Simplified steps to turn a basic store-bought garland into an expensive, magazine-worthy mantel display with easy embellishments.
Over the years I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different mantel garland styles. Plain store-bought garlands are a great starting point, but with a few thoughtful additions you can create a rich, layered look that feels high-end.
In this guide you’ll learn how to transform basic garland into a striking holiday focal point using fairy lights, layered greenery, dried fruits, foliage, ribbon, and a few simple tools. Use what you have on hand and tweak these ideas to match your decor.
Quick video tutorial: watch a short DIY mantel garland demonstration on the original post if you prefer visual instructions.
Supplies
You don’t need every item listed below. Add only what fits your style—more elements give a fuller, more polished look while fewer keep things minimalist.
- Base garland slightly longer than your mantel (faux pine, eucalyptus, or mixed greenery)
- Heavy-duty adhesive hooks or cord bundlers for mounting
- Battery-operated fairy lights and fresh batteries
- Picture-frame hanging strips or adhesive to secure a battery pack
- Extra faux or fresh evergreen branches and foliage
- Berry picks, sprigs, or other small floral accents
- Dried fruit slices (or fresh cranberries strung), dried pomegranates, or similar
- Ribbon in coordinating colors (wired for structure, unwired for a softer look)
- Florist wire and wire cutters
- Beaded garland or other trim
Hang Your Basic Garland
Start by hanging a base garland across the mantel. Affordable garlands at craft stores work well, and reusing one from last year is fine too. Choose a style that complements your room—pine for a classic look, eucalyptus for something modern, or a mix for texture.
I attach hooks to the top of the mantel shelf rather than the front so the garland hangs naturally. Heavy-duty adhesive hooks or cord bundlers are reliable for supporting garland weight.
If your base garland is lightweight, a single strand can be enough; for a fuller appearance layer an additional garland beneath or twist in extra branches secured with florist wire.
Add Fairy Lights
Fairy lights instantly lift the mood of any garland, adding warmth and a subtle glow. If your garland isn’t pre-lit, weave a strand of warm-white or soft colored lights through the branches. Battery-operated sets are convenient and keep cords hidden.
Secure the battery pack to the back or underside of the mantel with a picture-frame hanging strip so it stays out of sight but is still accessible for changing batteries or setting a timer.
Even a simple garland with a string of fairy lights looks elegant and cozy.
Layer Greenery
To create volume and interest, layer different types of greenery. Combine garlands—cedar, juniper, magnolia, cypress, or eucalyptus—to add color and texture. Secure additional stems to the base garland with florist wire or hang them from the same hooks.
Add natural accents like pine cones, cinnamon sticks, holly, or preserved leaves for a woodland, tactile feel. Mixing textures and tones makes the display look intentional and collected.
How to Make Fresh Garland Last Longer
If you use fresh foraged greenery, spray it with a product designed to preserve foliage and allow it to dry before attaching to the garland. This helps leaves and needles retain color and shape longer.
Attach single stems or clusters to the base garland with florist wire; place them randomly for a natural look or evenly for a more curated finish.
Use Fruit
Incorporating dried fruit—orange slices, apple rounds, or cranberries—adds color, scent, and a timeless, vintage feel. Dried fruit looks especially striking against deep greens and works well with berry sprays and pine cones.
For a rustic, abundant look, combine multiple orange slices, berries, cones, and foraged leaves along the garland for contrast and depth.
How to Dry Fruit for Garland
Slice fruit thinly and dry pieces in a low oven on a parchment-lined sheet until moisture is removed. Thread the dried slices onto twine to create fruit strands or attach individual slices to the garland with florist wire for an authentic, fragrant accent.
Poke a small hole with a toothpick to thread wire or twine through dried fruit, or simply secure slices to the garland stems with wire. If drying fruit isn’t practical, pre-dried fruit or realistic faux fruit are good alternatives.
Add Ribbon Accents
Ribbon ties everything together. Choose a ribbon that complements your color scheme—velvet for a classic feel, plaid for cozy charm, metallics for a modern twist. Wired ribbon holds shapes and bows well; unwired ribbon gives a softer drape.
Secure ribbon at intervals with florist wire, twisting the wire around the garland and ribbon to keep everything in place. Create loose bows or structured loops depending on the look you want.
Wired ribbon is ideal for sculpted, modern arrangements; unwired ribbon suits a relaxed, traditional style.
The charm of a DIY mantel garland is the personal touches you add. Experiment with layers, lights, fruits, and ribbon until the garland reflects your style. These same techniques also work beautifully on Christmas trees, stair garlands, and entryway displays.
Happy decorating—may your mantel be warm, festive, and full of holiday cheer!
More DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas
- Budget-friendly DIY Christmas decorations
- How to hang garland on stairs and in entryways
- How to hang wreaths on windows for the holidays
- Simple and inexpensive holiday table centerpieces
- Quick ribbon and bow ideas for seasonal decor
- How to add ribbon to Christmas tree decorations
- Easy tutorial for making dried orange garland
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure the width of your mantel, then add at least half again that length to determine how much garland you’ll need for a generously draped look.
Adhesive hooks or cord bundlers are an easy solution. You can hang the garland directly from the hooks or secure it with twine or florist wire. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions—press the strip, allow it to set, and wait an hour before adding weight for best results.
Properly dried and stored in a cool, dry place, dried fruit garlands can last up to two years or longer depending on conditions.
