We know hanging garland isn’t one-size-fits-all. Surfaces vary and mounting options abound, so this style-first guide is your go-to for holiday decorating with confidence. Use the base greens you love, hide the mechanics with thoughtful styling, and swap seasonal details for a polished look that fits your space.

Before you start:
- Measure the length of the area you’re styling (mantel, doorway, railing).
- Decide on the shape of your design. Do you want it to run straight across your mantel? Will you add swags along your stair railing? Are you creating an asymmetrical door garland? This vision will help you determine how many garlands you will need.
- If you want gentle swags, add an additional 20–30% of length.
Note: Overall garland length may include the hanging loop. Refer to the product description for true foliage length.
Prepare the garlands:
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Fluff first. When you unbox your garland it’s been compressed by time and packing, so a quick fluff brings back the full look you love.
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Gently pull the branches away from the center spine.
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Rotate leaf tips and blooms so the garland looks full from every angle.
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Work section by section and step back occasionally to check the shape.
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Shape the spine. Think of the spine as the garland’s backbone—wired or not, it’s what holds the greens in place and sets the silhouette. Before you hang anything, give the main stem a gentle pre-curve to match where it’s going. That soft arc creates a little “memory,” so the garland drapes naturally instead of fighting the surface. To do this:
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Lay the garland flat, loosen any tight bends, and then make long, gradual bends rather than sharp kinks.
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Test the curve against your mantel, doorway, or railing and tweak as needed.
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For corners, add a slight pre-bend so the turn hugs the edge cleanly.
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Light check. If you are including lights into your design, test them now! Think about where you will place the battery packs so that they will be easy to hide.
Create anchor points:
Before hanging the garland, map out a few support points—usually the two ends, the center, and any turns like doorframe corners, mantel edges, or newel posts. Use a surface-safe method you trust to create those anchors, and space them so the weight is shared.
Pro tip: if you’re adding swags, give each low point its own support so one spot isn’t doing all the work.
Weave and Layer
For a fuller look, weave two or more garlands together. For a modern, clean line, twist two of the same style to double the fullness and keep the texture uniform. For an organic, luxe feel, pair complementary greens—think Norfolk with cedar—so the textures intertwine.
Pro tip: Stagger the spines, twist gently to avoid kinks, and fluff after you combine them so seams disappear and the foliage is equally mixed.

Make it gorgeous!
Follow these styling steps to turn garlands into a showpieces.
Shape the drape
Start by choosing the silhouette. Do you want classic swags and trailing foliage, or a contemporary asymmetrical look?
- For a gentle swag, let the lowest point of the garland sit about a hand’s width below the surface you’re styling.
- For an asymmetrical garland, choose a focal side and aim for a 60/40 balance. Add more volume on one end to create a look that is modern and intentional.
Support the ends and center, add an extra anchor near the focal side, then build fullness there while keeping the opposite side lighter.
Fluff, fluff, and fluff again
Once the garland is up, fluff it in place: pull tips forward and around anchor points so hardware and ties disappear, then angle the greenery toward the room or entry path so it faces the viewer and feels welcoming.
Pro tip: If fluffing the garland doesn't hide the mechanics, place a ribbon or cluster of stems over the anchors and battery packs.
Accessorize
- The eye prefers odd numbers. Use odd-number clusters (3, 5, or 7) for ornaments, berries, and faux fruit to keep the look relaxed and organic.
- Create a focal moment: place a slightly heavier cluster at one end or the center and keep the rest lighter for balance.
- Add texture with ribbon: layer widths for dimension, mix finishes, and double up sizes. Finish with soft trailing tails.
How to add accents to a garland:
- Pre-shape stems into soft S-curves, trimming or folding the stems if needed.
- Work in one direction so each piece follows the garland’s flow. Tuck the stem along the spine and pull surrounding tips over it to hide the mechanics.
- Where two garlands meet, conceal the seam with a small cluster—berries or greenery—and finish with a ribbon if you like.
Seasonal Swaps
For fall garlands, think warm browns, golden yellows, and rich burgundies—then fill them with a cornucopia of faux fruit, seasonal leaves, and autumn accents.
For winter and holiday garlands, create a winter mix by tucking cedar and juniper into your garland, then add red berries and a few ornaments or twinkle lights for festive sparkle.
For a winter-to-spring garland refresh, simplify the palette: keep your greenery base and layer the cold-weather evergreens with cream and blush blooms for a soft, elegant finish.
Common fixes
- The garland looks sparse.
Start with the first rule—fluff it again. If it still needs more body, weave in a few lush greenery stems along the spine, then tuck small accent clusters to create focal points.
- The garland looks flat.
Stagger the foliage tips—pull a few forward and push others back—to add dimension, then weave in airy accents to soften any dense patches of greenery or blooms.
- The garland swags are uneven.
Work one anchor point at a time. Adjust the swags from the center out until the curves match on both sides. Use your hand as a quick guide for how low the swag should drape.
Safety and Care
- Keep clear of heat sources and open flames. Most artificial garlands and stems are not flame-retardant, so decorating active fireplaces or using lit candles nearby can be risky. Keep swags well away from the firebox opening, and position fully fluffed sprays far from any open flame. If you love the look of candlelight, opt for flameless candles on mantels, and never let greenery touch hot surfaces or vents.
- For outdoor styling, choose covered areas and UV-friendly pieces for the best color hold. Even in winter, UV rays can fade greenery, so opt for UV-rated garlands and consider a light coat of UV-protectant spray (follow product directions). Rain, snow, and freeze–thaw cycles can stress faux stems and adhesives; keep arrangements under porches or eaves, let them dry after storms, and bring them in during severe weather.
- Store garlands loosely coiled in a bin or their original shipping box. Keep containers out of direct sunlight (especially clear bins) and in a cool, dry place.
Pro tip: label each garland and its accent bundles so next year’s setup is fast and easy.
Friendly note: Surfaces, weights, and conditions vary. Use a mounting approach that’s appropriate for your space and follow manufacturer instructions. Our guidance focuses on styling and placement; Afloral does not recommend or endorse specific installation products.

How to Hang a Garland Checklist:
- Measure the run. Mantel, doorway, or railing—measure end to end.
- Add 20–30% if you want gentle swags or corner turns.
- Pre-shape and fluff. Curve the garland’s spine to the space; open tips fully.
- Plan anchor points. Typically ends + center (and corners for doorways/railings).
- Finish beautifully. Fluff in place, weave textures, add accents, hide mechanics.