How Much Garland Will You Need? - The length of garland that you will need depends on the size of your tree, how deeply the garland swags, and how many times around the tree it is placed. For an approximate guide, figure on at least 2 feet of garland per foot of tree (so a 2 foot tree will need about 4 feet of garland). Buy more to be safe, and use any extra on the mantle or wreaths. If you are still working on your ornament collection and the tree does not have a lot of ornaments, weave a colorful 1" - 2" sheer ribbon garland between the fingers on each arm of the tree. Put the ornaments you own on the center of the branch instead of at the tips.

 

Placement Tips - Gently swagged garland looks more graceful than straight or diagonal lines across the tree. Deeply swaged garland is beautiful but can only be used on large trees with open space between branches. Once the garland is in place the ornaments and other decorations can be added. Double or Triple It. For added interest use 2 or 3 types of garland twisted together. Use design principles of size variation and repetition when choosing garlands to use together. For instance, use a wide navy velvet ribbon with a small silver beaded garland and, a medium sized blue and silver icicle garland.

Attaching A Garland:  Most garlands will slip off the branches of a metal ornament tree. Some flexible garlands can be wound around a branch to hold them in place. In the alternative a garland can be secured with a small piece of wire, a ribbon, a glue dot or a small white, brown green twist tie.

 

Vertical Garland: Can be attached to the top of your tree (behind the tree topper), then looped down vertically. Be sure to add some twists and turns, wiring to branches if necessary, in order to add interest and graceful curves. This technique is especially well suited for beautiful silk or sheer ribbons.

 

Ribbon as a Garland: Ribbon is a great material to use for garlands and comes in wide and narrow widths, patterned and plain styles. Wired edges will help you arrange it on the tree. If the ribbon has no wire, then twist and turn it occasionally, fastening into place with small wires.

Cut Up Beaded Garlands - Beaded garlands can sometimes be cut up into shorter lengths and used like ornaments on a branch. Be sure that cutting the garland won't cause all of the beads to fall off of the string. Strings knotted between each bead or styles where beads are glued in place will work for this technique. This works best with garland that is very flexible and will fold easily over branches.