When it comes to holiday décor, the evergreen wreath has long reigned supreme – a circular emblem of welcome and endurance hung proudly on doors from late November through New Year’s Day. Yet lately, the classic wreath is facing stiff competition from its more fluid cousin: the garland. Draped along mantels, doorframes, and stair rails, the modern garland is stealing the spotlight as decorators trade symmetry for something looser, more expressive, and endlessly adaptable.

Part of the garland’s new allure lies in its versatility. Unlike the closed form of a wreath, a garland has movement – it can wind, drape, swoop, or cascade. It can dress up an entire room rather than a single door. Social media’s affection for natural, “un-done” arrangements has helped its resurgence, with florists and stylists showcasing trailing greenery laced with fruit, ribbon, berries and blooms in palettes that feel both ancient and fashionably current.

‍

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GARLAND

Garlands predate Christmas by several millennia. Ancient Egyptians wove papyrus and palm leaves into long braids for ceremonial offerings. The Greeks crowned their victors with laurel chains, while Romans festooned temples with pine and ivy to celebrate Saturnalia – the midwinter festival that would later influence Christmas traditions. In India, garlands of jasmine, marigold, and rose still mark celebrations, religious rituals, and weddings, symbolizing respect, blessing, and continuity.

During the European Middle Ages, greenery took on a more spiritual significance. Bay, boxwood, and fir were hung indoors during winter as symbols of life’s persistence through darkness. The Victorians, with their penchant for excess, brought the garland indoors in grand fashion – loops of cedar and holly over mirrors, doorways, and staircases, often threaded with ribbon or gilded fruit.

Today’s garlands echo these traditions but with a modern sensibility – more sculptural, more sustainable, and often locally sourced. Where the wreath speaks of ceremony, the garland represents abundance and connection. 

‍

MATERIALS FOR EVERY CLIMATE

Choosing the right foliage and accents depends on your environment. A garland that thrives in Vancouver’s December drizzle may wilt within hours under an Australian sun. The key is durability and texture – mixing living and preserved elements for longevity and character.

In Cold Climates (Canada, Northern U.S., Northern Europe):

Evergreens are your winter backbone. Use cedar for its soft drape and scent, fir or pine for structure, and juniper for its silvery berries. Add sprigs of magnolia or eucalyptus for contrast. For colour, tuck in winterberry, rose hips, or dried hydrangeas. Cold weather preserves greenery naturally, so garlands can last weeks outdoors and about ten days inside if misted occasionally. Dried orange slices, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or even bundles of herbs like rosemary bring warmth and scent.

In Warm Climates (Texas, California, Australia):

Fresh-cut conifers often dry too quickly in heat, so adapt with drought-tolerant and preserved materials. Olive branches, bay, seeded eucalyptus, and hardy herbs make excellent bases. Add in dried protea, strawflower, statice, or paper daisies for resilience and texture. In coastal areas, palm fronds or sea-grape leaves lend a sculptural note. Citrus fruit, air plants, or dried flowers can be charmingly local substitutes for berries or pinecones. A light misting of water or placement out of direct sun will prolong freshness, but many warm-weather garlands are designed to dry gracefully over time.

STYLING THE MODERN GARLAND

The beauty of the garland is its adaptability. It can frame a doorway, outline a fireplace mantel, or spill down a staircase like a botanical waterfall. The current aesthetic leans toward asymmetry – one end fuller, trailing, or adorned with ribbons and clusters of blooms. Metallic accents, particularly copper and champagne gold, add subtle gleam without veering into tinsel territory. For a sustainable twist, consider reusing your garland framework year after year: twine or a flexible grapevine base can be refreshed each season with new clippings.

In minimalist interiors, a single length of cedar or eucalyptus across a table runner feels chic and understated. For maximalists, mix in dried flowers, seed pods, and fabric bows for a lush, layered effect. The goal is personality – something that looks gathered, not manufactured.

‍

HOW TO MAKE A HOLIDAY GARLAND AT HOME

Creating your own garland is a meditative pleasure: part craft, part ritual, part creative art. Here’s how to build one that feels both timeless and personal.

1. Gather Materials

You’ll need a base of flexible greenery (cedar, eucalyptus, olive, or pine), a coil of floral wire, sturdy twine, pruning shears, and any embellishments – dried fruit, ribbon, berries, or ornaments. Decide on length and where it will hang before cutting your materials.

2. Create Small Bundles

Cut the foliage into manageable pieces – about 8 to 10 inches long. Group a few stems together into small bundles, combining textures (for example, cedar with eucalyptus or pine with juniper). Secure the base of each bundle tightly with floral wire.

3. Attach to the Twine Base

Lay the twine out flat and begin attaching the bundles one by one, overlapping each slightly to hide the stems. Always face the tips in the same direction for a cohesive flow. Wrap floral wire around both the bundle and twine several times to secure before moving to the next section.

4. Layer and Build Texture

Once your base is complete, step back and assess its fullness. Fill sparse areas with more greenery or accent pieces. Weave in berries, fruit slices, or ornaments sparingly so they don’t overwhelm the natural foliage.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Tie ribbons or velvet bows at intervals, particularly at the ends or where the garland drapes. If it’s going outdoors, keep embellishments weatherproof. Indoors, you can incorporate delicate dried flowers or feathers for softness.

6. Hang and Mist

Use command hooks, wire, or nails to secure your garland in place. For indoor versions, mist lightly every few days to maintain freshness. Outdoors, nature does most of the work.

‍

THE NEW CLASSIC

As tastes evolve, the garland has stepped out from the periphery to become the holiday centerpiece. It feels generous, modern, and deeply rooted in tradition – a living link between the ancient and the now. Whether you’re stringing cedar boughs across a snowy porch or draping eucalyptus over a sunlit archway, the act of making and hanging a garland remains an elemental pleasure: an offering of green life in the heart of winter.