Making a Holiday Garland
Olive tree garland with dried mandarin
Looking for a fresh and classic way to dress up your home for the holidays? Make a garland! There are so many ways to create one with all of the different materials around to use so get creative. Pictured here is an olive tree garland with dried mandarin slices to dress up a fireplace for Christmas. So, how do you make your own?
Gather materials — you’ll need sturdy twine, quality flower wire, good clippers, and lots of greens. You can collect your greens from your backyard or visit a local flower shop. Depending on how long and bushy you want your garland, it could take a considerable amount of greens and can be quite time consuming but well worth the effort!
How to create — cut the twine in proportion to the space it will be placed or hung. Wrap the wire around one end of the twine but don’t cut it (you won’t cute the wire until you’re finished). Assemble your bunches of greens (probably 4-5 pieces, but use more greens for a denser garland) and place on top of the twine. With the uncut wire tightly wrap around the bunch and the twine, being careful not to bunch up the twine as you move along. Continue this process for each bunch until you’ve reached the end of the twine. Once you’ve attached your final bunch tightly wrap with twine and snip. Now you’re finished!
Assemble in pieces — depending on where the garland is going (flat on a dining table, draped on a fireplace or over a front door, etc.) you probably want to assemble the garland in pieces so that you can get it going various directions. It also makes it easier to hang and fill the desired space and allows to you add bunches in corners if need be. Keep in mind that a garland you lay on the table is going to look different than a hung garland, so if you plan to place it on a table (or flat somewhere) be aware of how bushy you’re making it because it becomes more voluminous when flat.
Drying/dehydrating citrus — if you have an air fryer that’s the way to go! Thinly slice your desired fruit, thoroughly pat dry (this helps the fruit maintain its color as it dries), and remove any seeds. Place the fruit on a parchment paper lined tray and place in the air fryer on low for an hour to an hour and a half. Give it more time depending on the dryness, but it shouldn’t take any longer than two.
Lastly, place citrus throughout garland — you don’t need to add citrus or other dried fruits, but it adds liveliness and punchy color. Use the same flower wire to pierce through the dried fruit and twist around various branches or bunches of the garland.
Now it’s time to make a cocktail and enjoy your creation! But don’t be shy — if this alludes you submit an inquiry for holiday decorating and CBH can deliver you a beautifully made garland.