How To Style Your Entryway With Garland For The Holidays Like A Real Pro

The first part of your home that anyone ever sees is the front entrance. That's why it can be so important to make sure it is fully decked out in decorations for the holiday. However, sometimes, it's not easy to get everything to look just right. Garland, for example, can make a great statement and catch the eye, but it isn't always easy to pull off. Thankfully, you can make yours look just like a professional hung it for you with a few simple tips.

The first major consideration to make with your garland is to ensure it's the right length. If you make it too short, you will be left with a chunky and uneven design. Matt Bowman, the founder of the Tradition Company, shared his general guidelines for door garland during an interview on Martha Stewart's website. "We usually use about 24 feet of garland cut into two sections. We tie the garland over the center of the door, and the two pieces lie in opposite directions so the branches lie down towards the floor," he said.

Bowman's tip for how to hang up a garland is useful, especially if you want a symmetrical design that goes near the ground. However, there are other ways to hang it around a door. For example, you can use one longer garland and adjust the piece so it falls only partially on one side and mostly on the other in an asymmetrical design. Throw in some additional decorations and the sustainable lights taking over for 2025, and you'll have the perfect holiday-themed doorway.

Another key part of getting your entryway garland looking just right is to make sure you have the necessary tools on hand to hang it up. On stairs, you can use zip ties for an easy attachment, but that doesn't work on a doorway. Thankfully, there are still a lot of tools you can use. Adhesive hooks, suction hooks, double-sided tape, thumb tacks, and even specific garland hangers are all great options to help you secure everything just where you want it.

Each has its own pros and cons. Adhesive hooks, for example, are strong and don't damage your walls if they are used correctly. However, they are often big and can stand out amongst thinner garlands. Specific garland door hangers are nice and can be mostly hidden by your decor, but they do tend to be unnecessarily expensive. Thumb tacks and tape are good at staying hidden, but can cause damage to your garland and your home when it comes time to take them down. Suction hooks are good at staying hidden, but may not always stick well and need a smooth surface. It takes a bit of trial and error, but finding the right tool that offers a good balance between being hidden and offering support can make a huge difference in how professional your garland appears. 

To further make your entryway stand out, consider incorporating some of the decor trends that are dominating the 2025 holiday season, such as plaids and tartans, deep jewel tones, and bows. Decorations are an important part of hanging a garland, as they pull the whole design together. Even if it's just a handful of ornaments or a couple bows, you'll notice it makes a world of difference. You can find garlands that already feature these details, or add ornaments and decorations to your greenery to create your own look.

To make your entryway shine even more, you can use the Magnolia-inspired look to decorate your home with garland, which involves adding layers to your design, including lights. Additionally, using ornaments and other items on your garland can help hide areas where the hanging tool is showing, or places you have pieces tied together.

Using these tips and tricks, you should have a better idea of what you need to do to make your garland stand out and look professional. Don't be afraid to take it down and move things around a few times to really see what works best. You may find that one particular design is a clear winner, or just fits your theme better.