How to Make a DIY Outdoor Christmas Garland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Festive Decor

Want to add some festive cheer to your outdoor space this holiday season? Making your own DIY outdoor Christmas garland is a fun and easy way to spruce up your home’s exterior.

You can create a beautiful Christmas garland using natural materials like pine branches, pinecones, and holly berries.

This project lets you customize the look to match your style while saving money compared to store-bought decorations.

With just a few simple supplies and some creativity, you’ll have a unique garland to hang on your porch, wrap around columns, or drape along fences.

Get ready to impress your neighbors and spread holiday joy with more than christmas wreaths,this time is for your handmade Christmas decor.

Planning Your DIY Outdoor Christmas Garland

Making a DIY outdoor Christmas garland starts with good planning. You’ll need to pick a theme, choose materials, and measure your space.

These steps will help you create a festive and eye-catching festive wonderlands.

Choosing a Theme and Style
Think about the look you want for your outdoor Christmas garland.

Do you prefer a classic evergreen style or something more unique for your front door ? A rustic farmhouse theme can give your home a cozy feel.

u might opt for a natural look with pinecones and berries. Or go for a glam style with sparkly ornaments and ribbons or maybe you prefer an all white garland.

Consider your home’s architecture and existing decorations. Your garland should complement these elements.

Pick colors that match or contrast nicely with your house. Red and green are traditional, but silver and gold can add elegance.

Selecting Materials and Greenery
Choose a base for your garland. Artificial greenery lasts longer and can be reused so you can always recreate a decorative garland without worrying of materials or availability of products you need.

Real evergreen branches smell great and works well for those who prefer unlit garland but need replacing each year.

Mix different types of greenery for texture.

Add decorations to your garland. Pinecones, berries, and small ornaments work well. Ribbons or large outdoor christmas bows can add color and help tie everything together. Make sure all items are weatherproof.

Don’t forget lights! LED string lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Pick warm white for a cozy glow or multicolor for a festive look.

Measuring Spaces
Measure the areas where you’ll hang your garland. Common spots include railings, columns, and around doors.

Add extra length for draping and attaching, but then this will depend on your decorating style.

Plan how you’ll secure the garland. Hooks, zip ties, or garland hangers work well. Make sure your fasteners can handle your holiday decorations in outdoor conditions.

Consider the weight of your finished garland. Heavier ones need stronger supports. Factor in wind and weather when planning how to hang it.

Unlike fireplace mantels garlands,outdoor holiday garlands need sturdy support.

Assembling the Garland Base
Creating a DIY outdoor Christmas garland starts with building a sturdy base.

This foundation will support your decorations and keep them in place throughout the holiday season to keep that holiday spirit.

Securing Evergreen Clippings
Start by gathering fresh greenery from your yard or local garden center. Choose a mix of pine, fir, or spruce branches for a full look.

Trim the branches into 6-8 inch sections.

Lay out a long piece of florist wire.Get 100 yards of florist wire here for under 10. This will be the backbone of your garland.

Take small bundles of evergreen clippings and place them along the wire. Overlap each bundle slightly to hide the wire.

Use thin gauge wire to wrap around the stems and secure them to the main wire.

Make sure to wrap tightly so the clippings don’t slip out. Keep adding bundles until you reach your desired garland length.

Adding Structural Enhancements
To give your garland more shape, weave in some artificial christmas garland pieces.

These will add fullness and help hold everything together.

Twist the artificial garland around your natural base.

For extra stability, add a rope or thick twine to the center of your garland. This will make it easier to hang and prevent sagging.

Wrap the rope with the florist wire as you go.

Consider adding wire loops at regular intervals. These will be useful for attaching ornaments or mini lights later.

Make sure the loops are sturdy enough to hold your planned decorations.

Decorating Your Garland
Adding decorations to your DIY outdoor Christmas garland brings it to life. The right mix of lights, ornaments, christmas decorations and special touches creates a festive look that catches the eye.

Incorporating Lights and Ornaments
Start by wrapping string lights around your garland because this is not a pre-lit garland . Choose warm white or multicolor lights based on your style. Space them evenly for a balanced look.

Next, add Christmas ornaments. Pick shatterproof ones for outdoor use. Mix large and small sizes for depth. Hang them securely with wire or ornament hooks.

Use a color scheme that matches your home’s exterior. Red and gold are classic choices. For a modern look, try blue and silver.

Don’t forget to add Christmas bows. Place them every few feet along the garland. They add a pop of color and texture.

Adding Special Decorative Elements
Pine cones are a great natural addition. Gather them from your yard or buy them at a craft store. Spray paint them gold or silver for extra sparkle.

Eucalyptus sprigs add a fresh, green touch. Tuck them into the garland for a fuller look. Their silvery leaves contrast nicely with dark green branches.

Felted balls in festive colors bring a cozy feel. String them together to make a mini-garland within your larger one.

For a unique twist, add small winter-themed figurines.

Tiny deer or snowmen nestled in the branches are charming touches and a great addition to your garland .

Creating a Focal Point
Pick one area of your garland to be the star. This could be the center or one end.

In this spot, cluster a group of larger ornaments. Use 3-5 pieces in varying sizes. This draws the eye and adds interest.

Add a big, beautiful bow as the centerpiece.

Make it from wired ribbon so it holds its shape. Choose a color that stands out against the garland.

Hang a special ornament or decoration here. It could be a family heirloom or a new piece that fits your theme.

Consider adding a small wreath within the garland at this point. It creates a nice layered effect.

Installation Tips and Techniques
Hanging your DIY outdoor Christmas garland properly ensures it looks great and stays secure. Key steps include choosing the right fasteners and protecting your decorations from the elements.

Securing the Garland Outdoors
Start by picking strong hooks or clips that can hold your garland’s weight. For mantels and doorways, use adhesive hooks that won’t damage surfaces. On windows, try suction cup hooks.

For banisters, use zip ties or twist ties. They’re easy to attach and remove. Wrap them around the garland and banister every foot or so.

On your fireplace mantel, try using small command hooks. Space them evenly along the mantel edge. Hang the garland on these hooks for a neat look.

Always test the weight before leaving your garland up. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure.

Weatherproofing the Decorations
Protect your garland from rain and snow to keep it looking fresh. Spray it with a clear, waterproof sealant that you can get from local stores,before hanging. This helps prevent water damage and fading.

For extra protection on windows and doorways, add a clear plastic cover over the garland. This shields it from direct rain and snow.

Choose weather-resistant ornaments and lights for your garland. Look for items labeled “outdoor use” when shopping. These can stand up to cold and moisture better.

Check your garland every few days. Remove any wet or damaged parts quickly. This stops problems from spreading to the rest of your decorations.

Alternative DIY Christmas Garland Ideas
Want to try something different for your outdoor Christmas garland? There are many creative options using both themed elements and recycled materials.

Creating Themed Garlands
You can make a wood bead garland for a rustic look. String large wooden beads on sturdy twine. Paint some beads red or green for a festive touch.

A popcorn garland is a classic choice if you prefer not to have a pine garland . Thread popped corn onto fishing line with a needle. Add cranberries between for color.

Try an orange slice garland for a natural scent. Cut oranges into thin slices. Dry them in a low oven. String the dried slices together.

Make a DIY ornament garland with shatterproof balls. Thread them onto a wire with pine cones and ribbon bows.

For a snowy effect, use a flocked garland. Spray artificial greenery with white flocking spray. Let it dry before hanging.

Making Garlands From Recycled Materials
Turn old sweaters into a cozy pom-pom garland. Cut sweaters into strips. Roll strips into balls. Tie balls onto twine.

Use paper to create a boxwood-style garland. Cut leaf shapes from green paper. Glue leaves onto a rope base.

Make a faux garland from plastic bottles. Cut bottles into spiral strips. Paint strips green. Attach to a string.

Create an advent calendar garland with toilet paper rolls. Cover rolls with paper. Number them 1-24. Hang from a string.

Upcycle old Christmas cards into a picture garland. Cut out images from cards. Glue onto cardboard circles. String together,this can be your sculpture christmas tree.

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Buying artificial garland
You can save time by purchasing a ready-made artificial garland.

These come in many styles and sizes to fit your outdoor space for that holiday cheer, imagine white christmas garlands on your outside sapce .

Artificial garlands are durable and can be reused year after year so you get that christmas display up in no time.

When shopping for an artificial garland, consider these factors:

Length: Measure where you’ll hang it to get the right size
Thickness: Fuller garlands look more realistic
Material: Look for weather-resistant options for outdoor use
Lighting: Some come pre-lit with LED bulbs
Decorations: Choose plain or pre-decorated styles
Here are typical price ranges for artificial outdoor garlands keeping in mind local store prices may differ:

Length Price Range
6 ft $20 – $50
9 ft $30 – $80
12 ft $40 – $100
You can find artificial garlands at home improvement stores, craft shops, and online retailers. Compare options to get the best value for your budget. Undecorated garland usually cost less but then you have the chance to use decorative accents and a selection of christmas garlands of your choice.

Remember to check for UV protection if you plan to leave the garland outdoors for extended periods. This helps prevent the lush greenery fading from sun exposure.