Unlock Christmas Magic: How to Use Garland to Decorate Your Christmas Tree
, by MarketingLaRibbons, 9 min reading time
If you’re gearing up to make your Christmas tree feel extra cozy and festive this year, garland is the secret weapon you need. Whether you’re into classic greenery or want to add a pop of color, garland wraps your tree in warmth—and it’s easier to use than you might think. Before we dive in, don’t miss our go-to garland picks: check out the Garland Bundle Collection for all your decorating needs, plus fan favorites like the 2-Piece Greenery Frame Ribbon Bundle (Garland Bundle 01) and 2-Piece Greenery Frame Ribbon Bundle (Garland Bundle 05) to get started.
Why Garland Is a Christmas Must-Have
Let’s be real—Christmas trees are great on their own, but garland takes them to the next level. It fills in gaps between branches, adds texture, and ties your whole decor theme together. This year, more people are ditching overly complicated setups and leaning into garland because it’s versatile: you can keep it simple with traditional pine garland, or mix in ribbons and faux berries for a fun twist. Whether your style is rustic, modern, or whimsical, garland fits right in. It’s not just for trees, either—you can drape it over mantels or staircases later—but today, we’re focusing on making your tree shine.
How to Pick the Perfect Garland for Your Tree
The key to a great garland look? Choosing one that fits your tree’s size and your style. Our Garland Bundle Collection has options for every tree, so let’s break down what to look for:
First, size matters. For a 6-7 foot tree, aim for 9-12 feet of garland—you want enough to wrap around without looking sparse. If your tree is taller (8+ feet), go for 15-20 feet. Next, material: faux greenery garland is low-maintenance (no needles to clean up!) and lasts for years. Our Garland Bundle 01 is a top pick here—it has lush greenery paired with soft ribbon, so it adds both texture and a subtle pop of color. For something with a bit more flair, try Garland Bundle 08—it’s got a richer green tone and thicker ribbon, perfect for a bold, classic look.
Don’t forget to match your theme! If you’re doing a neutral Christmas (think whites and beiges), a garland with cream ribbon works. If you want to go bold, pick one with red or gold accents—our bundles are designed to mix and match, so you can even layer two if you’re feeling creative.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you grab your garland, gather a few simple tools to make the process smooth:
Small zip ties or floral wire (to secure the garland if needed)
A step stool (for taller trees—safety first!)
Optional: small ornaments or berries to tuck into the garland
A friend (optional, but wrapping garland is more fun with company!)
Pro tip: Fluff your tree branches first! This gives the garland more space to sit and looks neater in the end.
Step-by-Step: How to Attach Garland to Your Christmas Tree
Now for the fun part—let’s wrap that garland! Follow these steps for a natural, even look:
Start at the bottom: Begin with the end of the garland at the base of the tree, near the trunk. Tuck it gently into the branches to hold it in place—you can use a small zip tie here if it feels loose, but most garland stays put with a little tucking.
Wrap upwards at an angle: Instead of wrapping straight around, go up the tree at a slight diagonal (about 45 degrees). This looks more organic than a perfectly straight line. For every 2-3 feet you go up, wrap the garland around the tree once.
Keep it loose: Don’t pull the garland too tight! Leave a little slack so it can drape naturally—this adds volume and looks less stiff. If you’re using a ribbon garland (like our Garland Bundle 01), let some of the ribbon hang down slightly for a soft, messy-chic vibe.
Fill in gaps: As you go up, check for empty spots between branches. Tuck small sections of garland into those gaps to keep the look full. If you’re using two garlands (like layering Garland Bundle 01 and Garland Bundle 04), wrap them in opposite directions for extra depth.
Finish at the top: When you reach the top third of the tree, start wrapping more tightly to keep the garland close to the branches. Tuck the final end near the tree topper (if you have one) so it’s hidden.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once the garland is up, it’s time to make it shine! Here are a few easy ideas:
Tuck small ornaments (like mini baubles or snowflakes) into the garland—this ties the tree’s decor together.
Add a string of fairy lights along the garland for extra glow—wrap the lights around the garland first, then attach both to the tree.
For a rustic look, add a few pine cones or cinnamon sticks to the greenery. If you’re using our ribbon garlands, you can tie small bows into the ribbon for a cute detail.
Watch the Video: How to Use Garland to Attach Your Christmas Tree
Sometimes, seeing it done is easier than reading! Check out our quick video below to watch the process step-by-step—you’ll be a garland pro in no time.
Common Garland Questions (Answered!)
Q: My garland keeps slipping—what do I do?
A: Use small floral wire or zip ties to secure it to the tree branches (just cut the ties short so they’re hidden). Our Garland Bundle Collection has sturdy greenery that holds up well, but a little extra security never hurts.
Q: Can I reuse my garland next year?
A: Absolutely! Faux garland (like the ones in our bundles) lasts for years—just store it in a cool, dry place in a storage bag to keep it from getting crushed.
Q: I have a small tabletop tree—how much garland do I need?
A: For a 2-3 foot tree, 3-5 feet of garland is enough. Use a thinner garland (like our Garland Bundle 01) so it doesn’t overwhelm the tree.
Share Your Christmas Creations!
We’d love to see how you decorate your tree with garland! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below with photos—your setup might inspire other readers. And if you need more garland or Christmas decor, head over to our Garland Bundle Collection to stock up.