Deck the Halls: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Using Christmas Garland

Long ago, people didn’t understand why the seasons changed. They feared the darkness of deep winter. Hanging greens around their homes during the winter solstice reminded them that spring would return. The sun would shine, the soil would become warm and they could plant the crops that were so necessary to their survival.

Later, as Catholicism spread through Europe, blending old traditions with new religious customs, the resilient evergreen became a helpful symbol of new life.

Some ancient traditions associated with solstice celebrations continue today, including the beautiful custom of hanging decorative garlands and other greens in and around our homes.

“Garland” was originally used to describe a wreath or crown of flowers or leaves presented or displayed for a specific purpose.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used garlands, wreaths and festoons for occasions ranging from festive to formal to funereal. Garland-bearers, holding lengths of garland, were popular design motifs. In Rome, crowns of laurel leaves were presented to honor victorious military commanders and athletes.

These floral adornments eventually became more ornamental. By the Middle Ages, garland was a popular Christmas decoration. The garland tradition was enthusiastically embraced in the 1800s, amplifying Victorians’ love for elaborate decoration.

Today, garland describes a decoration woven together into rope-like trim. Flowers and foliage are traditional garland materials, but virtually anything tied or clipped to a string can be used to make garlands.

Lengths of garland are often used to decorate homes and buildings at Christmas. They may frame windows and doorways or accent architectural features from stairways to fireplace mantels to fences. 

Christmas garland made of fresh pine, eucalyptus, holly, cypress and other greenery is a great way to bring seasonal scents into the home, especially for those with artificial Christmas trees. However, fresh garland doesn’t last long. Florists recommend misting it lightly and regularly with water to keep it from drying out too quickly.

Faux garland, on the other hand, requires no care. It doesn’t dry out or shed and it can be reused for many years, making it a practical and economical option for Christmas decorating. Artificial garland is relatively easy to store, especially when protected by a good-quality storage container.

Many artificial garlands include incandescent, LED and even fiber optic lights. Pre-lit garland offers an attractive way to brighten your home decor during the darkest part of the year.

However, unlit garland is a beautiful and natural-looking option indoors and out. Even when a comparable alternative is available, unlit garland provides a simpler and generally economical alternative to lighted garland.

While evergreen and floral garlands are the most traditional, there are so many more garland styles available for Christmas and seasonal decorating.

Let’s explore some common garland designs.

As with artificial Christmas trees, there are two basic types of artificial pine garland.

Classic Christmas garland uses thin strips of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic to resemble pine needles. These strips come in various shades of green and may be trimmed short or long to mimic different varieties of pine. Classic garland is easy to store, use and decorate. It’s an economical option that offers the look of full greenery without the maintenance or price.

Realistic garlands, like those represented in our Real Touch™ line of luxury greenery, feature branches made of PE (polyethylene) plastic molded to replicate natural pine needles. These life-like branches are usually mixed with classic PE branches for fullness and economy. Realistic pine garland is a beautiful option for Christmas decorating. True-to-life needles are especially effective when the garland remains undecorated or a natural effect is desired.

If realism is an important feature, look for garland with a high ratio of molded PE vs. classic PVC branch tips.

Flocked greens create the impression of a winter wonderland when used in and around the home and they’re often used to support a decorative theme.

In most cases, style and space will guide your garland choices, although budget may be a consideration, too. Depending on where you place your garland, you may want a style that coordinates with a theme or other decorations.

Measuring is key to achieving garland’s classic, elegant draping. See below for specific guidelines on how to measure for garland.

Finally, realize that garland is sold at many price points. Generally, the more elaborate or life-like the garland, the higher the price. If you have your heart set on a high-end garland, consider recreating the look with less-expensive, undecorated garland and your own trimmings.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your garland, the next step is figuring out how much you’ll need. Artificial Christmas garland is commonly available in established lengths. Six, 9, 10 and 12-foot garlands are common, though longer options exist. If you need more coverage, you can easily add more garland to fit your space.

It’s also important to consider the width of the garland. Fuller garlands may require extra support to hang properly.

You’ll find detailed information on how to measure for garland, but here’s a quick guide:

• Christmas Tree: Use 9 to 12 feet of garland per foot of tree height

• Framing a Door: Measure the top and both sides of the frame.

• Around a Post or Pillar: Measure the height of the column and double it

• Fireplace Mantel: Measure the mantel width and add at least 4 feet

• Framing Decorative Features (e.g., wreaths, mirrors): Measure the top and sides

• Stair Rails: Use 1.5 to 2 times the length of the banister 

The amount of garland needed to decorate a Christmas tree is determined by the tree’s height and width, as well as your personal preference. One rule of thumb is to allow 9 to 12 feet of garland for every foot of your tree’s height. This formula works well for lightweight garland, like tinsel or beaded garland, draped in a spiral around the tree. You might want additional garland if your Christmas tree is very full.

To outline a doorway with garland, measure the top and both sides of the frame. If you want your garland to swag, extend beyond the frame or hang lower, add a few extra inches. A helpful trick is to drape string around the door until you achieve your desired look, then measure the string.

Do you want to recreate the elegant look of garland spiraling up a column? Measure the height of the column and double it to determine the ideal garland length.

For a beautifully draped effect on a mantel or table, measure the width of the surface and add four feet. This extra length allows for about two feet of garland to hang gracefully from each end. Add extra length if you want longer ends to achieve a more elegant, dramatic look.

Use garland to frame a decorative feature: accentuate a wreath or other decorations on walls or over a fireplace. Similar to measuring for a doorway, take measurements of the top and both sides, adding extra length if you want a draped effect.

To create a lush, photo-worthy look on a staircase, plan for a garland length one-and-a-half to two times the length of the banister. Use string to experiment with draping depth and determine the right amount of garland. Be sure to allow extra length for an elegant finish at the newel post.

Garland doesn’t usually look its best right out of the box. Most garland needs some care before hanging. It’s important to shape or fluff your garland to help it appear full and attractive.

Straighten your garland and lay it flat. If you bought a pre-lit garland, plug it in and check all the lights.

Beginning at one end and working down the length of the garland, lift each branch up and outwards, alternating directions towards the center, right and left. Try shaping your garland while it is lit, to gauge the full effect. Readjust foliage as needed after hanging.

Artificial garland is a versatile Christmas decoration that can be displayed in many ways throughout your home. Consider these decorative possibilities:

• Door Frames – Draping garland around your entry door creates a warm and inviting welcome for holiday guests. Indoors, it adds elegance when framing a dining room doorway or other interior spaces.

• Banisters, Stairways and Balconies – Wrapping garland around stair railings or balcony edges is one of the most classic uses for garland.

• Fireplace Mantels – Enhance your mantel by laying garland along its length, accented with candles and ornaments, or use it to frame a wreath above the fireplace.

• Ceilings and Overhangs – Add to the drama of your holiday decor by suspending garland from the ceiling and draping it around the room.

• Consoles and Dining Tables – Edge a console table in your entryway or living room with garland, or lay it down the center of your holiday dining table. Make it the focal point of your holiday table.

• Pillars, Posts and Poles - Use garland approved for outdoor use to accentuate light poles, fence posts, porch posts and pillars.

Garland styles are varied and adaptable. While symmetrical garland arrangements are classic, particularly on mantels and doorways, asymmetrical arrangements have a modern appeal.

If one garland looks too sparse, consider combining two or more. Multiple garlands and even mixed garland styles can be combined to create unique and luxurious effects.

Let your creativity shine! Weave garland through trellises and hang it from ceiling beams. You can even decorate the tops of kitchen cabinets to spread holiday cheer throughout your home.

To hold your garland in place, consider using products like removable hooks, zip ties or banister ties. These products help keep garland secure without damaging finishes.

Here's a comparison table summarizing the different types of Christmas garland based on cost, durability and best uses:

Artificial Christmas garlands and swags are an excellent way to add natural-looking elements to your holiday decorating without the fuss and mess of fresh greenery. These versatile creations that have decorated our Christmas festivities for centuries can be used outdoors and throughout the home to enhance your festive decor for years to come.