How to Make a Christmas Garland (Greenery, Paper and Dried Orange)

Making your own Christmas garland lets you control the style, length, and materials to match your home. Whether you want a classic greenery swag, a playful paper chain, or a rustic dried orange strand, each method is straightforward with the right supplies and a little patience. This guide walks you through three distinct approaches: a lush greenery garland on a rope base, a paper garland (chains, stars, or accordion folds), and a dried orange slice garland—including safe oven drying steps. You’ll also find advice on adding lights safely, hanging each type, and storing them for next year.

Choose a Method and Measure the Length You Need

Before gathering materials, decide where the garland will hang—on a mantel, along a staircase railing, across a doorway, or over a window. Measure the total length you want to cover, then add a little extra (about 10–15%) for draping and securing the ends. For a mantel, a common rule of thumb is to make the garland about one and a half times the width of the mantel so it can cascade slightly at the ends. For a staircase, you’ll need to measure the railing’s run and allow for gentle swags between posts. Write down your target length; this will help you estimate how much greenery, paper, or orange slices you’ll need.

Method 1: Greenery Garland on Rope or Wire

A greenery garland is the most traditional option, and you can use fresh or faux foliage. The key is building small bundles and attaching them to a sturdy base—either a length of rope or a roll of wire mesh. Fresh greenery (such as pine, fir, cedar, or eucalyptus) will last a few weeks indoors if kept away from heat sources. Faux greenery can be reused year after year.

What You’ll Need

• Rope or twine (natural jute or cotton) or a roll of wire mesh (often called garland wire). You can use jute twine for a rustic look.
• Fresh or faux greenery clippings (gather more than you think you need; a full garland uses a lot).
• floral wire (paddle or spool) for securing bundles.
• Wire cutters or sturdy scissors.
• Optional: ornaments, pinecones, berries, or ribbon to embellish.

Steps to Assemble

Prepare the base. Cut your rope or wire to the measured length plus a few extra inches. If using rope, tie a loop at each end for hanging. If using wire mesh, leave the ends bare so you can twist them into hooks.

Make small bundles. Gather 3–5 sprigs of greenery together, stems aligned. Wrap the stems tightly with floral wire, leaving a short tail of wire. Each bundle should be about 4–6 inches long.

Attach the first bundle. Place the bundle at one end of the rope or wire, stems pointing toward the center of the garland. Wrap the wire tail around the base a few times to secure it. Trim any excess wire.

Continue adding bundles. Overlap the next bundle so its foliage covers the stems of the previous one. Wrap and secure. Work your way down the length, keeping the bundles evenly spaced and slightly angled to create a full, natural look. For a thicker garland, add a second layer of bundles on top, offset from the first.

Finish the end. When you reach the opposite end, tuck the last bundle’s stems inward and wire them down. Fluff the greenery to fill any gaps. If using faux greenery, you can bend branches to shape the garland.

Embellish (optional). Wire on pinecones, berries, or small ornaments. For a cohesive look, add a ribbon bow at the center or ends.

Method 2: Paper Garland

Paper garlands are lightweight, inexpensive, and endlessly customizable. You can make classic paper chains, accordion-folded stars, or simple cutout shapes. Use sturdy paper like cardstock, scrapbook paper, or even recycled wrapping paper.

Paper Chain Garland

Cut strips of paper about 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long. Form the first strip into a ring and glue or tape the ends. Thread the next strip through the ring, then close it. Repeat until you reach your desired length. For a more festive look, alternate colors or patterns.

Folded Paper Snowflake Garland

Cut squares of paper (4–6 inches). Fold each square in half, then in half again, then fold into a triangle. Cut notches or patterns along the edges (like a snowflake). Unfold to reveal a snowflake. String them by punching a small hole near one point and threading a needle with thin string or twine. Space them evenly along the string.

Cutout Shape Garland

Use a template (circles, trees, snowflakes) to trace and cut shapes from colored paper. Punch a hole in each and thread onto a ribbon or string. You can also fold a long strip of paper accordion-style and cut a repeating shape (like a row of trees) to create a continuous garland.

Tip: To make the garland last, avoid hanging it near moisture or direct sunlight, which can fade the colors. Store flat or loosely rolled in a dry box.

Method 3: Dried Orange Slice Garland

Dried orange slices add a warm, citrusy scent and a beautiful translucent glow when backlit. The process requires patience but is simple. Always follow safety guidelines when using an oven.

Step 1: Slice the Oranges

Choose firm, fresh oranges (navel or blood oranges work well). Wash and dry them. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut crosswise into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices take longer to dry; thinner slices can become brittle. Try to keep the slices uniform for even drying.

Step 2: Low Oven Drying (with Safety)

Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting—typically around 170–200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, not overlapping. Place the sheet in the oven. Some people briefly open the oven door now and then to let moisture escape; keep the door closed the rest of the time and follow your oven’s manual.

Safety notes: Never leave the oven unattended while drying food. Keep the oven temperature low to avoid scorching. Check the slices regularly—every 30 to 60 minutes—and flip them halfway through. Drying time depends on thickness and humidity, but it usually takes several hours. The slices are done when they feel leathery and dry, with no visible moisture. They should be slightly flexible but not sticky. If any slice feels damp, return it to the oven. Let the slices cool completely on the baking sheet before handling.

Step 3: String the Slices

Once cooled, use a needle and sturdy thread (or thin twine) to string the slices. Thread the needle, knot one end, and push the needle through the center of each slice (or near the edge if you prefer a staggered look). Leave a small space between slices. You can also alternate with dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, or star anise for variety. Tie loops at both ends for hanging.

Adding Lights Safely

Adding lights to a garland creates a magical glow, but safety comes first. Use LED lights—they run much cooler than incandescent bulbs, which reduces fire risk and helps greenery last. Inspect the light string for any frayed wires or broken bulbs before use. Never overload an outlet or extension cord.

For a greenery garland, weave the light string through the foliage after the garland is assembled. Secure the wire with small zip ties or floral wire at intervals so it doesn’t sag. For a paper garland, use battery-operated LED string lights (the wire is thinner and cooler). Do not let bulbs touch the paper directly; keep a small gap. For dried orange garlands, LED lights are also ideal—the slices are flammable if heated, so never use incandescent bulbs. Place the light string behind or between the slices, not touching them directly.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your light set. If you’re unsure about a particular combination, test a small section first.

Hanging and Caring for Each Type

Greenery Garland

Fresh greenery garlands need a little care. Mist them lightly with water every few days to keep them from drying out too quickly. Avoid placing them near radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight. Faux greenery needs no water; just dust it occasionally with a soft cloth or a gentle blast of compressed air.

To hang, use hooks, removable adhesive strips, or nails along the line you measured. For a mantel, you can drape the garland and secure it with small pieces of floral wire tucked behind decorations. For a staircase, see our guide on how to hang garland on a staircase for secure methods that won’t damage the railing.

Paper Garland

Paper garlands are delicate. Hang them away from moisture, high-traffic areas, and open flames (including candles). Use clear tape, small hooks, or pushpins to attach the ends. If the garland sags, add a few extra attachment points. To prevent tearing, handle gently when taking it down.

Dried Orange Slice Garland

Dried orange slices can become brittle over time. Handle them carefully when hanging. They are sensitive to humidity—if the air is very moist, they may soften or develop mold. Hang them in a dry area, and avoid bathrooms or kitchens. If you notice any softening, you can re-dry them in a low oven for a short time.

Storing Your Garland

Proper storage ensures your garland can be used again next year. For greenery garlands (faux), gently coil them and place in a large plastic bin or a fabric storage bag. Add a layer of tissue paper between coils to prevent tangling. Keep in a cool, dry place.

Paper garlands should be stored flat in a sturdy box or rolled loosely around a cardboard tube (like a wrapping paper tube). Avoid crushing them. Dried orange slice garlands are best stored in an airtight container with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture. Lay them flat between sheets of parchment paper. If you string them on a sturdy thread, you can also hang the whole strand in a closet—just keep it away from humidity.

FAQ

How long does a fresh greenery garland last indoors?

With proper care—misting and keeping away from heat—fresh greenery can last about two to three weeks. Faux greenery lasts indefinitely if stored correctly.

Can I use dried orange slices with lights?

Yes, but only with LED lights, which run cool. Keep a little space between bulbs and slices, and never use incandescent lights, which can cause scorching or fire.

How do I make a paper garland more durable?

Use cardstock or heavy scrapbook paper instead of regular printer paper. For chains, reinforce the glue joints with a small piece of tape. For cutout shapes, laminate them or use clear packing tape on both sides before punching holes.

Can I combine these methods into one garland?

Absolutely. You can weave a dried orange garland through a greenery garland, or attach paper stars to a greenery base. Just be mindful of weight—paper and dried oranges are light enough to add without sagging the rope.

Making your own Christmas garland is a rewarding project that lets you personalize your holiday decor. Whether you choose fresh greenery, colorful paper, or fragrant dried oranges, each method brings its own charm to your home. For more decorating ideas, see how to decorate a mantel with garlands and other accents, or learn to make a matching wreath to complete the look.