The Clever Way To Make Your Garland Decor Look Full & Lush (At No Extra Cost)

Decorating with a garland is the perfect way to give your home a classic Christmas vibe. However, if you pull it out of the box and it's pretty sad looking, let's just say that vision won't be coming to life. Although you can invest in a new garland that's lush, gorgeous, and ready to hang — why not give your old strands an upgrade for free? Simply head out into your backyard or take a stroll in nature. There, you'll find all the additions you need to make a stunning Christmas garland — natural clippings.

As we know, the holiday season is more than just the sights — it encompasses the other senses, too. A real garland can smell fresh and woodsy, which is why it's lovely to drape around your home. Yet, it can be pricey, so it makes sense that many opt for artificial strands. Instead, blend the two together. To make your old garland fuller and more natural, start clipping tree branches. By attaching them, you'll be able to create a whole new piece of decor that looks and smells like a Christmas dream.

The types of greenery you use will, of course, depend on where you live. If you reside in a place that reminds you of a Hallmark movie, you should have no problem finding good materials to use. Cedar, holly, and pine work beautifully for a DIY Christmas garland. You could also grab pieces of boxwood, fir, and spruce. Small items like pinecones and acorns can be incorporated, too.

Before getting started, the first thing to do is give your greenery a nice bath. Place it into a tub or container that's big enough to hold it all. Fill with water and allow the branches to soak overnight, which will help provide lots of hydration so it lasts longer. Give everything time to dry before moving on to the next step. Next, set your garland strand in a spot you'd like to make more festive — perhaps over a doorway, loosely wrapped around a banister, or adorning a mantel.

You can now start adding in your natural decor to make the fake strand much fuller. Use floral wire to attach the branches and greenery to the faux garland — taking care so that all of the pieces are as even as possible. The little bursts of real elements will help revive the old strand, turning it into a piece that looks high-end. You can add in other details like scented cotton bolls, dried flowers, and moss.

When you're done, it'll be a holiday addition to warm up your space this season. Just be careful it's not near any heat sources or in direct sunlight to prevent a fire or drying out. Also, if you have kids and pets, do research on the greenery before deciding what to bring into your home to avoid anything toxic. Occasionally, inspect your garland to keep an eye on its freshness. If you do start noticing overly dry parts, you can always replace them.