45 DIY Christmas Garland Ideas to Make Your Home Holiday-Ready

Holiday garland is one of the most versatile Christmas decorations out there. It looks great wrapped around the Christmas tree, instantly turns the mantle into a focal point, adds cheer to your staircase, makes your home holiday party-ready, and even improves curb appeal when wrapped around your lamppost or the columns on your porch.

The problem: Store-bought garland can be expensive and underwhelming (read: sparse and plastic) all at the same time. The solution: Make your own Christmas garland. When you DIY, you can create something aesthetically-pleasing for less money—not to mention, options are boundless.

Try paper lanterns or Christmas lights, felt words and phrases, popsicle stick snowflakes covered in rhinestones, or even red ribbons or balloon arches. You could even use live greenery like eucalyptus, evergreen, poinsettia, or laurels to create table runners, chandelier decor, and gilded garland. And if you have the sewing know-how, craft mini felt figurines from the Nutcracker or a series of stockings that double as a unique advent calendar.

There's an added bonus to homemade garland: Most last from year to year, becoming family heirlooms. Some of these options—like the sequin "cheers" banner—can even be used at parties and weddings year-round.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your craft supplies and a cup of hot cocoa, and get to work fashioning these festive DIY Christmas garlands.