The holidays are the perfect time to get creative, cozy up with family, and make your home feel magical. One of the easiest ways to add warmth and personality to your Christmas tree is with homemade garlands. Whether you prefer rustic, classic, modern, or playful styles, there’s a garland idea for every tree, aesthetic, and skill level.
Even better? Many garlands are simple to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for crafting with kids. In this guide, we’ll explore dozens of homemade garland ideas, including classic materials like popcorn, cranberries, and beads, along with more modern takes like paper chains, felt decorations, and air-dry clay beads.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to create a tree that looks like it belongs in a holiday magazine — all while enjoying the process and making lasting memories.
Why Make Homemade Garland?
Before we dive into the ideas, it’s worth reflecting on why homemade garlands are such a charming addition to your tree.
1. Personal Touch
Store-bought garlands are great, but nothing beats the personal touch of one you made yourself. Homemade garlands often become family heirlooms and can carry memories from year to year.
2. Customizable
Homemade garlands can be tailored to your tree’s color scheme, your home décor, and your creativity. You can make them subtle and elegant, bright and playful, or whimsical and fun.
3. Affordable
Many homemade garlands use inexpensive or natural materials — things you already have at home, like string, beads, paper, or dried fruits.
4. Fun for Kids
Crafting garlands is an easy way to involve children in decorating. It’s tactile, creative, and gives kids a sense of pride in their contribution to the holiday décor.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Using natural or reusable materials reduces waste. For example, popcorn, cranberries, felt scraps, and fabric remnants are compostable or reusable for next year.
1. Classic Popcorn Garland
One of the most traditional garlands, popcorn garlands evoke nostalgia and a cozy holiday feel.
Materials Needed
1–2 cups plain popcorn kernels (popped)
Needle
Thread or twine
Cranberries (optional, for color contrast)
How to Make It
String a long needle with thread or twine.
Carefully pierce each popped kernel and slide it onto the thread.
Add a cranberry between every few kernels for color and texture.
Repeat until you reach the desired length.
Tie the ends and drape around your tree.
Tips
Popcorn can get brittle, so handle gently.
For extra charm, consider lightly toasting the popcorn before stringing.
2. Dried Orange Slice Garland
Dried citrus slices bring natural color and a sweet, festive scent.
Materials Needed
Oranges
Sharp knife
Baking sheet
Oven
Twine or string
How to Make It
Slice oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours until completely dried.
Once cooled, pierce each slice with a needle and thread.
String the slices along twine and hang around your tree.
Tips
Combine with cinnamon sticks or star anise for extra festive fragrance.
Make it kid-friendly by letting children help thread the dried slices.
3. Beaded Garland
Beaded garlands can be made from wood, plastic, or even air-dry clay beads. They add elegance and can be customized in size, color, and shape.
Materials Needed
Air-dry clay (or premade beads)
Acrylic paint (optional)
Needle
Thread or twine
Rolling pin or clay tools
Air-Dry Clay Bead Garland (Kid-Friendly Option)
This is perfect for children because it’s tactile and creative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roll small pieces of air-dry clay into balls (size depends on your preference).
Poke a hole through the center with a toothpick or skewer.
Let the beads dry according to package instructions (usually 24 hours).
Optional: Paint beads in festive colors — gold, red, green, or white.
Once dry, thread beads onto twine.
Tie knots at intervals if desired for spacing.
Tips for Kids
Have children choose colors and arrange bead patterns.
Younger kids can roll the beads while adults handle threading.
Why It Works
Air-dry clay is safe, easy to handle, and mess-free.
Beads can be saved and reused year after year.
4. Paper Chain Garland
Paper chains are simple, colorful, and fun for kids. They add a playful vibe to your tree.
Materials Needed
Colored or patterned paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Glue stick or tape
How to Make It
Cut paper into strips (1 inch wide, 6 inches long).
Form a loop with one strip and secure with glue or tape.
Loop the next strip through the first loop and secure.
Continue until you reach desired length.
Drape around your tree.
Tips
Mix metallic and patterned paper for a festive look.
Kids can assemble chains while adults prep the strips.
5. Felt Ball Garland
Felt balls are soft, colorful, and perfect for a modern or Scandinavian-style tree.
Materials Needed
Wool felt balls (store-bought or handmade)
Needle
Thread
How to Make It
Thread felt balls onto strong thread or twine.
Alternate colors or create repeating patterns.
Hang along the branches of your tree.
Optional DIY Felt Balls
Felt small wool roving into balls with water and soap (wet felting technique).
Let kids help roll the wool.
6. Cinnamon Stick Garland
Cinnamon adds fragrance and a rustic look. Combine it with twine or string for charm.
Materials Needed
Cinnamon sticks
Twine
Hot glue (optional)
Small beads or cranberries (optional)
How to Make It
Cut twine to desired garland length.
Tie cinnamon sticks at intervals.
Optional: Add cranberries or beads between sticks.
Drape around your tree.
Tips
Cinnamon garlands smell amazing and pair beautifully with dried orange slice garlands.
7. Fabric Scrap Garland
Upcycle old fabric or use seasonal fabric scraps to make textured, colorful garlands.
Materials Needed
Fabric scraps (cotton, felt, or ribbon)
Scissors
Twine or string
How to Make It
Cut fabric into strips (1–2 inches wide, 6–8 inches long).
Tie each strip around twine.
Continue until garland reaches desired length.
Hang around tree branches.
Tips
Use plaid, metallic, or holiday-themed fabric.
Kids can help tie strips.
8. Popcorn & Cranberry Garland Twist
For a colorful, traditional holiday look, combine popcorn and cranberries.
Materials Needed
Popped popcorn
Fresh cranberries
Needle and thread
How to Make It
Thread a needle with sturdy string.
Alternate between popcorn and cranberries.
Continue until you have the desired length.
Hang around the tree, draping naturally.
Tips
Use small beads at the ends to prevent popcorn from slipping.
This garland is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
9. Salt Dough Ornaments Garland
Salt dough can be cut into shapes, baked, and strung for garlands.
Materials Needed
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water