If holiday decorations made up the cast of a movie, then Christmas trees would be the star. And, the supporting characters would be your Christmas wreaths and garlands. These complete the holiday scene you’re directing and add festive touches to your interiors.
Wreaths and garlands also fit into different celebrations as decorative accents around the year. They come in different sizes and colors to suit your space and the look you’re going for. The question is how do you pick an artificial wreath or garland that’s right for you? Let this comprehensive guide enlighten you.
Different Types of Christmas Garlands and Wreaths
You might be familiar with the traditional greenery hung on doors or mantels. But did you know that there are other types of wreaths and garlands to consider?
According to Embellishments
Plain Wreaths & Garlands
The main advantage of bare wreaths and garlands is they give you the ultimate flexibility to decorate. Without the bells and whistles, they’re usually less expensive than their embellished counterparts, too. Some are even meant to be bare; they look gorgeous without any decorations.
Pre-lit Christmas Wreaths & Garlands
Like Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands also come conveniently pre-lit. Most of them have warm clear lights. If you want a brighter display, go for a wreath or garland with LED lights. Aside from the brightness, LEDs are known to be energy-savers and last longer than traditional bulbs.
Tip: When decorating with Treetopia’s pre-lit wreaths and garlands, consider spaces that are near an electrical outlet. Or select battery-operated ones that you can easily display in indoor or covered outdoor spaces.
Decorated Wreaths & Garlands for Christmas
When you’re all about convenience, go for an embellished wreath or garland. There’s a wide variety to choose from whether you’re looking for something flocked or one decorated with pinecones and berries.
According to Material Used
Similar to Christmas trees, there are three materials commonly used for wreaths and garlands: PE, PVC, and tinsel.
Realistic PE
PE or polyethylene is a premium material used for greenery. It’s injection-molded to precisely mimic the hues, form, and texture of tree needles (like fir or spruce). Artificial Christmas wreaths and garlands with the most realistic foliage—such as Treetopia’s Balsam Spruce Wreath—are mostly made of PE and supported by PVC for fullness.
Classic PVC
Most greenery in the market are crafted with durable PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. This classic material is usually preferred because it’s affordable and long-lasting.
Tinsel
Tinsel wreaths and garlands (like the Tinkerbell Silver Wreath) are made of PVC, too—just a sparkly variety. The only difference is that the needles are coated in shiny film. This gives them their trademark metallic look.
DIY Wreaths and Garlands
Crafting these means there’s no limit to the materials you can use. Sew fabrics, wield wires, glue together Christmas balls—use anything, really. Be as imaginative as you can be!
Christmas Wreath and Garland Decorating Considerations
So with all the options available, how do you narrow down which wreath and garland you should buy? Start by thinking of the area you want to spruce up. Then, you’ll have a better idea of what type of foliage suits the space. Aside from the types, think about size and the accessories you’ll be needing, too.
How do I choose the right size wreath?
Wreaths are usually hung on doors, above fireplace mantels, and on dining room or kitchen shelves. We recommend average-sized wreaths from 24 to 30 inches in diameter for these areas.
If you’re setting a decorated wreath on your dining tabletop, make sure there’s enough space for place settings around the wreath. For double doors and other similar mirror-image areas, get a pair of identical wreaths.
How do I calculate how much garland I need?
Garlands, meanwhile, brighten up entryways, ledges of a fireplace mantel, and staircases. You might want to add some holiday cheer to your bedroom by decorating your headboard.
Garlands that are around 9 to 10 feet in length, such as Treetopia’s Balsam Spruce garland, would be ideal for these areas. Use a couple of garlands for long staircases.
How do you hang Christmas wreaths or garlands?
Get the appropriate wreath and garland hangers to display your decorations without damaging walls and surfaces. Some won’t require you to drill holes or deal with sticky adhesives.
Alternatively, put your craftiness to good use with DIY hangers. Work your magic with ribbons, wires, and strings. Repurpose home fixtures like picture-hanging hooks or simply find spaces that to decorate without nails, strings, hangers, and stickers.
Here are a couple of ideas: drape a garland on a rectangular table or spruce up a round coffee table with a wreath.
What holiday wreath storage or garland container do you need?
Don’t forget to think of storage, too! Look for durable accessories that keep your Christmas wreaths and garlands safe from damaging elements. The same goes for ornaments. Store them in proper greenery bags to maintain their condition for years to come.
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Christmas Decoration Storage: How to Protect Your Ornaments From Heat Damage & More
Wreaths and Garlands for Every Occasion
To jumpstart your decorating, we’ve rounded up creative ideas to inspire you on when and how to use your wreaths and garlands, depending on the season or celebration.
How to Decorate Christmas Garlands & Wreaths
Complete your holiday scene with a classic green garland or wreath for Christmas.
Shiny ornaments like golden ribbons or metallic Christmas balls would look great. They amp up the sparkle of a wreath and Christmas garland with lights. Or, dial up on the flair with sparkly tinsel décor.
How to Decorate Wreaths & Garlands for Halloween
Whether you’re going for “Glam-oween” or pulling off an extra spooky theme, there’s a Treetopia wreath and garland for that.
Have fun decorating our black wreaths for Halloween with creepy masks or dressing up your mantel with a chic Tuxedo Black garland. If your party has a whimsical motif, choose ones in vibrant colors.
How to Decorate Garlands & Wreaths for Fall and Spring
Serve up some flower power for spring! Decorating theme and image by Jennifer Perkins
Spruce up your home and celebrate the seasons of foliage and of blooms! Pick fresh, artificial, or DIY flowers to decorate your wreath or garland to create warm and welcoming entryways and interiors.
How to Decorate Wreaths & Garlands for Other Holidays
Pile on the pink and red for Valentine's Day! Decorating theme and image by Jennifer Perkins
If you’re celebrating other holidays throughout the year, who says you can’t use your wreath or artificial garland, too? Check out all the creative wreaths decorated by our friends for various celebrations:
How to Decorate Garlands & Wreaths for a Cause
Make a statement like this Breast Cancer Awareness wreath by A Kailo Chic Life.
Another great use of colorful wreaths: dress them up for your cause. Whether it’s Breast Cancer Awareness, Pride Month, or anything else around the year, use them to make a statement.
How to Decorate Wreaths & Garlands for Events and Everyday Décor
To encourage your kids to study, give their study room a makeover with crafty school-themed ornaments like these by Jennifer Perkins.
There’s no limit to the occasions—or the lack thereof—where your wreaths and garlands can play a role in. Use them as accents for anything, really—from milestone celebrations and themed parties to those occasions that are extra special to you.
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Put a Ring or a String on It
Wreaths and garlands are versatile decorations. So go ahead and decorate with a festive wreath or a lush garland whenever you like. Let your creativity flow with your choice of embellishments, according to your theme.
We hope that this post inspired you to update your home, office, or event with a colorful wreath or garland. Share this with your tribe, so they can put a decorative ring or string on their celebrations and everyday interiors, too!
