Fresh Summer Garlands for Mantle Decoration
Summer is a wonderful time to decorate your home with vibrant colors and natural materials. One easy way to spruce up your living space is with a summer garland on your mantle. Garlands add a festive yet casual feeling, perfect for the sunny season.
We'll suggest materials, styles, and placement ideas to complement your existing decor. We'll also share instructions to DIY your own garland, as well as where to buy pre-made options. Read on for our complete guide to styling your mantle with gorgeous summer garlands !
Selecting Materials for Summer Garlands
When creating a summer garland, it's important to choose materials that give a fresh, seasonal vibe. The colors and textures should feel light and airy. Here are some of our favorite materials for summer garland projects:
- Lightweight ribbons in colors like sky blue, butter yellow, soft peach, or daisy white
- Faux greenery like eucalyptus sprigs, olive branches, or citrus leaves
- Seasonal flowers like sunflowers, daisies, hydrangeas, or gerbera daisies
- Natural elements like seashells, sand dollars, feathers, or grapevines
- Foraged materials like twigs, grasses, leaves, or tiny pine cones
Mix and match materials for custom summer garland designs! Stick to a cohesive color palette that fits your decor style. Fresh, foraged elements complement ribbon and faux florals beautifully.
Consider Durability of Natural Materials
If using real flowers or greenery, know that they have shorter lifespans. Swap out real elements weekly or biweekly to keep your summer garland looking fresh. Faux flowers and ribbons last much longer with proper dusting and storage.
Crafting Different Summer Garland Styles
Design your DIY summer garland to match your personal style. Here are some on-trend options to inspire your creativity:
Full, Gathered Garlands
For a voluminous garland, use abundant ribbons and loosely-bunched flowers. Gather and tie materials every 8-12 inches. Allow elements to fall between ties for an organic, abundant look. The fullness adds beautiful texture and dimension.
Long, Trailing Garlands
For a sleek style, select long ribbons and trailing greenery stems. Space ties 12-18 inches apart to let garland drape languidly nearly the floor. Weave flexible branches throughout for fluidity. Ensure stability with evenly-distributed anchoring ties.
Asymmetrical Garlands
Embrace imperfection with an asymmetrical garland! Use a variety of heights, widths, and densities. Vary the spacing between ties for delightful randomness. Mix bold sunflowers with delicate ferns and light ribbons. The contrast delights the eye with whimsical beauty.
Displaying Summer Garlands on Mantles
Mantles are perfect backdrops for summer garlands. Drape garlands across the length of your mantle, allowing ends extra length to trail onto hearthstones elegantly. For wider mantles, gather garland in the center or do multiple smaller strands. Anchor ends with vase fillers or candlestick holders inconspicuously.
Incorporate Complementary Decor Items
Weave coordinating decor into garland displays seamlessly. Nestle battery-operated candles amidst flowers for ambiance. Display meaningful framed photos or colorful ceramic vases attractively. Ensure decor aligns with garland themes cohesively.
For example, a coastal-themed garland popping with seashells and nautical ribbons. Incorporate decorative sand dollars, starfish, or sailor's valentine shadowboxes meaningfully. Accent with soothing aqua candles invoking ocean breezes.
Instructions for DIY Summer Garlands
Looking to DIY an gorgeous summer garland yourself? Follow these simple steps:
- Measure mantle width and cut ribbon lengths accordingly.
- Cut stems of faux or real greenery, leaving some long and some short.
- Gather materials and evenly space ties using floral wire or raffia.
- Fluff flowers and foliage between ties for fullness and drape garland across mantle attractively.
Visit local craft stores for all garland making supplies inexpensively. Watch online tutorials for extra visual guidance when creating your first summer garland!
Exploring Other Summer Garland Themes
Change up your summer garland to match different decor themes or holidays. Some fun ideas include:
- Patriotic summer garlands with red, white and blue ribbons, bandana prints, and star accents
- Tropical summer garlands using palm fonds, pineapples, and bright hibiscus blooms
- Eclectic summer garlands mixing a vibrant variety of patterns, textures, and mismatched flowers
You can also give basic summer garlands extra flair with decorative embellishments. We love adding bells, chile pepper lights, and inexpensive beaded strands!
Caring for Summer Garlands Year-Round
Extend your summer garland's lifespan with proper maintenance and storage. Here are our best tips:
- Freshen real greenery and blooms weekly or biweekly
- Gently brush faux elements clean of dust regularly
- Mist with fabric refresher spray monthly
- Store neatly in breathable garment bag off-season
With careful handling, your beautiful summer garland can reappear season after season for many years of merriment!
Extra Mantle Styling Suggestions
Take your mantle and summer garland display to the next level with these easy upgrades:
- Layer garlands for extra fullness and cascading elegance
- Incorporate charming string lights or paper lanterns
- Display meaningful photos, artwork, or decorative plates
- Add a mirror above mantle to reflect light beautifully
Most importantly, embrace your individual style fully when designing your dream summer mantle!
Frequently Asked Summer Garland Questions
Here are answers to some common summer garland FAQs:
Are faux flowers durable outdoors?
Yes! Many quality faux blooms resist sun, wind, and rain well. Polyester flowers offer longevity outdoors all season.
Where is the best placement for summer garlands?
Mantles are most popular, but also consider stair railings, gallery walls, porch columns, mailbox posts, or table centerpieces!
Gorgeous Summer Garland Inspiration
Need a little design inspiration? Browse lovely summer garlands in some favorite decor styles:
Dreamy Cottage Core
Cottage core garlands feature wispy wildflowers, trailing ivy tendrils, muted calico ribbons, and homespun burlap bows evoking pastoral charm.
Free-Spirited Boho
Boho garlands embrace eclectic whimsy with mismatched floral prints, earthy macrame touches, and playful pom poms in every color.
Rustic Farmhouse
Natural raffia, checked gingham prints, and wheat bundles infuse farmhouse garlands with hearty handmade vibes.
Timeless Classic
Traditional garlands showcase graceful English roses, velvety peonies, and elegant olive branches for refined beauty.
DIY Summer Garland Video Tutorial
Follow along with this quick video walking through every step of crafting a beautiful summer garland for your mantle:
[Embed video tutorial showing how to make a summer garland.]
Summer garlands make stunning mantle decor and bring energy to any space. We covered everything from choosing lush materials to properly caring for and creatively displaying your custom-crafted creation.
This season, invite sunshine and nature's bounty into your home. Craft natural masterpieces with wild abandon and enjoy summer's fleeting beauty to the fullest!