Asymmetrical garland is very popular this year and I was dying to recreate it. Instead of buying multiple faux garlands I used real greenery from our yard and it turned out BEAUTIFUL!!!
I’m not sure how long it will last but the way I assembled it will allow me to replace bunches as they start to dry out.
Here’s how I made it:
1. Take cuttings from a variety of coniferous trees. This can be any evergreen, spruce, fir, pine, juniper, etc. I’d try to avoid pine or anything with sap so it doesn’t damage your mantle.
I used stems from 3 different trees / shrubs and it created the perfect amount of texture and interest.
2. Put cuttings directly into a bucket of water for at least a few hours. Leave outside for as long as possible until you’re ready to assemble and place the garland.
3. Almost all of the research I’ve done on this topic suggested using a wilt stop on the stems before assembling the garland. I didn’t have any so I’ll add to this post to document how long my garland lasts without wilt stop.
4. Start by protecting the mantle. I cut up a brown paper bag and taped it down. Use a coordinating color to the wood or paint.
5. Place a small command hook on each corner of the mantle with the opening of the hook facing away from you.
6. Start by laying down the largest branches across the mantle to start a base. Tuck a branch in the command hook. This will prevent the garland from moving around or falling off.
7. Bunch medium size branches together using floral tape. Then assemble across mantle. I found it helpful to attach some of the medium size bunches to the larger branches using both floral tape or twine depending how thick the large branch was. This helped to keep it secure.
8. To create the asymmetrical down turned swoop I attached 3 faux stems to a larger branch that was protruding past the edge of the mantle. The faux stems have more flexibility which helped guide the garland down the side of the mantle.
9. To create the fullness down the side of the mantle I used lots of smaller stems. Attaching them with floral tape and arranging the greenery to hide the tape. Smaller stems in different varieties can be added to give it dimension.
9. Fill in the gaps across the mantle with small stems.
10. Hydrate! Spritz garland with water. Do this very 2-3 days.
11. Add your bells, ribbon or any accents. I used 3 cow bells (also very popular this year) and twinkle lights. I also played with two different bow options but in the end I liked it without. I’ll most likely be adding a beaded garland and some ribbon. And some stockings of course to the other side!
If these types of foliage aren’t available in your area you could request clippings from a Christmas tree farm. They will most likely give them away during the holidays since they accumulate from trimming the trees down!
