From ‘Meh’ to Magical: The Garland How-To You’ll Actually Use
Your Mantel, Staircase, and Doorways Deserve This
Hey Grovers,
Let's talk garlands. You know, those magical, twinkly vibes that make your living room go from meh to Hallmark-movie-level cozy. If you've ever stared at Pinterest garlands and thought, "No way my life is this together," I GOT YOU. We're about to create the perfect holiday garden with zero tears (except maybe from joy) and all the festive feels. Ready? 🎄✨
Step 1: Materials That Sleigh
First things first — what are we working with here? Your garland can be as extra or as simple as you want. Think of it like building a charcuterie board for your mantel, stair railing, or doorway. Or actually, maybe don't. I just envisioned palming prosciutto on the stairs. Yikes.
Anyway, here are some crowd-faves:
Greenery
Faux, fresh, or a mix (because why not have the best of both?). Options include eucalyptus (so chic), pine (classic queen), or even ivy (giving cottagecore vibes).
Twinkle Lights
Battery-powered for no plug drama. Warm white? Chef's kiss.
Ornaments
Small ones for texture, big ones for drama, dangling ones for intrigue. Pro tip: Match your tree or go rogue — both are valid choices.
Extras
Dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or pinecones for that "Yes, my house smells as good as it looks" energy. And for a little extra sparkle, consider some glitter spray paint. Just make sure you do this step before the ornaments and outside the house. (Ask me why my stairs are still covered in glitter after two years.)
Step 2: Where to Get the Goods 🎁
Alright, let's talk about where to snag all the goods for your perfect garland. Whether you're a craft-store savant or a "I'll take what's on sale" kind of girlie, there's a place for everyone to score some festive finds without breaking the bank (or your holiday spirit).
The Fancy Route
Hit up a craft store (Michael's, JoAnn, etc...) or your local nursery for gorg fresh greenery.
The Semi-Budget Route
Dollar stores, Target's $1 aisle (screaming!), end-of-year holiday sales in prep for next year, or repurpose decorations you already have.
The "I Forgot to Plan" or "I Didn't Budget for This" Route
Snip some branches from your backyard. (We're not saying "steal from your neighbor's tree," but also... we're not not saying it.) But really, ask a neighbor or twelve if you can venture on their property and snip some greens. The more neighbors, the more variety!
The "Nobody's Got Time for This" Fix
Scour Etsy or Amazon for pre-made garlands. You deserve easy.
Step 3: The Vibe Check 🎶
Let's be real: You're not crafting a garland in silence. Set the mood with a playlist. Here are some bangers:
Classic Christmas
Frank Sinatra crooning? YES PLEASE.
Pop Holidays
Michael Bublé owning your ears.
Cozy Chill
Acoustic holiday jams (because you're a softie).
Wildcard
Sprinkle in some Trap Christmas music and Hanukkah parodies. My faves!
Step 4: Hack Your Life With These Tips
Okay, let's keep this stress-free. You deserve a garland and sanity.
Pre-Fluff E v e r y t h i n g
This applies to greenery and your ego. Trust the process.
Zip Ties Are Life
Lock it down like your New Year's gym membership (but this one will stick).
Layer It Up
When designing a garland, you want to find a solid balance of greenery, ornaments, lights, and ribbon. putting together little bunches before securing to your long strand is key.
Command Hooks > Nails
No holes in the walls, no regrets.
Tension Rods
There's plenty of tension over the holidays, but never has it been positive. Until now! Consider using a tension curtain rod to hang garlands in door frames, the transition between rooms, and more!
Ignorance is Bliss
Don't stress for perfection. Slightly messing is charming and real. This isn't a Martha Stewart competition.
Step 5: Celebrate Yourself
You did it! Your garland is a masterpiece, and honestly, Martha could never. Snap a pic, share it, and flex on IG. And remember: The holidays aren't about perfect decor — they're about creating a vibe that feels you.
So? Let's see it! Did you go minimalist chic or full-on Santa's workshop explosion? Let's swap stories, pics, and maybe a holiday cocktail recipe while we're at it.
Cheers to decking the halls like a pro!
xo,
Gossip Girl (jk)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rebekkah grew up the middle child of three sisters in California. At 12, she and her sisters were separated, and she went to live with an aunt and uncle in Washington State. It was there that her love of floriculture blossomed. Her high school offered a Horticulture class, where she became the Floral Manager for the small-scale floral business within. That was all it took for Rebekkah to decide she wanted to one day own her own floral shop.
Unbeknownst to her then, this dream would be a journey that would take her across the country. Today, Rebekkah finds herself in a quaint Vermont town, living her dream with her three adorable cats and her supportive fiancé by her side. Her love for floriculture has blossomed into Ostara's Grove.
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