To make a Christmas garland, measure the space, cut a base of twine, floral wire or ribbon with extra length for drape, then attach small repeated bundles of greenery, paper stars or fabric strips in one direction. A DIY Christmas garland can make a mantel, staircase, shelf or doorway feel festive without requiring a large decorating budget. The simplest garlands use one flexible base—twine, wire or ribbon—then build interest through texture, color and a few repeated shapes.
Choose the location before you make the garland. Measure it with string, then add extra length for drape and tying. For more seasonal supplies and projects, browse our DIY Christmas crafts collection.
Pick a garland style
Fresh foliage gives natural texture but suits cool, sheltered areas and short-term displays. Faux greenery is reusable and easy to shape. Paper, fabric and dried-orange garlands are lightweight options for indoors. Choose one main material and one accent rather than adding every festive element at once.
| Material | Best spot | Lasts | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh greenery | Cool, sheltered areas | Short-term; it dries out | Keep away from heat; dried greenery burns easily |
| Faux greenery | Anywhere indoors | Several seasons | Crushing in storage |
| Paper stars | Shelves, windows, doorways | One or more seasons if stored flat | Moisture |
| Fabric strips | Mantels, staircases | Many seasons | Very little |
| Wool felt balls or beads | Trees, shelves, tables | Many seasons | Small pieces around toddlers |
What you need
- Twine, florist wire or strong ribbon, or a ready-made woven leaf jute garland as a base
- Greenery, fabric strips, paper shapes or dried decorations
- Scissors and wire cutters, used carefully
- Optional ribbon, pinecones, lightweight ornaments or LED lights
- Secure hooks or ties appropriate for the surface
How to make a simple Christmas garland
1. Measure and make a base
Cut a length of twine or wire longer than the area you are decorating. Leave generous ends for tying. If using foliage, make a strong central line first; if using paper or fabric, twine is usually enough.
2. Work in small repeated sections
Make small bundles of three to five pieces of greenery, or small groups of paper stars, fabric strips or ornaments. Repeating a similar group every few inches gives the garland rhythm and keeps it looking intentional.
3. Attach in one direction
For foliage, point the tips in the same direction and overlap each new bundle to hide the stems. For paper or fabric, space the decorations evenly before securing them. Step back regularly to make sure the fullness is consistent.
4. Add one accent
Thread in a ribbon, add dried orange slices, tuck in a few pinecones, add faux holly berries or use a small number of lightweight ornaments. Keep heavier items near points where the garland is supported, not in the center of a long drape.
5. Hang safely
Use secure hooks, clips or ties that suit your surface. Keep the garland away from candles, heaters and open flames; the NFPA’s holiday fire safety tips recommend keeping decorations well clear of heat sources and using lights listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Battery-operated LED fairy lights avoid cords altogether, and if you use plug-in lights, make sure cords do not create a trip hazard.
Five easy garland ideas
Natural foliage and dried citrus
Combine greenery, pinecones and dried orange slices for a warm, traditional mantel garland. If you use fresh holly, Poison Control suggests removing the berries first, as they are poisonous if swallowed.
Paper stars and twine
Fold or cut stars in cream, white and gold card, then thread or clip them onto twine for a light, reusable display.
Fabric scrap garland
Tie strips of fabric around twine in a limited color palette. Mix two solids with one subtle pattern for a soft, handmade finish.
Beaded, felt ball and ribbon garland
Thread wooden beads or wool felt balls and simple ribbon knots along a strong cord, using a large-eye needle for the felt balls. Keep bead and felt ball garlands out of reach of toddlers, since loose pieces are a choking hazard. This is a good option for a table, shelf or tree rather than a busy doorway.
Mini ornament garland
Use shatter-resistant ornaments in two or three colors, secured individually rather than relying on glue. It pairs well with our beginner Christmas wreath guide.
Make it look full, not crowded
- Use one main color of greenery or base material.
- Repeat your accent at regular intervals.
- Keep the top edge slightly fuller than the bottom edge.
- Use a few larger focal pieces rather than dozens of small ones.
- Check the display from across the room before adding more.
Store it for next year
Remove delicate paper pieces and ornaments before coiling the garland. Wrap it loosely in tissue or place it in a labeled box so it does not become flattened. Fresh materials can be composted where suitable once the season ends.
For matching décor, try our DIY Christmas table decorations and explore the Christmas crafts collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a Christmas garland be?
Measure the space with string, then add extra for the drape and for tying at each end. A garland that swags across a mantel needs noticeably more length than one laid flat.
What is the easiest garland to make?
A fabric scrap garland: tie strips of fabric around a length of twine. It needs no glue or wire, and it lasts for years.
How do I hang a garland without damaging walls?
Use removable adhesive hooks or clips rated for the weight, or tie the garland to existing banister spindles or curtain rod brackets. Keep heavier pieces near the support points.
