DIY garlands bring instant holiday charm to any space. They’re easy, creative, affordable, and fun to personalize. Whether you love natural textures, bold colours, simple minimal styles, or playful designs, garlands help you decorate mantels, staircases, windows, shelves, and Christmas trees with handmade character. These ideas guide you through a mix of natural materials, cozy winter elements, meaningful designs, and charming details—perfect for adding warmth and personality to your Christmas décor.
1. Dried Orange Slice Garland
Dried orange garlands create a warm, nostalgic feel during the holidays. Slice oranges evenly, pat them dry, and place them in the oven on low heat until the moisture leaves and the slices look slightly translucent. Once dry, string them onto natural twine. Space each slice evenly or cluster small groups for variation. Hang the garland across windows where sunlight enhances the amber glow. Add cinnamon sticks or wooden beads between slices for extra texture. This garland works beautifully on mantels, trees, kitchen shelves, or stair railings. Store it in a dry place to reuse next year.
2. Wooden Bead Garland
Wooden bead garlands add warmth and a neutral, earthy look. Choose beads in one size or mix sizes for a more organic feel. String them using cotton cord or jute. Leave the beads raw for a minimal appearance or stain them lightly for subtle colour. You can also add tassels at the ends for extra detail. This garland pairs perfectly with pine branches or eucalyptus, making it great for mantels and tabletops. For a simple DIY, use pre-drilled craft beads and thread them while watching a holiday movie.
3. Pinecone Garland
Pinecone garlands are ideal for natural holiday décor. Collect pinecones in similar sizes or mix shapes for variety. Tie each pinecone securely with jute twine, leaving space between them. If you want a frosted look, brush the edges lightly with white paint. Add sprigs of cedar or eucalyptus for colour. Hang it along a mantel, over a doorway, or across a mirror. This garland creates a cozy woodland atmosphere while being long-lasting and budget-friendly.
4. Paper Bag Snowflake Garland
Paper bag snowflakes are easy and charming. Use plain brown paper bags for a soft, neutral look. Glue the bags together, cut snowflake shapes, and open them into 3D pieces. Attach several snowflakes onto twine to create a lightweight garland. Hang it across windows or over beds for a gentle winter atmosphere. Because the colour is neutral, it blends well with natural greenery and wooden décor.
5. Eucalyptus Leaf Garland
Fresh eucalyptus brings scent and texture. Build your garland by layering branches and tying them with floral wire. Keep the shape loose and natural. Add baby’s breath or olive leaves for contrast. This garland dries beautifully and lasts weeks. Use it on tables, mantels, or entryway consoles for a clean, calming holiday look.
6. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
This traditional garland is fun to make with kids or friends. Thread cranberries and popped corn onto a needle and string, creating patterns like one cranberry per three popcorn pieces. The red and white mix creates a classic holiday colour palette. Hang it on your tree, stair rails, or windows. It also dries well, giving it a rustic charm.
7. Felt Ball Garland
Felt ball garlands add soft colour and playful texture. Choose a colour theme—holiday colours, neutrals, or rainbow. Thread felt balls onto strong string, spacing them evenly. This garland works well in kids’ rooms, casual spaces, or modern homes. For a DIY version, use wool roving to create your own felt balls.
8. Cinnamon Stick Garland
Cinnamon stick garlands smell warm and inviting. Tie small bundles of cinnamon sticks together using twine. Add small pine sprigs or dried orange slices for detail. Attach each bundle to a long piece of twine, spacing them evenly. Hang this garland in kitchens, entryways, or near your coffee station to add seasonal fragrance.
9. Burlap Ribbon Garland
Burlap ribbon is a great base for rustic decorating. Cut long strips of burlap and twist them loosely along twine. Add small bows, pinecones, or mini ornaments for more character. This garland looks beautiful on staircases, mantels, or porches. It adds natural texture without feeling heavy.
10. Christmas Card Garland
Turn Christmas cards into meaningful décor. Use twine as your base and attach cards with mini wooden clips. Hang the garland in your living room or kitchen so family memories become part of your holiday styling. Add fairy lights behind the string for a soft glow.
11. Yarn Pom-Pom Garland
Pom-pom garlands are cozy and soft. Make pom-poms using yarn and a simple wrapping technique. Attach them to a long piece of string, spacing them out or clustering them for a fuller look. Use white for a snowy vibe or mix colours for a cheerful style.
12. Leaf and Branch Garland
This garland brings outdoor charm inside. Collect fallen leaves and small flexible branches. Let the leaves dry, then tie them onto twine. Add a few pine sprigs to soften the look. This natural garland works well in boho or earthy homes.
13. Ribbon Tassel Garland
Ribbon tassels create a festive but gentle look. Cut ribbons into equal lengths and tie them into tassels. Attach them along a long string in repeating patterns. Use colours that match your décor theme. Hang the garland across windows or above beds for a soft holiday touch.
14. Mini Ornament Garland
Use leftover ornaments to make a garland. Thread small ornaments onto ribbon or twine, letting them hang loosely. Mix finishes like matte, shiny, and frosted for interest. This garland works well above fireplaces, along shelves, or across dining hutches.
15. Pine Branch Garland
For a full, lush look, use fresh pine branches. Layer them along twine and secure them with floral wire. Add soft lights for evening glow. This garland brings a real-forest feel indoors and works especially well on staircases or long mantels.
16. Clay Star Garland
Make simple clay stars with air-dry clay and cookie cutters. Punch holes before drying so you can thread twine through each piece. Keep the stars plain or add small texture patterns. This garland looks beautiful in bedrooms and minimal spaces.
17. Nature Walk Garland
Collect natural elements from a walk—twigs, leaves, pine needles, dried berries. Tie them onto twine to create a meaningful, organic garland. This idea is perfect for families who want to turn outdoor moments into décor.
18. Button Garland
Button garlands are charming and unique. Use buttons in red, white, and green, or stick to neutrals for a softer style. Thread them onto string and tie knots between some buttons to create spacing. This DIY is great for crafters who have leftover sewing materials.
19. Twinkle Light Garland
Combine basic fairy lights with a light greenery string for a simple glowing garland. This works beautifully on windows, beds, mirrors, or kitchen shelves. Keep the greenery thin so the lights stand out. It creates a peaceful nighttime atmosphere.
20. Fabric Scrap Garland
Use leftover fabric pieces to create a charming, rustic garland. Cut strips and tie them tightly onto twine. Mix patterns like stripes, florals, and solids for a playful look. This garland suits boho or farmhouse interiors.
21. Gingerbread Cookie Garland
Bake gingerbread cookies with holes at the top for threading. Once cooled, string them onto twine. This garland adds warm scent and visual charm, especially in kitchens or dining rooms. Let the cookies harden fully so they last longer.
22. Star Anise and Bay Leaf Garland
Bay leaves and star anise create a fragrant, earthy garland. Thread bay leaves using a needle or tie them onto twine. Space star anise pods between them for texture. The subtle green and brown tones bring a grounded, natural style to your mantel, kitchen, or dining room.
Conclusion
DIY garlands bring personality, warmth, and creativity into your holiday décor. Whether you prefer natural textures, colourful designs, or soft minimal styles, each garland helps shape a cozy and festive atmosphere. These simple ideas make it easy to decorate windows, mantels, trees, and staircases with handmade charm. Choose a few favourites and enjoy crafting décor that feels personal, welcoming, and perfect for Christmas.
Emily Parker is a home décor enthusiast and design blogger who believes every space deserves a touch of warmth and personality. With a love for cozy neutrals, modern textures, and DIY styling, she shares simple, beautiful ways to make your home feel like you. When she’s not rearranging throw pillows, you’ll find her hunting vintage finds or sipping coffee while planning her next room refresh.
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