Decorating with handmade garlands is one of the simplest ways to bring warm Christmas charm into your home. Whether you love rustic textures, sparkly accents, or soft natural greenery, a DIY garland adds personality without costing much. Every idea here is practical, easy to recreate, and perfect for dressing up mantels, doorways, stair railings, shelves, and walls. If you’re ready to add heartwarming touches to your holiday spaces, this list gives you plenty of inspiring options you can start today.
1. Dried Orange & Bay Leaf Garland
This garland brings a cozy, natural feel to any room. The color contrast between dried oranges and bay leaves instantly adds charm. Slice oranges thinly, pat them dry, and place them in the oven on low heat until they look firm and bright. Thread them onto twine, adding bay leaves between slices. Keep the pattern simple so it looks clean. Hang it over windows, shelves, or your mantel. To stretch your budget, mix in cinnamon sticks or star anise. These small details create a lovely aroma, and you only need a handful to make the garland feel special. This project is quick, low-mess, and great for beginners.
2. Classic Popcorn & Cranberry Garland
This nostalgic garland adds a soft, old-fashioned feel to your holiday setup. Use a sturdy needle and fishing line so the popcorn stays put. For fewer breaks, let the popcorn sit out a day to firm up. Thread pieces slowly and add cranberries for bright pops of color. This garland works beautifully around door frames or wrapped around a tree. Kids love helping with this one, so it doubles as a family activity. If you want to save money, pop the kernels at home rather than buying pre-made bags. Add small loops at the ends to make hanging easier.
3. Greenery & Pinecone Mantel Garland
A greenery garland brings soft texture and a natural look to your holiday decor. Gather clippings from your yard or ask a local tree lot for trimmed branches—they usually give them for free. Layer the branches so the ends face the same direction for a clean flow. Add pinecones using hot glue or florist wire. For dimension, mix different types of greenery like cedar, fir, or eucalyptus. Tuck small fairy lights into the garland for gentle sparkle. This design works well on mantels, stair railings, or console tables. Replace any dried-out pieces easily throughout the season.
4. Felt Ball Garland
Felt ball garlands bring cheerful color without feeling overwhelming. You can pick shades like forest green, cream, and red for a traditional palette, or choose modern tones like blush pink and gold. String the balls onto strong thread or thin twine. Space them evenly or cluster them in small groups for a playful look. This garland lasts for years, making it a good long-term decor piece. For a budget option, make your own felt balls using warm water and soap—a fun project for kids or friends. Hang it over shelves, across framed art, or along stair rails.
5. Paper Snowflake Garland
Paper snowflakes instantly add winter charm. Cut different shapes using white printer paper so the garland feels airy and bright. To keep the shapes crisp, iron them on low heat before hanging. Attach each snowflake to twine using mini clothespins or glue. This garland looks lovely across windows because the light shines through the shapes. You can also hang it above beds, desks, or entryway tables. Avoid expensive specialty paper; plain sheets work perfectly. Store them flat so you can reuse them next season.
6. Rustic Burlap Ribbon Garland
Burlap garlands bring a soft farmhouse touch to your holiday decor. Cut ribbon strips about 8–10 inches long and tie them onto twine in tight knots. Mix in lace pieces or thin plaid ribbon for contrast. The raw edges give the garland a casual, warm look. It fills large spaces without much effort or cost. Hang it along stair rails, big windows, or lightly across a headboard. For added charm, tuck in small sprigs of pine or dried berries.
7. Gold Painted Pinecone Garland
This garland adds a soft shimmer to your holiday setup. Collect pinecones outdoors, wash them, and let them dry fully. Brush them lightly with gold paint so the natural texture still shows. Tie each cone onto twine using strong knots. The result looks stylish yet simple. If you want more variation, mix in natural pinecones to balance the shine. This project is inexpensive and great for decorating entryways, bookcases, and mantels.
8. Mini Ornament Garland
Small ornaments create a pretty reflective garland that feels festive without overwhelming your space. Choose lightweight ornaments so they don’t tug the thread. Mix different finishes like matte, shiny, and glittered for variety. Tie each ornament securely to prevent sliding. This garland works well on mantels, mirrors, and small trees. Buy ornaments in multipacks to save money, or reuse extras from your stash.
9. Wooden Bead Garland
Wooden beads offer a warm, minimal look. Pick different bead sizes for interest. Leave them natural for a calm, neutral tone or paint them in soft holiday colors. Slide the beads onto twine and knot the ends. This garland fits many styles—modern, Scandinavian, rustic, or classic. It’s long-lasting and budget-friendly, especially if you buy beads in bulk. Wrap it around trees, lay it along tables, or hang it on walls.
10. Fabric Scrap Ribbon Garland
Fabric scrap garlands are a great way to reuse leftover materials. Cut strips from old shirts, tablecloths, or craft scraps. Pick patterns in similar tones so the garland feels cohesive. Tie the fabric tightly along twine until it looks full and fluffy. This design works for large areas and brings a homemade touch. You can add greenery or small bells for extra charm. It’s affordable, simple, and great for beginners.
11. Jingle Bell Garland
A bell garland adds movement and soft sound. Choose bells in one color or mix metallic shades. Thread them onto strong twine or thin rope. Space them evenly or cluster them for a fuller look. This garland brightens doorways, mantels, and stair rails. Buying bells in large packs helps keep costs down. Add small greenery sprigs for a cozy finish.
12. Eucalyptus & Ribbon Garland
Eucalyptus brings soothing color and a gentle scent. Secure small stems onto twine with florist wire. Add satin ribbon strips for flow and texture. You can keep the palette neutral or choose ribbon in red or deep green. This garland feels soft and elegant on mantels or along banisters. Replace any dried pieces easily during the season. Use affordable grocery-store bouquets to cut costs.
13. Paper Gingerbread Garland
This cute garland is perfect for kitchens or dining rooms. Use brown cardstock to cut gingerbread shapes. Add simple details with white gel pen or craft glue and glitter. Clip them along twine or glue them directly. For extra fun, alternate gingerbread people with tiny paper candy canes. Kids enjoy helping with this one, and the materials are inexpensive. Hang it across cabinets or open shelves.
14. Pom-Pom Garland
Pom-poms bring soft volume to your holiday decor. Make them using leftover yarn and a fork or pom-pom tool. Mix sizes for a playful look. String them onto twine and push them close for fuller texture. This garland works well on mantels, door frames, and nursery spaces. Choose classic holiday colors or go for pastels if you want something lighter. It’s inexpensive, cozy, and easy to store.
15. Lighted Tulle Garland
This soft garland adds gentle glow without feeling overpowering. Cut strips of white tulle and tie them around a strand of battery-powered lights. The tulle diffuses the light for a dreamy look. Hang it along headboards, shelves, or windows. Use dollar-store tulle to keep costs low. This project works well for late-night cozy ambiance and makes any space feel warm.
16. Ribbon Tassel Garland
Ribbon tassels look playful and stylish. Cut ribbon pieces into equal lengths. Fold each piece and tie it at the top to make a tassel. Attach tassels along twine until you get the fullness you want. Use leftover ribbon scraps or mix patterns for variety. Hang the garland on mantels, stair rails, or above beds. It’s a quick project with big visual impact.
17. Snowy Pine Garland
This garland brings a wintery look to your home. Use faux or real pine branches and dust them lightly with artificial snow spray. Tie the branches together with florist wire. Add small white berries or frosted pinecones for extra detail. This garland works well on window frames or along mantels. Choose inexpensive faux branches from discount stores to save money.
18. Book Page Garland
Old book pages create a soft vintage feel. Fold them into fans, stars, or simple rectangles. Clip them onto twine for easy arrangement. This garland works beautifully in reading corners, studies, or bedrooms. Use thrift-store books for an affordable option. The neutral tone matches nearly any decor style.
19. Candy Cane Paper Chain
Paper chains are simple but charming. Cut paper strips in red and white, then loop and staple them one after another. This garland is perfect for kids and budget projects. Hang it across windows, shelves, or railings. Use cardstock for a sturdier chain or printer paper for a lightweight version. It’s an easy way to add color without spending much.
20. Evergreen & Citrus Garland
This garland mixes natural greenery with bright citrus slices for a refreshing look. Dehydrate the slices on low heat, then tie them onto greenery using thin wire. The colors look lively and clean. Place this garland in kitchens or dining areas for a cheerful feel. Gather greenery from outside to keep the cost low. Replace citrus pieces if they dry too much.
21. Star Garland Made from Cardstock
Cardstock stars add simple charm. Cut stars using scissors or a craft punch. Thread them onto twine or glue them in place. Alternate sizes or stick to one uniform look. This garland shines on kids’ bedroom walls, mantels, or staircases. Use leftover craft paper to avoid extra expense.
22. Faux Holly Berry Garland
Faux holly brings classic Christmas color without requiring upkeep. Buy a few inexpensive holly stems and connect them using wire. Add ribbon or bows for variety. This garland fits nearly any room and gives a cheerful feel. Use discount-store supplies to keep costs down.
23. Cozy Yarn Chain Garland
This yarn chain gives a chunky, comforting feel. Cut thick yarn strands, tie loops, and link them together like a paper chain. The result looks warm and simple. Hang it in living rooms or bedrooms for a soft winter touch. Use leftover yarn to avoid extra spending. Add lights behind it for more warmth.
24. Button Garland
Buttons bring playful charm and lots of color. Thread them onto strong thread using a needle. Mix sizes and shades or stick to a tight palette. This garland is perfect for sewing lovers or kids’ rooms. Buttons are inexpensive and easy to find in bulk. Keep the spacing tight for a fuller look.
25. Upcycled Sweater Garland
Upcycling an old sweater adds warmth and texture to your decor. Cut small sweater pieces into hearts, stars, or circles. Sew or glue them onto twine. The knitted texture feels soft and cozy. This garland works in bedrooms, living rooms, or entryways. It’s a smart way to reuse old clothing instead of discarding it.
26. Cranberry & Eucalyptus Garland
This garland blends rich red with soft green for a calm, festive look. Use short eucalyptus stems and thread cranberries using a needle. Tie them together with twine. The colors pair beautifully and suit kitchens or dining spaces. Use grocery-store eucalyptus and affordable cranberries to keep the project inexpensive.
27. Winter Village Paper Garland
This garland creates a soft winter-village effect. Cut simple house shapes from white cardstock. Add tiny window cutouts if you like detail. Clip each house onto twine and hang it in front of a window so it glows. This project is inexpensive and easy to customize. Add small trees or stars between the houses for variation.
Conclusion
DIY Christmas garlands bring warmth, personality, and charm to your holiday spaces without requiring complicated supplies or big spending. With options ranging from natural greenery to soft yarn and playful paper, you can mix styles throughout your home and make the season feel cozy and special. Pick a few favorites from this list, gather simple materials, and start creating decor that fills your home with holiday magic.
Leave a Reply