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Use these Christmas garland ideas and sources to deck your halls for the holidays! A shopping guide and placement inspiration included.
The Story
Many, many years ago, I bought the garland pictured above, along with a matching wreath. It was before blogs, before Pinterest, and even before the internet. Back then, I found my decor inspiration in magazines, and in retail stores. When I saw this garland in a little shop in the next town, I knew there was no way I was walking out the door without it. It was just one of those things I had to have. The wreath was an afterthought, but I have always been glad it came home with me too.
The thing about this garland and wreath was that it was very expensive. At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom on a tight budget. I can distinctly remember standing in that store, going over in my mind various ways I could pay for it. In the end, I put it all on a credit card, and was able to pay it off over a few months. What I didn’t know then was what a wise investment this “extravagant” purchase actually was.
I have used this garland in various places in our home, almost every Christmas. I’ve tried different garlands, but I always come back to this one. It’s been around at least 25 years. It has not faded or lost any branches. I smile every year when I pull it out of the storage bin, because to this day, I just love it. Some years I hang stockings under the garland, some years I add ornaments, but this year I added pinecone bunches. White lights provide the finishing touch. I can’t remember exactly what I paid for the garland and wreath, but together they were well over $200.00. At the time, that was way more than I should have been spending on Christmas decor.
My point in telling you this story is that you should not be hesitant to invest in something you love, and that you know can be used for many years. Even though it was a bit stressful at the time, I have never once regretted my big purchase!
Christmas Garland Ideas
- The most obvious place to use garland is draped on a stairway banister.
- It’s lovely on a mantel.
- It can be placed around windows by using Command hooks.
- Lay a piece of garland on a console table or buffet. Make sure it is long enough to hang down the sides.
- Place a length of garland on a chandelier. Hang ornaments as an added touch.
- Drape a headboard, mirror, or large hanging picture.
- A collection of DIY garland and ornament ideas.
When the stairway was finished, the only other place in our entry that needed a touch of Christmas was the small chest. I simply put a lantern in a low basket, and added greenery. After that, I dropped rag balls and shiny red ornaments around the lantern. This literally took less than 10 minutes to put together.
Garland Sources
If you have been thinking about upgrading your garland or making a first-time investment, now is the time. The selection is amazing, and it all looks very real. I’ve picked out a few of my favorites…just click the links to shop.
- 9 ft. Kincaid Spruce
- 9 ft. Arctic Spruce
- 6 ft. Long Needle Pine
- 6 ft. Faux Cedar
- 9 ft. Carolina Pine
- 9 ft. Colonial Fir
- 6 ft. Lifelike Cedar
- 6 ft. Norfolk Pine
Christmas
Ornaments + Garlands
- How to Make Dried Orange Slices
- Handmade Wool Felt Star Garland
- Wool Felt Ball Christmas Tree Garland
- No Sew Christmas Garland Ideas
- Countdown To Christmas Advent Paper Chain
- How to Sew Heart Ornaments
- Cinnamon Applesauce Christmas Tree Ornaments
- DIY Air Dry Clay Ornaments
- Fabric Rag Ball Christmas Ornaments
Wrapped With A Bow
Unlock the art of beautiful gift wrapping with this free guide,
and turn every present into a magical moment this Christmas!
I always look forward to your Christmas decorations. Where did you find those beautiful pine cones?
i agree wholeheartedly and had picked up some vine/berry garland years ago that I’ve used on my mantle repeatedly… switched out last year for some pine garland but that went up on the front door this year, something I’d decorated w only a wreath in years past! thanx for the inspiration!
Ann, your garland and wreath are just so beautiful — well worth spending the money on them! Enjoy your lovely home! You always do such a lovely job of decorating — so classy!
Ann,
Gorgeous Christmas Garland!
Similar to what you did, I also, invested in a quality garland fifteen years ago.
This year, I added thirty real sugar cone pine cones into the garland
along with optical battery operated lights on a timer.
I haven’t seen any garland as nice as the one I have in my area.
So many are made of plastic.
Truly inspirational!
Pat
Love your garland with the giant sugar pine cones! So simple with big impact 🌲. Great inspiration!
I enjoyed your garland/wreathe story. I am so glad you gave yourself permission for a splurge and that it has brought you so much pleasure over the years. Finding different ways to use it makes it look different, too. This year, I did some small theme decor–a first at age 68! I bought dish towels, pot holders, a Christmas pick (to be the center of a wreathe), a package of gift boxes (which I am cutting up and framing, some to sell, too!), and a large gift bag (to cut up and frame) all with the RED PICKUP that I just love!
I love the red pickup too! I never thought of using the image from a favorite gift bag in a frame. That’s an idea I’ll try. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ann, agree with the reader’s comments as it applies to so many other things in life. So the pine cones came with the garland? That is unique too. Question – how do you put your garland on your staircase? I’ve used dark green pipe cleaners which does the job, and yet always interested in how others do this. Thank you and always look forward to your blog!!
I always try to be careful with spending money too. I am so glad you splurged on the garland and wreath. Although the cost was $200, and considering today’s money, I see why you were hesitant. Using it almost every year since, though, comes out to less than $10/year. That is how I justify expensive clothes, furnishings, decorating items and things that are in constant use. Classics never go out of style and are worth the initial expense.
Your story made me smile. MANY MANY years ago, my husband decided to surprise me with a faux tree. He had gone to a very high end Christmas shop and purchased his gift to me. Not only was it well beyond our budget…..I had NO interest in a faux tree. BUT it was beautiful and we made peace. Now after all of these years, it graces our home, and I love it!!!! It also gives him the opportunity each year to give me the “ I told you so look”. Merry Christmas dear friend. I always love your inspiration.
You chose wisely, the garland and wreath are lovely.The lantern in the basket is is the right touch.
I could not agree with you more – wise words! When you find something you know you will love (and use!) forever it’s worth every penny. And thank you for the garland links. For Christmas I drape a garland on our front porch rail; it’s very classic and traditional looking!
So … if you’ve had it for 25+ years and you paid $200 for it (and the wreath) and you use it for approximately a month each year … your daily cost is about 26 cents! I’d say that’s a bargain!! And it makes you smile! And we all love seeing the different ways you use it! Love your blog … yours is my go-to for most of my decorating ideas. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Just lovely! And I, too, have splurged on a few items that I have been so thankful for later. Buying quality items that you adore are really an investment. Thanks for sharing your decorating with us-always a joy to see!