When the holidays roll around, one of the best ways to infuse some festive charm into your home is by decorating your entryway. It's the first space guests see when they enter, and setting the tone with a beautiful garland can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Garland for doorways is an easy yet effective decoration that brings natural beauty and holiday spirit to your front entrance. Here's how to use garland to add a touch of seasonal charm to your entryway.

1. Choose the Right Garland for Your Style

The first step to creating a stunning doorway is selecting the right type of garland. There are plenty of options out there, so pick one that complements your home's overall style and the festive vibe you want to create.

  • Traditional Evergreen Garland: Made from real pine, fir, or cedar, this garland has a fresh, natural look and a lovely scent that evokes winter. It's perfect if you want a classic holiday feel.

  • Faux Garland: If you're looking for something that will last for multiple seasons, faux garland is a great option. Modern faux garlands can look incredibly realistic and require little upkeep.

  • Pre-Lit Garland: For extra warmth and sparkle, pre-lit garland is the way to go. These garlands have built-in string lights, making them perfect for evening displays and adding an enchanting glow to your entryway.

  • Decorative Garland: If you want something more unique, you can find garlands that incorporate various materials like pinecones, berries, glitter, or even ribbons. These types of garlands are great if you want to add a personalized touch.

2. Measure Your Space

Before you start hanging your garland, measure the area where you want to place it. Whether you're draping it across your doorframe or wrapping it around a railing, knowing the dimensions will ensure you have enough garland to cover the space.

If you're hanging garland across your doorway, measure the width of the door and add a few extra inches on each side to allow for draping. If you're wrapping it around a railing or porch column, measure the length of the railing to avoid buying too much or too little.

3. Prepare the Garland

If you're using a natural garland, it's important to keep it fresh throughout the season. Trim any loose branches or needles, and if needed, spray the garland with water every few days to prevent it from drying out. For faux garland, give it a good shake to fluff it up and make it look fuller.

If your garland isn't already pre-lit, you can add your own string lights. Use a light strand that complements the length of your garland and wrap it evenly throughout to create a glowing effect.

4. Add Decorative Elements

While garland alone can look beautiful, adding decorative elements will take your doorway display to the next level. Consider these ideas:

  • Bows and Ribbons: Use wide, festive ribbons to tie beautiful bows at intervals along the garland. You can use classic red, green, or metallic gold to match your overall holiday theme.

  • Pinecones and Berries: Add small pinecones, red berries, or holly for a traditional holiday touch. These accents bring texture and color to the garland and make it feel even more festive.

  • Ornaments: Hang small, lightweight ornaments from the garland to give it a personalized look. Choose ornaments that match your color scheme, or go for a mix of metallics, glitter, or natural elements like wooden stars or acorns.

  • Artificial Snow or Glitter: For a frosty, wintery look, sprinkle a little fake snow or glitter along the garland. This effect gives the garland a magical, snow-covered appearance that's perfect for winter.

5. Hanging the Garland

Once your garland is ready, it's time to hang it. The key here is securing it properly to ensure it stays in place throughout the season.

  • Over the Doorway: If you're hanging the garland over your door, use hooks or nails to secure it. You can also use adhesive hooks or command strips for a non-invasive option. Make sure the garland hangs evenly across the top, allowing it to drape slightly on each side.

  • Around the Doorframe: For a full, dramatic look, wrap the garland around the edges of the doorway. Use floral wire or zip ties to secure the garland at intervals. If you want a more relaxed look, drape the garland loosely so it cascades down the sides of the doorframe.

  • On a Railing or Porch Column: To wrap garland around a porch railing, start at the top and work your way down, securing it with floral wire or twist ties. If you're decorating a column, wrap the garland vertically, making sure it's secure at the top and bottom.

6. Add a Focal Point

To make your doorway garland even more eye-catching, consider adding a focal point. A large bow in the center, a wreath, or a set of bells can draw attention and create symmetry.

  • Wreath: Hang a festive wreath in the center of the garland to tie the look together. You can use a wreath made from the same greenery or choose one with decorations like ribbons, lights, or ornaments.

  • Bows: Place a large, dramatic bow in the center of the garland for a classic holiday look. Choose a ribbon with a luxurious feel, like velvet or satin, for an elegant touch.

  • Hanging Ornaments or Bells: For a whimsical effect, add a few hanging ornaments or bells in the center or at various points along the garland. These will catch the light and draw attention.

7. Maintain Your Garland

Once your garland is up, it's important to maintain it throughout the season. For natural garlands, mist them with water regularly to keep them fresh. Faux garlands only need occasional dusting to keep them looking their best.

If you've added lights, check the bulbs every few days to make sure they're all working. If a light goes out, replace it promptly so your entryway stays beautifully illuminated.

8. Keep It Balanced

A balanced look is key when hanging garland. While it's tempting to load the garland with lots of ornaments and accents, keep in mind that the natural beauty of the greenery should be the focal point. Space out your decorative elements so they don't overwhelm the garland, and make sure the overall look feels cohesive.

Conclusion

Using garland for doorways is an easy and effective way to add holiday charm to your entryway. Whether you choose classic greenery, twinkling lights, or decorative accents, garland can instantly transform your doorway into a festive focal point. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a beautifully adorned entryway that will welcome guests and spread holiday cheer throughout the season.