Top Tips On How To Style Your Christmas Garland
There’s something irresistibly romantic about a Christmas garland. Unlike the tree, which always takes centre stage, a Christmas garland quietly weaves its way into every corner of the home, adding charm, warmth and a sense of continuity to the season. They frame our mantels, wind their way down staircases, drape across tables, and wrap around doorways - subtle gestures that together create an atmosphere of pure festive magic.
Part of their allure lies in their variety. A paper Christmas garland, with handcrafted folds and nostalgic simplicity, recall childhood Christmases - bright red, deep green, or even rose-pink versions that feel both playful and timeless. They’re lightweight, easy to style, and bring a touch of whimsy to shelves, sideboards and table settings.
Then there are metallic garlands, the epitome of festive glamour. Think antique gold doves, scalloped chains of shimmering silver, or glittering bows that catch the light at every turn. Draped across a mantelpiece or wound around a mirror, they’re a shortcut to opulence - sparkling strands that make a room feel instantly more magical.
And of course, nothing says 'retro fabulous' quite like tinsel garlands. Bold, brash and unapologetically kitsch, they bring joy in neon pink, classic gold or vibrant green. Tinsel is about playfulness and personality - a reminder not to take Christmas too seriously.
Finally, there’s the enduring beauty of foliage garlands. Whether fresh or faux, they’re lush, grounding and endlessly versatile. Layer them with fairy lights, baubles or velvet ribbons, and you’ve created a piece that feels as romantic as a winter woodland walk.
Together, these styles capture the whimsy of Christmas: a little nostalgic, a little glamorous, and always full of heart. A garland, after all, isn’t just décor - it’s the poetry of the season, written in sparkle, colour and evergreen.
Shop The Look: Pink Tinsel Decorative Garland, £28, Shiny Gold Pillar Candle - Short, £10.95; Red Milagro Heart Wall Hanging Decoration, £28; Everything Is Going To Be Amazing 50cm X 50cm Art Print, from £45
If the leaves turning autumnal red and gold are your green light to start planning for Christmas, you're in good company. There's no rule book that says we have to wait until December 1st before planning our Christmas decor, and we fully believe that lots of preparation makes for a more polished finish, especially when it comes to styling a Christmas garland (it can be more fiddly than you think!) Perfect on the mantelpiece, twined through a staircase or as part of a fabulous tablescape, a Christmas garland is as versatile as it is beautiful.
So if you're ready to decorate your home for Christmas, we think a Christmas garland is the perfect place to start. Here, we share tips on what's served the Rockett and St George households well over the years, but you know what we say - your home, your rules. Take inspiration and then add a flourish and a twist to make it yours. Bold, beautiful and oh-so you!
1. With Fairy Lights: Instant Glow-Up
A Christmas garland is one of those rare festive pieces that does it all. Draped, looped, twisted or styled into place, it transforms ordinary corners into festive moments that steal every scene. But don’t just sling it over the banister and hope for the best - the right styling tricks will make your garland a centrepiece in its own right. Nothing says 'festive magic' quite like a Christmas garland threaded with fairy lights, and a simple string of warm white lights instantly turns greenery into a glowing ribbon of sparkle. Go subtle with soft, golden tones for a chic look, or opt for multicoloured lights if you’re leaning into full-on kitsch vibes.
2. Multiple Christmas Garlands Across the Christmas Table
When is more most definitely more? When it comes to Christmas garlands, of course! Because why settle for one when you can have three? Layering garlands (along the length of your Christmas dining table, for instance) creates an opulent tablescape that feels immersive and unforgettable. Mix textures (greenery with neon pink tinsel; metallics with papercraft) to add depth, and weave in candles or miniature ornaments for height. Your Christmas garland becomes a living table runner, setting the stage for serving dishes, Christmas crackers and glassware while tying everything together into one cohesive, celebratory look.
Shop The Look: Set Of 4 Ribbed Martini Glasses With Gold Rim, £42; Set Of 6 Rockett St George Luxury Milagro Christmas Crackers, £45; 12-Piece Black & Off-White Edge Bon Apetit Dinner Set, £120; Set Of 24 Antique Gold Cutlery Set, £95; Beautiful Dinner Candle - Bordeaux Red, £3.95; Antique Gold Bow Dinner Candle Ring, £8.95; Antique Gold Star Dinner Candle Ring, £5.95
3. Christmas Garland Across The Mantelpiece
The mantel is a classic stage for a Christmas garland, but pairing it with LED candles takes it into showstopper territory. Nestle the candles at different heights into the folds of the Christmas garland for a layered, glowing effect that feels seriously glamorous (and is much safer than using traditional wax candles). Mix pillar candles of varying sizes with LED tealights for variety, and add in ornate candle holders for an extra luxe, Rockett St George edge. It’s a fireside fantasy made reality - a gorgeous cacophony of colours and textures that brings the festive season fully to life.
4. As A Showcase for Baubles and Ribbons
Who said baubles are just for Christmas trees? A Christmas garland can be the perfect backdrop for your most dramatic ornaments. Think oversized red velvet bows cascading through the foliage, mirrored disco baubles catching the light, or even celebrity-inspired ornaments nestled among the branches (Harry Styles, we're looking at you). The key is balance - layer a few statement pieces and let them shine, rather than overwhelming the Christmas garland with every Christmas decoration or celebrity-inspired bauble in the box (although maybe we can let Mick Jagger out to play...)
Shop the look: Set Of 2 Rock & Roll Inspired Baubles, £20; Harry In Pink Christmas Tree Decoration, £25
5. As The Base For A Nativity Tableau
Christmas garlands are true multi-taskers, and create fairy tale feels for your very own Christmas story. Swirl a green Christmas garland into a loose circle and nestle Christmas ornaments and figurines inside for a scene that feels grounded yet elevated, or go bolder with an iridescent sparkle garland, creating a celestial stage for your chosen display. It’s theatre meets tradition, and a brilliant way to make your décor feel curated and personal.
Shop The Look: Pretty Pink Standing Deer Ornament, £32; Pretty Pink Sitting Deer Ornament, £24; Gold Tinsel Scalloped Decorative Garland, £28
6. As A Classic Addition To Your Christmas Tree
A Christmas garland, whether tinsel, paper or foliage, looks a million dollars wrapped around your Christmas tree. It brings a classically festive look to the tree, and serves as fabulous backdrop to your bold and beautiful Christmas tree decorations. It's super-easy to style, too - simply take several garlands and drape them around the Christmas tree on the diagonal, for that classic festive swirl. Gorgeous!
Shop The Look: Beautiful Handcrafted Classic Paper Garland in Pink & Orange, £24; Christmas Star Hanging Decoration In Metallic Pink, £9.95; Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Framed Neon Wall Light, £695; Never Mind The Baubles Christmas Stocking, £38; Metallic Gold & Silver Star Christmas Stocking, £38; Beautiful Dinner Candle in Hot Pink, £3.95 each; Black & White Stripe Candle Holder, £12
And there we have it! Christmas garlands are versatile, fabulous and endlessly rewarding - think of them as your secret weapon when it comes to decorating your home for Christmas. Whether you’re stringing them with lights, adorning staircases, curtain rails, doorways or your drinks trolley, the magic lies in making your Christmas garland your own. Your only limit is your imagination!
