It is no secret that I have a major love of all things fresh when it comes to flowers.
And that love goes right on over to the fresh greenery for Christmas.
I am one of those
give me yards of fresh garland and a dozen wreaths
type of girls.
I love to use fresh greens everywhere for Christmas.
And some of those wreaths and garlands go up just as they are
and stay just that way.
Simplicity is perfection.
But sometimes you might want a mixed greens look.
Or something that leans a little glam or romantic or just different.
Moi too.
So you take those simple fresh wreaths and garlands and customize.
Pink, blue, purple, red, romantic, elegant, you name it.
Pick your look and press go.
I shared one of my work in progress fresh wreaths earlier this week- and today,
I thought I would share a closer look at the mantel and the fresh garland
that so many of you have asked about.
First secret?
Garland doesn’t have to be garland
to be garland.
I don’t always make a garland or use a garland. Often times, it is clippings or branches.
Simply lay your fresh clippings on the top of the mantel and let them hang over just a bit.
Simple. Simple.
But if you would like to use a garland and add leaves, branches, flowers, whatever-
it is super easy to do.
Start with your fresh green clippings or ready to go garland-
your choice- either one works
(and I am sharing a peek at both versions so you get an idea)
Layer in your fresh bits.
For this mantel-
I used lambs ear, seeded eucalyptus, eucalyptus pods,
cedar clippings, and baby roses.
If you are doing a garland that falls down the sides of your fireplace
or drapes across the front or on stairs, etc.
You will want to wire the greens and flowers to the garland.
They won’t stay otherwise and they will drive you crazy.
Simply use small florist or craft wire and tie them right to the garland.
and repeat and repeat and voila.
But, if using greens that simply lay on top-
you can just tuck the branches, flowers, etc. in where you would like them.
No need to wire unless you would like to.
They really stay well when working with something flat like a table
or a mantel.
Remember to spritz your greens with water often to keep them fresh longer
and if you are using them on a mantel that burns a fire – I would not recommend draping the garland- just keep it on top and away from the heat – and replace greens often.
It sounds like a lot of work- but it isn’t really- and it gives you the opportunity to change the look
a bit if you like as well.
Our living room mantel is the only one that I usually have to replace during the season because it is a wood burning fireplace.
Of course, the other easy option-
simply use a faux greenery garland and customize it just the same.
See you soon for more
Christmas Home for the Holidays decorating inspiration.
Hope your weekend is off to a great start!
See more of my home dressed for Christmas
in my Holiday Housewalk post
in my Holiday Housewalk post
I always get so many questions about where to find the items I share
so I am including sources if you would like them.
Incidentally- Balsam Hill has a big 50% + more sale going on this week 😉
Enter your email address:
Delivered by FeedBurner
Love your photos, the greenery is beautiful. Thanks for the tip on spraying the greenery to make it last.
Thank you for stopping by Pamela!
Your vignettes are beautiful and inspiring! But could we see the whole picture? I would love to see your darling home from the minute you walk up to the front door! You have done such an amazing job, and your style is perfect. We're just not seeing this style in the magazines much anymore. Thank you for sharing all that you do with your home, but I'm wondering if you could just stand back and show more!! Just a though! Merry Christmas!! xo
Hi Marta,
Thank you for your compliments! There are wider views in my home tour from earlier this week- this was mainly a post about the garland specifically. 🙂
Hello, I love all your post's….thank you for sharing!
Do you have any pictures of your process for making a garland? I’ve been making a few, but they seem so stiff and not drape-able….
I have almost unlimited greens and am really having fun playing with them!