Every Christmas we frame our foyer doorway with garland — a simple, cheerful “welcome home” that greets us every time we walk through the front door. Over the years I’ve tried a few approaches, and this no-damage method is my favorite because it holds securely all season long and removes easily after the holidays. This year I added a second garland on the opposite foyer doorway, and it looks especially cozy when lit at night.
You can customize the result in countless ways — classic, modern, whimsical, or natural — depending on the garland and embellishments you choose. Below is the exact, step-by-step method I use so you can recreate this look at home with no nails and no wall damage.
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Supplies You’ll Need
- Garland — a plain pine garland works best as a base. For extra fullness, layer two strands or combine different greenery types.
- Command Cable Bundlers (adhesive hooks made for holding light or cable strands).
- Command Picture Hanging Strips to anchor battery packs discreetly.
- Battery-operated string lights — warm, incandescent-style micro lights give a soft glow without visible cords.
- Optional embellishments such as faux flowers, dried orange slices, berry picks, bells, ribbon, and ornaments.
- Floral wire or simple wire ornament hooks to attach decorations securely.
Step 1: Apply Command Cable Bundlers Around the Doorway
Start by placing the Command Cable Bundlers along the top, corners, and sides of the doorway. Space them roughly every 6–12 inches depending on the weight and thickness of your garland.
Follow the package prep instructions for the strongest hold:
- Press the adhesive strip onto the back of each bundler for 30 seconds.
- Press the bundler onto the wall or trim firmly for another 30 seconds.
- Wait one full hour before hanging anything. This curing time is what prevents the hooks from popping off later.
It’s a small delay up front that guarantees a season-long hold without damaging paint or trim.
Step 2: Hang the Garland Around the Doorway
After the bundlers have set, secure the garland into each hook and work your way around the frame. Start with a plain pine or cedar garland to form a neutral base; you can layer additional greenery like magnolia, juniper, eucalyptus, cypress, or berry stems for texture and depth.
If any bundlers are visible, simply fluff the branches around them until they’re concealed. Tucking extra sprigs or small picks over the hooks hides them seamlessly and makes the garland look naturally full.
Step 3: Add Lights (the Easy, Wireless Way)
Lights instantly add ambiance. I prefer warm, golden micro LED string lights because they mimic incandescent warmth without the blue tone some LED garlands have. Battery-operated strands are ideal for doorways since they eliminate visible cords and let you place lights exactly where you want them.
Most battery light strands include a built-in timer — set them to come on automatically each evening so you never have to fuss with them.
Light placement trick:
- Attach a Command Picture Hanging Strip to the back of the string lights’ battery pack.
- Press the battery pack against the wall behind the garland where it will be hidden.
- Weave the lights in a loose zig-zag pattern through the branches so the illumination spreads evenly and looks natural.
If you use two light strands across a wider doorway, mount the second battery pack on the opposite side and conceal it the same way.
Step 4: Customize Your Garland with Embellishments
This is the fun part — transforming plain greenery into something that reflects your personal style. Use floral wire or wire ornament hooks to attach your chosen decorations so they stay put all season.
- Faux flower stems for a cottage or romantic look
- Dried orange slices for a natural, rustic feel
- Berry picks and small pinecones for texture
- Bells, ribbon, and ornaments for classic Christmas flair
- Mix and match sizes and colors for a layered, curated appearance
Think of embellishments as jewelry for your doorway — the more variety you add, the more layered and interesting the display becomes. I usually keep the base garland the same and change the accents season to season for an easy refresh.
Examples of variations I’ve used: a simple green garland dressed with white faux flowers for a soft, modern look; citrus slices and twine for rustic, fragrant charm; or colorful ribbon and bells for a cheerful, traditional feel. Small changes make a big visual impact.
Hanging garland over a doorway is an easy way to add instant holiday charm without leaving marks on your walls. This small seasonal ritual has become a favorite tradition in our home, and I hope these tips help you create a welcoming, festive entryway of your own.
More Christmas Garland Decorating Tricks
- How to hang garland on a fireplace mantel — tips for securing a mantel garland without damaging trim.
- How to hang garland on a stair railing — ideas for spacing, tying, and anchoring a stair garland.
- How to make a dried orange garland — a simple DIY to add natural fragrance and rustic charm.
- How to preserve leaves and dry fruit for garlands — techniques to dry and preserve botanicals for long-lasting decor.
