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. Glass garlands are the exception. Ours can be used on tabletop or floor height trees. 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. When to Put it On Garland should be placed on the tree after the lights are installed. 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: Garland will generally stay where you put it on an artificial or real Christmas tree. However, most garlands tend to 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 tinsel to drape over branches. 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. Cut garland pieces about 16 inches long, fold in half and set on a branch. Vary the lengths to get a more interesting look. This works best with garland that is very flexible and will fold easily over branches.

Raffia - An inexpensive country look garland can be made from strands of raffia (clip raffia to even lengths and tie or wire lengths together). Wire swags onto branches to control the wild raffia look. Vines - Long natural vines or silk vines can be used as a garland if they are thin and flexible enough to be worked around the tree.

 

Vines - Long natural vines or silk vines can be used as a garland if they are thin and flexible enough to be worked around the tree.

   
Chains - Homemade chains of paper strips or ribbon lengths can be made in any size or color you desire.

Cranberry, small nuts or other decorative berry garland - cranberry garlands add a warm look to your tree. Nut garlands remind one of the out of doors. Use a water-based non-toxic glue and wire to connect the berries. Best used for a small tree and makes a great project for kids. Also, real or dried cranberries, nut meats or fruit pits should not be used on a silver-plated or painted metal tree because of the acid content in the berries.Also, real cranberries should not be used on silver plated or painted metal trees because of the acid content in the berries.

Popcorn - The old standby of plain popcorn garlands add a homey look to your tree. You'll need to experiment with needles, thread and plain popcorn to determine the best method. This project may be better suited to a small tree since stringing 50+ feet of garland for a taller tree may be more than you can do. 

Mini Pinecones - Pinecones look wonderful on a tree, especially a country or cabin themed tree. Look for commercially made garlands of mini-cones, or try making your own if you have a source of small pinecones.

Beads - Beaded garlands are a traditional favorite. Buy commercial styles in wood, faux pearls, and artificial cranberry. Or, string your own custom garland with the beads of your choice.

 

Trimmings - There are many craft and fabric materials that can be creatively used as garland. Look for cording, trimmings, artificial leaf garlands, tassels, upholstery trims, and more.

 

Twine, Rope- Twist, braid, knot, or loop twine or rope into a special garland. This might be perfect for a nautical tree, a Western themed tree, or a country tree.

Fold Your Own From Paper- Almost any paper decoration can be folded over a piece of twine or cording to make your own garland. Cut shapes out of folded paper, then glue the halves together with the twine encased in the fold. Space evenly on the twine, every two-three inches.

 

Garlands can be anything from the traditional berry or gold leaf garland to elegant Vintage blown glass beads. Stretch your imagination by using specialty garlands with a sports, kid friendly, occupation focused garlands.

We carry a beautiful selection of Bohemian glass, and glass crystal garlands. Use them to decorate your metal ornament tree or an artificial Christmas tree. Wind them around a real pine garland or mound them in a crystal bowl for a holiday centerpiece. 

(C) 2004- present. Excerpted from an article written by Glenna Morton, (About.com Interior Decorating Guide) and modified for Ornament-trees.com metal Christmas ornament trees.  Please note that we assume no liability for the use or misuse of these instructions or those provided by the manufacturer. Use our Contact Form to request permission to reprint or quote from this article. Thanks for shopping at Ornament Trees.com. We appreciate your business. :-)