The Unexpected Material To Try In Your Holiday Garlands

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We've all been there: December arrives, and you pull out your box of holiday decorations only to realize that you're totally over everything you own. Though the classics are never a bad idea, it can be invigorating to shake things up and break tradition with your Christmas tree. Instead of generic tinsel garlands, consider branching out (pun intended) and decorating your Christmas tree with garlands made from this unexpected material: wood.

Speaking to Best Life, interior designer and furniture specialist Todd Harmon of Harmonia Living praised the casual beauty and versatility of garlands with wooden beads. "This [type of garland] will work very well on stairs or behind a fireplace," he noted. Since it's so simplistic, "it will go very well with modern or country-style residences." 

We dig this expert-approved suggestion because it's slightly unconventional but still understated. Wood's natural look and charming feel perfectly complement the nostalgic, handmade holiday decor aesthetic, a decor trend straight out of a storybook that's going to be big this year. Harmon shouted out a specific wooden garland from Hobby Lobby ($6), but there are plenty of other places you can shop for garlands in this style. Keep reading to learn more about how to decorate your home for the holidays using this unique material.

Wooden garlands might be unexpected, but this style isn't difficult to find online. There are many affordably priced options on Amazon, such as the Gwhole wooden beads garland, which costs $9 for 11.8 feet of garland. For a pop of color or shine, you can even buy wooden garlands with painted or metallic beads. Case in point: an eye-catching wooden garland with cranberry-red beads from World Market ($13).

When it comes to styling wooden garlands in your home, you can go many different routes. Per Harmon's observation, this style does complement certain decor aesthetics, particularly modern or rustic homes with a predominance of neutral or earth-toned colors and natural materials. But don't let that design note limit you. 

Across the board, "texture is playing a large role in this year's holiday decor," designer Devon Tobin of Duet Design Group said in a recent interview with The Spruce. "Fresh greens alongside wool, linen, and wood create warmth and cohesive decor in a way that never feels overdone." All that to say you can't really go wrong with incorporating wooden garlands in your holiday decor setup. String it on your Christmas tree, drape it on your mantle, or loop it around the banister on your staircase — the only true limit is your imagination. You can also pair wooden holiday garlands with decorations in a deep, jewel-toned color palette, which is one Christmas decor trend that's dominating the 2025 holiday season.