How to make a mantelpiece garland for Christmas

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 4 October 2023 at 1:53 pm

Decorating the house for the festive season can be an ideal excuse to bring the outdoors in. Rich Heathcote shows how to create a mantelpiece show-stopper with items from the garden

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Christmas is a time for celebration, decadence and opulence. Achieving this at an expensive time of year, in an eco-conscious, sustainable way is easier than you might think! Foliage, berries, seedheads and flowers from our own gardens can be used to make a wide range of Christmas decorations - including this mantlepiece garland.

Using a selection of evergreens with waxy leaves eliminates the need for oasis, and using house plants for pops of colour is much easier and thriftier than cut flowers.

You Will Need

Evergreen foliage such as euonymus, ivy and vay
Dried flower heads such as cardoons, hydrangeas and gypsophila
House plants such as cyclamens and orchids
Secateurs
String
Scissors
Nails
Hammer
Candles (optional)

Step 1

Hammer in two nails each end of the mantlepiece, and tie a length of string between them

Hammer in two nails each end of the mantlepiece, and tie a length of string between them – one at the front of the mantlepiece, one at the back. These will be used to attach the foliage to.

Step 2

Add evergreens by tying to the strings using the most interesting foliage at the front

Starting at one end, add evergreens by tying to the strings using the most interesting foliage at the front. Use foliage that drapes well such as ivy for the ends, ensuring foliage will be well away from a lit fire.

Step 3

Decorate using house plants and dried flowerheads

Add in the house plants towards the back of the display, using additional foliage to hide their pots if needed. Use dried flowers such as cardoons, hydrangea heads and gypsophila to add texture and interest across the front of the garland.

Step 4

Carefully add candles to really give your garland that extra something

Finally, slot in candles in positions where their tips will be away from foliage. If you light the candles, ensure that no foliage is close enough to catch fire, and never leave the lit candles unattended by an adult.

More exclusive festive inspiration:

Three ways to make a natural festive wreath
How to create a Christmas dinner for birds
Re-using your Christmas tree in the garden

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