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How To Decorate Christmas Garlands and Wreaths

Updated last Dec. 16, 2024

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

Woman fluffing artificial Christmas garland

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.

Insider’s Tip

Once your wreaths and garlands are shaped for the first use, it will be easier to achieve the same full look in future years.

Cozy Cabin Christmas Theme

Image collage of artificial Christmas wreath and garland decorated with cabin theme
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.

You will need:

Flatlay of wreath decorating supplies such as jute ribbon, buffalo check ribbon, pinecones, antlers, gold ball ornaments

For the Garland

Hands layering two ribbons on a 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.
A woman decorating a Christmas garland with antler picks
2. Tuck the ribbons into the garland every 8 to 12 inches.
Hands decorating a Christmas garland with pinecones and gold Christmas ornaments
3. Add your garland décor. Start with the antler picks, followed by the mercury glass bulbs and pinecones.

For the Wreath

A woman layering two kinds of Christmas tree ribbons
1. Use the same ribbons to create a bow for the wreath.
Hands looping two layers of Christmas tree ribbons
2. Make one loop and twist the ribbon so the top layer faces outward.
Hands forming two layers of Christmas tree ribbons into a bow
3. Wrap the ribbon around your thumb from front to back and create a hole to bring another loop through.
Hands pulling the sides of a looped Christmas tree ribbon
4. After creating the loops, pull out the sides and adjust for a full, balanced look.
Hands decorating a Christmas wreath with two layers of Christmas tree ribbons
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.
Hands decorating a Christmas wreath with antler picks and pinecones

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

Insider’s Tip

The wired branches of your greenery are great for holding your ribbons and ornaments in place.

Floral Christmas Theme

Image collage of artificial Christmas wreath and garland decorated with cabin theme

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

You will need:

Plaid ribbon, magnolia flower picks, and metallic tree spray

For the Garland

Hands decorating a Christmas garland with red velvet ribbon
1. Layer and tuck your ribbon along the branches of your lighted garland.
A woman decorating a Christmas garland with white magnolia branch picks

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

A woman decorating a Christmas garland with metallic plume beaded branch picks
3. Next, add the metallic plume branch picks.
A woman decorating a garland with white magnolia branch picks, metallic beaded branch picks, and red velvet ribbon
4. Stand back and check if the décor looks balanced and evenly spaced.

Insider’s Tip

Wired ribbons work best when decorating wreaths and garlands because they tuck well and retain their shape.

For the Wreath

A woman tucking red velvet ribbon into a Christmas wreath

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

A woman creating a rosette bow to decorate a Christmas wreath
2. Create a rosette bow using the same ribbon. Make five large loops and arrange them to look like a flower.
Hands tying a pipe cleaner to secure the rosette bow
3. Secure the base of the bow with a green pipe cleaner or floral wire. Pull ribbon apart and fluff for a fuller look.
Hands attaching the red velvet rosette bow to a Christmas wreath
4. Fix the bow onto the wreath using floral wire or the wired foliage.
Hands decorating a Christmas wreath with oversized white magnolia picks
5. Now that you have your ribbon wreath, place the oversized magnolia pick near the bow.
Hands decorating a Christmas wreath with metallic plume beaded branch picks
6. Lastly, add metallic plume picks throughout the wreath.

Classic Christmas Theme

Photo collage of artificial Christmas wreath and garland with red berries and pinecones
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.

You will need:

Flatlay of classic wreath decorations like champagne glittered Christmas tree ribbon, pinecones, frosted red berry picks, and frosted eucalyptus leaves

How To Create Scalloped Ribbons:

Hands forming scalloped Christmas tree ribbons
1. Using two feet of ribbon, work from the center and make three scallops or fans.
Hands securing a scalloped tree ribbon with a stapler
2. Staple the fan at the bottom to create a looped bow.
Hands cutting the ends of a scalloped Christmas tree ribbon with scissors
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.

For the Garland

Hands placing branches of eucalyptus leaves into a Christmas garland
1. Insert the snowy eucalyptus picks into the tips of your garland.
Hands decorating a Christmas garland with frosted red berry picks and pinecones
2. Next, add the berry picks and pinecones.
Hands attaching a champagne scalloped tree ribbon to a Christmas garland
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.
Hands fixing red berry decorations on a Christmas garland
4. Adjust decorations to make sure that everything is well-fluffed and balanced.

Insider’s Tip

Spend a few moments arranging the eucalyptus and berry picks so that their branches fall naturally.

For the Wreath

A Christmas wreath decorated with frosted red berry picks, frosted eucalyptus leaves, pinecones, and champagne glittered Christmas tree ribbon
Coordinate your wreath with the garland. Layer the snowy eucalyptus, berries, pinecones, and scalloped ribbon to one side of the wreath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about Christmas wreaths and garlands:

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 the greenery. You can also decorate with things that you have at home such as Christmas tree ornaments, flower stems, leaves, and branches. Other essential supplies to help secure your decorations include green pipe cleaners, staples, floral wire, and floral tape.

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.

How Do I Hang a Christmas Wreath and Garland Without Damaging the Walls or Doors?

To hang wreaths and garlands without hammering in nails or drilling holes in your walls and doors, use adhesive hooks, ribbons, or craft wire. Read our guide to hanging greenery to learn more.

How Do I Clean and Maintain My Artificial Christmas Garland and Wreath?

Use a feather duster or hairdryer on a cool setting to gently blow away dust from the tips and decorations. Do this before packing the greenery for storage to ensure they’re in good condition while stowed away.

We hope these do-it-yourself decorating ideas inspire you to express your creativity with your wreaths and garlands. Click the button below to see our full collection of Christmas greenery.

Shop Christmas Wreaths & Garlands

Learn More

For more information on decorating with Christmas garlands and wreaths, visit the links below:

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