HOW TO DECORATE CHRISTMAS GARLANDS AND WREATHS

Christmas garlands and wreaths are versatile pieces of décor you can use throughout your home. They instantly add warmth and cheer to any space, such as doors, mantels, and staircases.

In this video, designer Jennifer Lutz demonstrates how easy it is to decorate Christmas garlands and wreaths. Watch how she transforms our BH FRASER FIR® GARLAND AND WREATH into three different looks and read on for our step-by-step instructions.

BEFORE GETTING STARTED: FLUFF YOUR ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS WREATHS AND GARLANDS

Before styling, take time to fluff artificial greenery to get the volume and fullness you want. Make them look their best with these quick tips:

1. Place your wreath or garland on a flat surface. When fluffing a garland, make sure to straighten out its spine.
2. Hold the foliage in place using one hand. With your other hand, individually spread branch tips up and out away from the frame. Begin from the bottom tips and work your way up.
3. Temporarily hang each item on a vertical surface within easy reach, such as a banister. This makes it easier to spot any gaps and adjust tips until you get the shape you want. When you’re done fluffing, your greenery is ready for display.

LEARN MORE ON HOW TO FLUFF YOUR GREENERY »

FIRST CHRISTMAS DECORATING THEME IDEA: COZY CABIN CHRISTMAS WREATH AND GARLAND

Set the scene for a warm and cozy holiday retreat with this decorating theme. Get this look with layers of textured ribbon and natural elements like antlers and pinecones.

GARLAND AND WREATH DECORATIONS THAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 10’ pre-lit FRASER FIR GARLAND
• 26” pre-lit FRASER FIR WREATH
• MERCURY GLASS BULBS
• Two types of WIRED RIBBON (4.5” and 2.5” wide)
• LARGE PINECONES
• Faux antler picks

STEPS TO DECORATING A COZY CABIN CHRISTMAS GARLAND:

1. Layer two sizes of ribbon with complementary colors. For this look, Jennifer paired a STRIPED BURLAP RIBBON with BUFFALO CHECK RIBBON for texture.

2. Tuck the ribbons into the garland every 8 to 12 inches.

3. Add your garland décor. Start with the antler picks, followed by the mercury glass bulbs and pinecones.

STEPS TO DECORATING A COZY CABIN CHRISTMAS WREATH:

1. Use the same ribbons to create a bow for the wreath.

2. Make one loop and twist the ribbon so the top layer faces outward.

3. Wrap the ribbon around your thumb from front to back and create a hole to bring another loop through.

4. After creating the loops, pull out the sides and adjust for a full, balanced look.

5. Tuck the tails of the ribbons in and out along the entire wreath. Secure the bow using floral wire or use the wreath’s wired branches.

6. Add antler picks and pinecones to match the garland.

SHOP CHRISTMAS CABIN-INSPIRED ORNAMENTS AND ACCESSORIES »

SECOND CHRISTMAS DECORATING THEME IDEA: SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS WREATH AND GARLAND

Create a charming look with oversized florals, sparkling picks, and plush velvets and plaids. This magnolia wreath and garland combination accented with rich colors, bold textures, and a bit of shimmer makes a luxurious backdrop for your holiday festivities.

GARLAND AND WREATH DECORATIONS THAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 10’ pre-lit FRASER FIR GARLAND
• 26” pre-lit FRASER FIR WREATH
• Oversized white MAGNOLIA BRANCH PICKS
• METALLIC PLUME BRANCH PICKS
• 4” WIRED VELVET AND PLAID RIBBON

STEPS TO DECORATING A SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS GARLAND:

1. Layer and tuck your ribbon along the branches of your lighted garland.

2. Place the larger picks first. For this look, start with the magnolia branch picks.

3. Next, add the metallic plume branch picks.

4. Stand back and check if the décor looks balanced and evenly spaced.

STEPS TO DECORATING A SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS WREATH:

1. Tuck the ribbon clockwise along your lighted wreath. Use the branches to keep the ribbon in place.

2. Create a rosette bow using the same ribbon. Make five large loops and arrange them to look like a flower.

3. Secure the base of the bow with a green pipe cleaner or floral wire. Pull ribbon apart and fluff for a fuller look.

4. Fix the bow onto the wreath using floral wire or the wired foliage.

5. Now that you have your ribbon wreath, place the oversized magnolia pick near the bow.

6. Lastly, add metallic plume picks throughout the wreath.

SHOP SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS-INSPIRED ORNAMENTS AND ACCESSORIES »

THIRD CHRISTMAS DECORATING THEME IDEA: CLASSIC CHRISTMAS WREATH AND GARLAND

Nothing says Christmas quite like traditional greens, snow-covered berries and pinecones, and festive glitter ribbon. Pulled together, they create a timeless display for many celebrations to come.

GARLAND AND WREATH DECORATIONS THAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 10’ pre-lit FRASER FIR GARLAND
• 26” pre-lit FRASER FIR WREATH
• 4” WIRED GLITTER RIBBON
• FROSTED PINECONES
• SUGARED RED BERRY PICKS
• SNOWY EUCALYPTUS PICKS

STEPS TO CREATING SCALLOPED RIBBONS:

1. Using two feet of ribbon, work from the center and make three scallops or fans.

2. Staple the fan at the bottom to create a looped bow.

3. Make tails with the ribbon and trim the edges into a V shape. Before adding the ribbon to your greenery, pull apart each scallop to fluff the bow.

STEPS TO DECORATING A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS GARLAND:

1. Insert the snowy eucalyptus picks into the tips of your garland.

2. Next, add the berry picks and pinecones.

3. Add the scalloped bows. Fluff the loops of the bows to create a full shape. Tuck the rest of the ribbon in and out of the greenery.

4. Adjust decorations to make sure that everything is well-fluffed and balanced.

STEPS TO DECORATING A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS WREATH:

Coordinate your wreath with the garland. Layer the snowy eucalyptus, berries, pinecones, and scalloped ribbon to one side of the wreath.

SHOP TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS AND ACCESSORIES »

WHAT CAN YOU USE TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS WREATH AND GARLAND?

Wired ribbons and decorative picks are best to use as garland and wreath decorations. They can be easily shaped and maneuvered through greenery. You can also decorate with things that you have at home such as Christmas tree ornaments, flower stems, leaves, and branches. Other essential garland and wreath decorating supplies include green pipe cleaners, stapler, floral wire, and floral tape. These will help secure your decorations.

Undecorated wreaths and garlands are beautiful on their own and look even more gorgeous when styled. If you want flexibility with your décor, these are the perfect canvases for any decorating theme.