult to choose the right Christmas garland for your home. What’s the best way to narrow your decision?

Start with Style

Decide the aesthetic you want to achieve with your Christmas garlands. Should it complement a holiday theme, color scheme or design style? If you gravitate toward neutrals, for instance, you may prefer a simple green pine or flocked Christmas garland. On the other hand, if glam is your jam, take a closer look at lustrous Christmas ornament garland, beaded or tinsel garlands.

Choose the Location

Where will you use the garland? Knowing where your garland is going beforehand can make your selection easier. The location may dictate whether you use an unlit or pre lit garland, a lush pre-decorated garland or something a little more understated.

Get Out the Measuring Tape

Not all garlands are the same size. Measure your space accurately to ensure you purchase the right length. Depending on the location, you may have to make some additional design decisions. For a mantel, for instance, will the garland stop at the edge, or drape over one or both ends? Make sure your measurements include that additional length, with a bit more to create an elegant drape between anchor points.

Consider Your Lighting

Decide if you want lights on your garland. If so, consider the type of lighting - LED or incandescent, colorful or all-white. Ensure there is a nearby outlet or use an appropriate extension cord.

Realism

If authenticity is important, explore options like Northlight's Real Touch™ luxury artificial garland. These high-quality garlands are made using molded branches for a more lifelike appearance.

Have Fun Decorating!

Choosing and using Christmas garland is a creative and enjoyable part of holiday decorating. Understanding the various types of garlands and considering factors like design, location and lighting will help you select a beautiful garland to provide an elegant finishing touch to your Christmas decorations.

Let your imagination guide you as you explore the endless possibilities Christmas garland can bring to your holiday decor.

You may also like:

Make Your Mantel Merry: How to Decorate a Christmas Mantel

Hang Up Your Hammer: 9 Nail Free Ways to Decorate with Wreaths and Garland