10/20/2026
The Christmas Garland
Elegant holiday decorating doesn’t have to come with an extravagant price tag. With a few simple tricks, you can transform ordinary garlands into something beautiful & festive.
When it comes to holiday decorating, it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. You don’t have to start from scratch or spend a fortune to create a home that feels warm & beautifully decorated for the season. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity & a few thoughtful additions.
Here are three simple ways to elevate your holiday garlands without stretching your budget.
- Start with a Budget-Friendly Base
You know those inexpensive garlands that look a little sparse and perhaps not quite as beautiful as you’d like? Don’t pass them by! They can be the perfect starting point for creating a fuller, more luxurious look.
Use an inexpensive garland as your base then layer your prettier garlands over it. The extra greenery adds fullness and dimension without the expense of purchasing several high quality garlands. Once everything is layered together it’s hard to tell where the inexpensive greenery ends & the beautiful garland begins.
The secret is to build fullness first, then add the pretty details.
- Mix in Different Textures
One of the easiest ways to make garland look more expensive is to incorporate a variety of greenery & decorative picks. Rather than relying on one type of greenery mix in different shades, shapes, & textures to create a more collected look. Look for similar tones that match the color palette for the year.
Try adding cedar, pine, eucalyptus, or other greenery & floral picks that complement your existing garland. These small additions create depth and interest, giving your arrangement a fuller, more designer inspired appearance.
You don’t need to cover every inch. Tuck your additions into strategic spots, allowing some of the original greenery to show through. A little variation goes a long way!
- Never Underestimate the Power of Ribbon
If there’s one decorating trick I love, it’s ribbon! Ribbon is an affordable way to completely change the look of your holiday decor, and it’s easy to switch out from year to year. You can have all the same decor, but you add a different ribbon it changes everything. Look for wide ribbon in a 3-5 inch size. Choose a ribbon that complements your holiday color palette, whether that’s classic red, velvet, tartan plaid, soft neutrals, or a beautiful seasonal green.
For a more elevated look, avoid simply wrapping the ribbon around the garland. Instead, create loose loops, layer sections of ribbon, and gently pinch the fabric where you want it to gather. Secure each gathered section with craft wire, tucking it into the greenery so the wire stays hidden.
Finish the ends with a clean dovetail cut for a polished, professional touch. To create one, fold the ribbon lengthwise and cut diagonally from the folded edge toward the outer corners.The end result is a fuller, softer, more luxurious ribbon detail that looks thoughtfully styled rather than simply added.
My favorite part of holiday decorating is finding ways to make something ordinary feel special. By layering what you already have, mixing textures, & adding beautiful ribbon you can create garlands that look custom designed without the custom price tag.
Remember, it’s not always about buying more. It’s about being creative with what you have and paying attention to the details.
Stay tuned for more holiday decorating ideas that bring a little extra beauty to your home while keeping your budget in mind!
