How to Place Garland on Your Mantle

Decorating your mantle with lush garland is a timeless way to infuse warmth and holiday spirit into your home. When artfully draped, garland can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point that elevates the entire room. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the ins and outs of styling your mantle with beautiful garland this season.

First, start by choosing the right garland for your decor. Opt for fresh greenery like noble or Douglas fir for an invigorating evergreen scent and full, natural look. Silk or artificial garlands hold their shape well and resist drying out but lack the authenticity of real varieties. For more color, look for garlands accented with pinecones, berries, flowers, or velvet ribbons that complement your existing palette.

Prepare the Mantle Surface

Before hanging any garland, thoroughly clean your mantle to remove any dust or debris. This allows command hooks to adhere securely. Wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to eliminate oils and soap residue. Allow the mantle to fully dry.

Next, map out where you want to position hooks, spacing them evenly across the length of the mantle. Place hooks near the edges, in the center, and anywhere you plan to anchor garland. Leave around 8 inches between each hook. Press hooks firmly for 30 seconds so the adhesive activates. Allow hooks to set for 24 hours before hanging any decor.

Choose the Garland Style

Garlands come in different widths, so pick an option suitable for your mantle. Measure across the length of your mantle to determine the best size. For a standard mantle, a 6-10 inch wide garland typically works well and provides enough fullness. Longer mantles suit wider 12-16 inch garlands. Place your garland along the mantle to test the fit and appearance before securing it.

The garland length should extend 6-12 inches past each side of the mantle. You can trim greenery as needed with floral shears. For fuller coverage, wrap two strands together and bind them with floral wire. You can also opt for a swooping garland that cascades over the edges in a dramatic fashion.

Secure the Garland in Place

Once you've selected the ideal garland, it's time to secure it along the length of the mantle. Start by centering the garland and twisting the ends around the outer command hooks. Work from the outside in, continuing to twist and drape while fastening the garland at each hook. Avoid pulling too tight--the garland should lay softly across the surface.

If desired, conceal visible hooks by tucking in pinecones, ornaments, or ribbon bows. This adds decorative accents while disguising the mechanics of the display. Try clustering a few decorative items over hooks sporadically instead of at each one.

Enhance Your Garland Display

Now that your garland is secured, you can embellish it with extra seasonal touches. For a unified look, incorporate greenery, berries, and floral picks that complement your garland's existing colors and textures. Strategically tuck sprigs of foliage into any thin spots to create fullness and volume.

Ribbons and ornaments also help spice up plain garlands. Thread different widths of ribbon through the greenery, letting them trail gracefully. Hang mini ornaments from the garland using floral wire or ornament hooks. You can also intersperse battery-operated string lights for a festive glow.

Work symmetrically outward from the center to balance both sides. Step back periodically to observe the overall look. Fill sparse areas and adjust placements as needed until satisfied with the finished styling.

Add Special Decorative Touches

For extra dimension, layer garlands of varying styles, textures, and colors. Start with a thick noble fir garland as the base, then add accents of cedar, magnolia leaves, or cranberry-infused garlands on top. Varying the height and placement creates visual interest.

Incorporate pops of plaid, velvet, or metallic ribbon into layered garlands for an elegant contrast of textures. This helps each garland stand out while uniting them in one cohesive display. Mix wide and skinny ribbons for diversity.

Maintaining Your Garland

Caring properly for your garland helps preserve its beauty and extends its lifespan. For fresh garlands, check daily for dryness. Mist occasionally with water to rehydrate and prevent browning. Remove any fallen needles or debris.

Protect silk garlands by lightly dusting instead of cleaning with liquid. Handle delicately to avoid snagging or tearing delicate fabric foliage. Fluff and reshape garlands as needed to maintain their form.

When the season ends, properly storing garlands prevents damage. Carefully detach from hooks and loosely roll up garlands rather than folding. Keep in cool, dry storage away from direct sunlight and humidity. Consider wrapping in muslin or placing in breathable garment bags.

Decorating Above Fireplace Mantles

If decorating over a working fireplace, take safety precautions. Only use flame-retardant garlands and secure them at least 12 inches above the firebox. Avoid dangling combustible decorations too close to flames.

Light the fireplace first, allowing heat to rise before decorating. Turn off the fire and let ashes fully cool before placing garlands. Do not hang garlands while the fireplace is in use or still hot. Take garlands down immediately if they become dried, discolored or pose any fire risk.

While mantles make a natural focal point, garlands can enhance other areas too. Drape swags above doors and wrap lengths along stair railings. Encircle columns and frame archways for bohemian flair. Outline kitchen windows and dress up cabinets for festive charm.

For dining rooms, string garlands down the center of tables as eclectic runners. Or, opt for mini garlands to adorn candlesticks, napkin rings, and place settings. Use garlands to define spaces in open concept homes. They add cozy holiday ambiance anywhere you place them.

You can turn your mantle into a stunning showpiece with the right preparation. Follow these tips for hanging full, lush garlands that infuse cheer into any space. Show off your creativity by embellishing with ribbons, ornaments and lights. Place garlands strategically throughout your home for an enveloping yuletide feel.