You’re about to discover the most creative ways to bring holiday magic into every corner of your home with handmade garlands.
From classic evergreen swags to whimsical paper crafts, these DIY projects will transform your space into a festive wonderland.
Whether you’re decorating your mantel, staircase, or doorway, you’ll find the perfect garland idea that matches your style and skill level.
01. Classic Evergreen Banister Swag
Credit: Dana Gallagher
You can’t go wrong with timeless evergreen garlands that work beautifully with any holiday decorating style you love.
Mix different needle textures along your curving banister for visual interest that catches everyone’s eye. Add ribbon-hung pinecones with a dusting of white paint to create gorgeous endpoints that feel winter-fresh and elegant.
02. Mercury Glass Mantel Display
Credit: Werner Straube
Your Christmas garland doesn’t need to drape traditionally to make a stunning statement on your mantel.
Arrange various greens in textured mounds and clusters that create beautiful movement across your fireplace. Layer in antique mercury-glass ornaments and miniature trees for sparkling contrast that reflects candlelight throughout your room.
03. Textured Stairway Greenery
Credit: Werner Straube
You’ll love how layered garlands create incredible visual depth along your banister that guests can’t stop admiring.
Start with magnolia leaves as your foundation, then weave in cedar and lavender thistle for rich texture. Tuck string lights throughout to add that magical sparkle that makes evenings feel extra special and cozy.
04. Peaceful Dove Accent Garland
Credit: Werner Straube
White faux doves bring a serene, peaceful message to your holiday decorating that feels both elegant and meaningful.
Create a vibrant backdrop using lush green garland paired with jewel-tone ornaments in rich colors. Finish with luxurious ribbon bows that tie everything together for a sophisticated look you’ll absolutely adore.
05. Jewel-Toned Ornament Display
Credit: Ann Wilde
Transform your fireplace into a jewel box with a shimmering ornament garland that catches light beautifully.
Red ornaments create dramatic pop against classic white mantels, especially when they echo colors in your tree. This coordinated approach makes your entire display feel professionally designed and thoughtfully curated throughout your space.
06. Snowy Coffee Filter Creation
Credit: Brie Goldman
You’ll have guaranteed Christmas snow every single year with this charming garland made from simple coffee filters.
Snip edges with pinking shears to create delicate snowflake patterns that look surprisingly intricate and beautiful. Add colorful pom-poms in the centers for unexpected pops of brightness that make those short December days feel cheerier and more festive.
07. Festive Chair Back Decorations
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Dress up your dining chairs with adorable holly garlands that bring holiday cheer to every meal you share.
Cut leaf shapes from green felt in varying shades, punch holes, and string them with trimmed paper straws. Hot-glue wool felt balls as berries, then pin or tie your finished garlands to chair backs for instant festive charm.
08. Advent Calendar Box Garland
Credit: Brie Goldman
Create your own twist on traditional advent calendars with a garland featuring little cardstock boxes filled with treats.
You can easily assemble multiple boxes in different shapes that look like beautifully wrapped gifts. Coordinate ribbons across all the packages to create a cohesive look that builds excitement throughout December as everyone counts down together.
09. Elegant Table Runner Greenery
Credit: Adam Albright
Turn simple greenery into a stunning winter centerpiece that runs beautifully down your holiday table.
Your guests will be amazed when you tell them you created this luxurious look yourself with basic supplies. Tuck fresh floral blooms throughout to add pops of color that coordinate perfectly with your existing decor scheme and dishware.
10. Dramatic Pooling Staircase Design
Credit: Adam Albright
Loop pre-lit garland around your banister and let it puddle dramatically on the floor for stunning visual impact.
Enhance a basic style by tucking in sprigs of silvery juniper berries and shimmering ornaments throughout. Add a rope of pretty felted balls that brings texture and handmade charm to your elegant holiday entrance display.
11. Eclectic Mixed Media Creation
Credit: Brie Goldman
This exuberant garland combines cardstock, mini bells, pom-poms, and beads in a joyful mix everyone will love.
You’ll have so much fun making this project with friends or kids where everyone tries different crafting techniques. The variety of colors, materials, and construction methods creates a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your family’s creative spirit perfectly.
12. Magnolia and Metallic Mantel
Credit: David Tsay
Large magnolia leaves create a lush, dramatic base for your mantel that feels both simple and commanding.
Add metallic accents and fragrant paperwhite blooms for a sophisticated touch that elevates your entire room. Beautiful candlelight completes this Christmas look that balances elegance with natural beauty in a way that feels effortlessly stunning and timeless.
13. Citrus and Wood Bead Swag
Credit: Jay Wilde
You can create gorgeous rustic charm by making your own dried orange slice garland to drape over evergreen swags.
Thread dried orange slices and natural wood beads onto jute twine using a heavy-duty needle for durability. This handmade touch adds warmth and a subtle citrus scent that makes your fresh greenery feel even more special and inviting.
14. Cheerful Paper Cup Bells
Credit: Brie Goldman
Transform plain snack cups into joyful jingle bells that add whimsical charm to your holiday decorating scheme.
Layer colorful tissue paper onto each cup using decoupage technique for unique color combinations you’ll love. Add pom-pom clappers hanging from wire and felt bows on top to complete these adorable bells that bring smiles to everyone.
15. Daily Surprise Envelope Display
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Deck your mantel with a swag of sweet daily surprises that kids will absolutely love waking up to each morning.
Fill twenty-four small envelopes with tiny toys or candy, seal with numbered stickers, and hang with miniature clothespins. This interactive countdown to Christmas creates excitement and anticipation that makes the entire season feel more magical for your whole family.
16. Cozy Window Nook Styling
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Transform any nook in your home into a festively decorated spot that becomes everyone’s favorite hangout space.
Use built-in window ledges or wall shelves to display your garland along with coordinating ornaments throughout. Complete the look with a traditional wreath and classic red bow that ties all your holiday decorating elements together beautifully and cohesively.
17. Banister Stocking Alternative
Credit: David Tsay
Don’t worry if you don’t have a chimney—your banister makes a perfect spot for hanging stockings with care.
Combine live green garland with metallic accents along your staircase for a complete holiday display that shines. There’s nothing more exciting than coming down the stairs Christmas morning to discover overflowing stockings waiting for you below.
18. Pleated Paper Fan Display
Credit: Brie Goldman
These elegant pleated paper fans will dance across your mantel like something from a beautiful holiday ballet performance.
Use pinking shears and punches with classic accordion folds to transform metallic cardstock into stunning decorations. The punched shapes reveal layers of color beneath, creating dimensional beauty that catches light and adds movement to your festive space.
19. Modern Wood and Brass Garland
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Create contemporary holiday style by weaving wooden beads and geometric brass pieces through fresh pine branches.
Drape this stunning garland across your mantel for a look that’s both playful and sophisticated at once. Customize the pattern of beads and brass triangles to match your aesthetic—the creative process is almost as enjoyable as displaying your finished piece.
20. Colorful Felt Ball String
Credit: Kate Mathis
Add a cheerful splash of color that won’t overwhelm your existing mantel decorations or compete with other elements.
String vibrant felt balls across your holiday shelf for a subtle touch of fun that brings smiles without fuss. These easy decorations work beautifully for office parties too, adding festive cheer to any space that needs a simple holiday boost.
21. Unifying Green Backdrop
Credit: Ray Kachatorian
Use simple garlands as a unifying element that ties together multiple colors in your Christmas decorating scheme beautifully.
Weave unadorned greens around glass jars on your mantel that you’ve filled with colorful holiday candy or extra ornaments. This approach creates cohesion while letting your decorative elements shine as the stars of your festive display throughout the season.
22. Painted Paper Bag Blooms
Credit: Brie Goldman
Grocery bags become beautiful poinsettia-inspired flowers and holly leaves with just a bit of creative painting and cutting.
Add metallic cardstock centers to painted flower shapes for seasonal bling that catches light throughout your room. Finish holly leaves with shimmery gold paint pen highlights that make this eco-friendly garland look surprisingly elegant and professionally crafted.
23. Spray-Painted Magnolia Swag
Credit: William Geddes
Transform basic magnolia garland into a sparkling showpiece using metallic silver and gold spray paints for dramatic impact.
Small votives and vases pick up the pretty metallic tones while accenting your fireplace beautifully throughout the space. This glamorous approach proves that everyone really does need a little silver and gold during the holiday season for extra sparkle.
24. Kitchen Entry Card Display
Credit: Helen Norman
You’ll forget you’re just entering the kitchen when you walk through this beautifully decorated doorway every single day.
Hanging garland around doorways serves double duty—it’s both decorative and functional for displaying Christmas cards with simple clips. This clever approach keeps your holiday greetings visible where you’ll see them often and enjoy them throughout the entire season.
25. Layered Yarn and Evergreen Mix
Credit: Jay Wilde
Dress up plain evergreen garland with cozy knit accessories like miniature stockings and braided yarn garlands for warmth.
Braid thick strands of bulky yarn yourself to create custom garland that matches your color scheme perfectly. Finish with simple metallic ornaments and dried orange slices that add natural beauty and shine to your handmade holiday creation.
26. Velvet Ribbon Bow Accents
Credit: Brie Williams
Elevate a simple prelit garland with oversized red velvet ribbon bows that add luxurious texture and classic elegance.
Look for wire-edged ribbon that holds its shape beautifully and creates clean, smooth bows every single time. Attach your finished bows to draped garland using florists wire for secure placement that lasts throughout the entire holiday season ahead.
27. Curved Mirror Frame Accent
Credit: Scott Little
Accent your mirror’s curved shape with garland that follows its beautiful lines and draws attention to this focal point.
Try boxwood as a fresh alternative to traditional evergreen varieties for a different texture and color. Add berries throughout to pick up red accents elsewhere in your room, creating a cohesive look that feels thoughtfully designed and intentional.
28. Right-Angle Corner Decoration
Credit: Adam Albright
Make a stunning corner swag by wiring pine boughs, magnolia leaves, and grapevine to boards attached at right angles.
This technique creates a custom piece that fits perfectly into corners where traditional garlands might not work well. Hang your creation using exterior removable hooks that won’t damage walls or surfaces when you take down decorations after the holidays.
29. Woven Ribbon Staircase Design
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Weave wide ribbons through evergreen garland for a pretty jolt of color that transforms your staircase into something magical.
Mix different ribbon patterns using one color along the length, then switch to another for beautiful accents throughout. Add jingle bells so you’ll hear Santa coming and enjoy the cheerful sound of family running downstairs on Christmas morning.
30. Enhanced Artificial Garland
Credit: Adam Albright
Elevate store-bought artificial garland by embellishing it with fresh greenery and natural items that blur the line beautifully.
Sprigs of silver dollar eucalyptus add both texture and wonderful fragrance to your faux swag instantly. Secure pinecones, red berries, and crepe-paper ball ornaments with hot glue for a strong finishing statement that looks completely custom-made.
31. Illuminated Mantel Centerpiece
Credit: Jay Wilde
Your tree shouldn’t be the only light display—illuminate your mantel with a twinkling garland that creates magical ambiance.
Wrap lights around classic evergreen garland yourself, or simplify the season by buying pre-lit versions ready to hang. Choose LED lights to keep your garland safe and cool while creating that warm, inviting glow you love throughout winter evenings.
32. Handmade Felt Blossom Swag
Credit: Kate Mathis
A parade of felt flowers offers a sweet alternative to the usual ribbons and pinecones you typically see on evergreen garlands.
Layer small and large felt circles, pinch them together, and stitch through all layers to create dimensional petals. Connect six petals at their pinched ends to form each flower, then string your finished blooms together for a garland that’s uniquely beautiful and handcrafted.
33. Contemporary Copper Wire Design
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Create modern holiday style with timeless white crepe paper leaves accented by copper wire for contemporary metallic shine.
Wind copper wire together to create textured orbs that add dimensional interest throughout your garland’s length. Match your metallic wire color to your existing decor scheme for a cohesive look that feels fresh and current this holiday season.
34. Upcycled Cardboard Star Banner
Credit: Brie Goldman
Transform cereal boxes and paper towel tubes into sturdy star shapes that celebrate the season in vibrant, cheerful colors.
Paint your stars in a juicy palette that keeps the party going straight into New Year celebrations with style. Try blue and white versions for Hanukkah decorating that works beautifully draped over mirrors or arranged across your festive tabletop display.
35. Unstructured Natural Fiber Mix
Credit: Brie Williams
Layer wild, unmanicured greenery with natural fiber garlands for an unexpected combination of textures that creates visual interest.
Arrange branches cut to various lengths along your mantel, then string cream felt balls for your first garland layer. Braid thick cream yarn for the second garland, adding handmade pom-poms at equal intervals for a perfectly imperfect artisan look you’ll adore.
36. Chunky Yarn Tassel Banner
Credit: Werner Straube
Craft a simple garland using a beautiful mix of chunky yarns in colors that perfectly match your holiday decorating scheme.
Make handmade tassels from twisted yarns or paper in coordinating shades that complement your existing decor beautifully. Attach them to a length of yarn and drape your finished creation along walls, banisters, or even your Christmas tree branches.
37. Farmhouse Porch Welcome
Credit: Jay Wilde
Create farmhouse Christmas charm with faux magnolia wreaths, star decorations, and classic garland that welcomes guests warmly.
Mix a wide range of green hues and varied textures when assembling your holiday greenery for depth and contrast. Attach large pinecones to simple faux evergreen garland using florists wire to add visual weight and natural beauty to your porch display.
38. Flowing Fabric Bow Banister
Credit: Michael Partenio
Graceful bows with long flowing tails dramatically enhance simple evergreen garland along your staircase in the most elegant way.
Cut extra-long strips of wide ribbon or fabric, tie them into generous bows, and attach about three feet apart. Try classic red ribbons for traditional Christmas charm that never goes out of style and always looks absolutely stunning and festive.
39. French-Inspired Fabric Draping
Credit: Adam Albright
Greenery will always be classic at Christmas, but trying other materials like beautiful fabric offers refreshing change and interest.
French-inspired fabric drapes gorgeously over baskets bursting with fresh green cuttings and berries from your yard. This unexpected approach creates a look that could have come straight from a European countryside cottage during the magical holiday season.
40. Snowy Flocked Mantel Layers
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Go luxuriously lush with layers of flocked garland along your mantel intertwined with eucalyptus and dusty miller throughout.
The icy greens look positively stunning against silver-brushed Christmas evergreen that catches light beautifully in your room. Use flocking spray to bring the beauty of freshly fallen snow indoors without any of the cold mess or melting puddles.
41. Window and Mantel Combination
Credit: Ray Kachatorian
Garlands have evolved beyond basic holiday decor—now you can go bigger and create more dramatic impact throughout your room.
Layer pretty evergreens on top of your mantel while draping ribbon garland through miniature wreaths across windows. This approach adds festive pops of color in multiple locations that make your entire space feel cohesively decorated and thoughtfully designed.
42. Berry-Filled Column Wrapping
Credit: Frances Janisch
Accent pillars or painted branches by wrapping them in berry-filled Christmas garlands that draw the eye upward beautifully.
Elegant evergreen garland with berry and pinecone accents adds rustic theme elements to your vignette that feel natural. This vertical decorating approach uses often-overlooked architectural features to create stunning focal points that maximize your decorating impact throughout the space.
43. Rotating Memory Photo Display
Credit: Kip Dawkins
Capture and display yearly memories with a photo garland that becomes a treasured tradition your whole family looks forward to.
Print your favorite seasonal snapshots, mount them on cardstock with photo corners, and add scrapbooking labels for identification. Hang photos from twine using clothespins across doorways or mantels, then tuck them into albums next year to make room for new memories.
44. Sweater Fabric Star Banner
Credit: Alexandra Grablewski
Add star power to your Christmas decor by cutting star shapes from old sweater fabric for cozy, textured charm.
Iron heavy fusible interfacing to star backs for stability, trim edges neatly, and hot-glue large silver sequins to centers. Attach your finished stars to yarn and hang this twinkling garland wherever you need a touch of celestial magic this season.
45. Front Door Pinecone Welcome
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Welcome guests in traditional style with a customized pinecone garland that coordinates beautifully with your front door color.
Position your Christmas garland outside the door frame, securing it at the top and along sides with removable hooks. Add coordinating ornaments that pick up your door’s color for a cohesive look that makes your entrance feel warm and inviting.
46. Greeting Card Clothesline Display
Credit: David Land
Turn Christmas greeting cards into a cheery garland for your mantel that lets you enjoy every card you receive this season.
Swag yarn or ribbon between mantel corners and attach cards with decorative clothespins from craft stores for easy display. Have your kids cut out and decorate ornament shapes to hang alongside cards for an extra personal touch everyone will love.
47. Reflective Mirror Frame Lights
Credit: Jay Wilde
Set up eye-catching decor in your entryway by draping a mirror with battery-powered lighted garland for magical ambiance.
The twinkling lights will reflect beautifully off the mirror and other metallic accents throughout your space instantly. This creates a luminous effect that makes your room feel larger, brighter, and more festive without requiring any outlet access at all.
48. Layered Ombré Tree Tassels
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These playful tassels rank among the easiest garlands to make while adding wonderful fringed texture to your Christmas tree.
The swingy look comes from connecting three tassels together with just a dab of glue for dimension and movement. Use different colors to create a beautiful ombré effect that adds contemporary style and visual interest to your traditional tree decorations.
49. Craft Stick Snowflake Railing
Credit: Michael Partenio
Move beyond classic Christmas greenery with modern snowflake garlands handcrafted from simple wooden craft sticks for contemporary style.
Use two or three pieces of double-stick mounting tape per snowflake to hold lacy patterns flat against railings. This creates a winter wonderland effect along your staircase that feels fresh, modern, and beautifully different from traditional evergreen swags.
50. Minimalist Short Swag
Credit: Scott Little
Christmas garlands don’t need to be lush, oversized affairs—sometimes a minimal approach feels perfectly right for your space.
Maintain a clean look with a short swag of greenery and a few lengths of neutral pom-pom garland. Drape them across a mirror or window for subtle holiday charm that doesn’t overwhelm your carefully curated minimalist decorating aesthetic throughout your home.
51. Delicate Pinecone Clusters
Credit: Jay Wilde
Garlands can be assembled in various ways—as single long pieces or small sections of greens wired or glued together beautifully.
This daintier version uses small groupings where tiny pinecones are carefully glued on for complementary color and texture. The delicate scale creates an elegant, refined look that works perfectly in spaces where oversized garlands might feel too heavy or overwhelming.
52. Multi-Window Wall Installation
Credit: Jay Wilde
Why limit your garland to just one window when you can keep Christmas decor flowing across an entire wall dramatically?
With one long expanse of green, create movement across multiple windows by hanging garland at corners and letting it trail toward the floor. Swag it beautifully in the middle sections to create graceful curves that draw the eye across your festive window display.
53. Striped Ribbon Candy Design
Credit: Brie Goldman
This garland looks as pretty and tempting as those classic ribbon candies you remember from Grandma’s cut-crystal candy dish.
Double layers of folded felt create the beloved striped look of the original confections in vibrant holiday colors. Add beads—some painted and others wrapped with yarn—that look like gumballs and peppermints for sweet nostalgic charm throughout.
54. Living Bloom Table Runner
Credit: Jacob Fox
Bold, beautiful blooms pop in this fragrant living garland centerpiece that brings fresh color to your holiday table setting.
Perfect for Christmas entertaining, this flower garland adds natural beauty and wonderful scent to your dining experience. Your guests will be impressed by the fresh, living arrangement that makes your holiday table feel extra special and thoughtfully designed.
Final Thoughts
You now have fifty-four amazing DIY garland ideas to choose from that will transform your home into a holiday masterpiece this season.
Whether you prefer classic evergreens, modern geometric designs, or whimsical paper crafts, there’s a perfect project waiting for you to try.
Start with one garland that speaks to your style, gather your supplies, and enjoy the creative process of making your home merry and bright this Christmas.
