Hanging outdoor garland is a great way to decorate for the holidays or other special occasions. The right garland can add a festive pop of color and vibrancy to your home’s exterior. With some planning and a few simple supplies, you can easily hang outdoor garland on railings, doors, windows, and more. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to hang outdoor garland like a pro.

Choosing the Right Garland for Outdoors

When selecting garland to hang outside, consider the following factors:

Material

The material of the garland matters when it comes to durability. Natural garlands made of real greenery look beautiful but tend to shed needles and dry out faster. Artificial garlands last much longer outdoors. Look for artificial garlands made of plastic, nylon, or PVC that are UV-resistant and won’t fade in sunlight.

Weather Resistance

Make sure to choose garland that is suitable for the weather conditions it will endure. If hanging garland in a cold climate, find options specifically made for snow and icy temperatures. In rainy climates, choose garland wrapped in a water-resistant material.

Size and Shape

Measure the area where you want to hang the garland and buy a size that will fit nicely without looking skimpy. Garlands come in different widths and shapes like roped, flat, twisted, etc. Consider the shape that will work best on your surface.

Decorations

Many outdoor garlands come pre-decorated with bows, ornaments, lights, and pinecones. Make sure any decorations on the garland are weatherproof and won’t blow away in the wind. You can also decorate plain garlands yourself.

Flame Retardancy

For safety, only use flame retardant garlands outdoors near any ignition sources like patio torches. The packaging will indicate if the garlands meet flame retardant standards.

With the right durable, weather-resistant garland, you can decorate your outdoor space in style.

Choosing Where to Hang Outdoor Garland

Outdoor garland can be hung in many locations:

Along railings and banisters
Wrapped around columns and posts
Over front doors and entryways
Under roof eaves and gutters
Across fencing or hedge rows
Along a driveway or garden path
On a patio cover or pergola

Think about where you want pops of color and visual interest. Focal points like doors, windows, and staircases are great spots. Just make sure the garland won’t obstruct walkways or views.

Consider your garland’s size and hang it in places where it won’t get overpowered. Long strands of garland make beautiful swagged accents on large columns or along lengthy fences. Shorter lengths are ideal for wreathing doors and windows.

Evaluate the hanging surfaces like railings, gutters, and trim to ensure they can securely hold the garland without damaging the materials. Some surfaces like vinyl may require command hooks to safely hang garland.

Pick areas that are visible from the street to spread holiday décor through your whole exterior. And don’t forget spaces like back patios and gardens so you can enjoy the garland too.

Gathering Supplies to Hang Outdoor Garland

You’ll need a few supplies on hand to properly hang outdoor garland:

An assistant

Have a helper to hold the garland in place while you secure it. Hanging garland is easier with two people.

Securing materials

Command hooks or zip ties: For surfaces like vinyl, wood, or metal
Floral wire: To attach garland to railings and wreath doors
Ribbon: Helpful for wrapping columns and tying bows
Twist ties: Secure garland to gutters and small spaces

Decorations (optional)

Holiday bows
Ornaments
Bells
Pinecones
Flowers
Berries
Light strings

Scissors or wire cutters

To cut floral wire, zip ties, ribbon, etc.

Ladder or step stool

For reaching high spaces like gutters, second story windows, and rooflines safely. Use caution when climbing.

Work gloves (optional)

To protect your hands from scratchy greenery.

With the right supplies in hand, you’re ready to hang that garland!

Hanging Garland on Railings and Banisters

Railings along porches, decks, and staircases are the quintessential spot to hang outdoor garland. Follow these tips:

Measure your railing and purchase a garland about 2-3 feet longer to allow for draping. Flat garlands 2-4 inches wide work well on railings.
Start at one end of the railing and use a helper to hold the garland in place along the top and sides of the railing.
Secure the garland to the top of the railing using floral wire, spacing the wire every 12-18 inches. Tie the wire in a tight double knot.
Use additional wire to loosely attach the side garland pieces to the pickets, about every 18-24 inches. Drape the garland evenly along both sides.
Decorate the garland with bows, ornaments, pinecones, etc. as desired. Attach decorations with wire.
Let any extra length drape off the end post for a swagged effect.

The railings will now have beautiful garland swags that don’t blow away in the wind. Make sure to check garland periodically and re-secure any loose sections.

Wrapping Garland Around Columns, Posts, Pillars

Columns, posts, and pillars are the perfect backdrop to wrap outdoor garland. Here’s how:

Measure the circumference of the column or post. Buy garland about 1.5 times longer to allow for coverage and overlap.
Start at the top of the column and work down, stretching the garland taut as you wrap. Have a helper hold the starting end in place.
In areas where garland overlaps, loosely twist and tie it together with ribbon or floral wire so it stays put.
When you reach the bottom, wrap any extra garland back up the column to cover gaps as desired.
Finish by tying a pretty holiday bow where you started at the top.

Wrapping columns creates a very festive, spiraled look. If desired, tuck in sprigs of greenery, berries or ornaments as you wrap. Change directions and crisscross garland for more interest.

Hanging Garland Above Doors and Entryways

An outdoor garland hung over the front door offers a warm welcome to visitors. Try these tips:

Measure width of door and purchase a garland about 2 feet longer than door width.
Hang garland above door using Command hooks on either side. For wreath effect, gather the garland ends together.
Fluff and shape the garland as desired over the door. Decorating with bows and ornaments looks lovely.
For garland swags, hang the middle highest using hooks. Drape the ends diagonally down toward door corners.
On double doors, hang garland across the top and down the middle seam using more hooks.

Rehang garland as it sags over time. The fuller the garland, the better it frames doors and entries beautifully. Illuminate door garlands by lining them with mini string lights.

Displaying Garland Under Gutters and Eaves

The spaces under roof gutters and eaves offer ideal opportunities to hang outdoor garland. Follow these guidelines:

Measure the length of your gutters/eaves and get garland a few feet longer on each side.
Use twist ties to secure one end of the garland to one side of the gutter/eave.
Drape garland across gutter/eave and loosely fill in space. Allow garland to drape slightly.
Attach other end with more twist ties. Use additional ties to secure any drooping spots in the middle.
Get creative with shapes. Try zig-zagging garland across or looping it back and forth for added fullness.
Accent with ornaments, bows, and lights by attaching with twist ties or mini command hooks.

Filling the empty space under gutters and eaves creates dimensional interest on your home’s exterior. Make sure the weight doesn’t pull gutters down over time.

Draping Garland Along Fences and Hedges

Fences and hedges make excellent backdrops to hang full, luxurious garlands:

Measure length of fence or hedge and purchase garland about 2 feet longer for draping.
Start on one side and tie garland end to fence using twist ties or to hedge with floral wire.
Drape and twist garland loosely across fence/hedge filling in space. Allow slight drooping for a fuller look.
On the other side, gather garland together and tie ends to secure. Hide ties with bows or greenery.
For a swagged effect, hang garland higher in the middle and drape the ends lower diagonally.
Decorate with holiday ornaments, berries, pinecones and bows as desired.

Draped garland lends a soft, welcoming feel atop rigid fences and hedges. Change up lengths and heights for different sections.

Displaying Garland Along Driveways and Paths

Lining a driveway or front walkway with garland helps guide guests in festive style:

Measure length of driveway/path. For a fuller look, get garland about 1.5 times this length.
Start at the end furthest from entry. Stake first end of the garland into ground using a heavy duty stake, rebar, or shepherd’s hook.
Drape garland loosely along one side of driveway/path leaving slight slack.
When you reach the entry, turn garland across opening and drape along other side back towards the first end.
Attach loose end to ground with a second stake. Use additional stakes as needed to secure.
Accent with spotlights or pathway luminaires to create a magical glow.

Lining pathways with luminous garland sets a merry tone as guests approach your home. For safety, avoid stretching garland across areas where people will walk.

Hanging Garland on Outdoor Structures

Garland can lend festive decoration to many outdoor structures:

Patio Covers and Pergolas: Drape loose garland along crossbeams and posts for an overhead canopy of cheer. Twist ribbon to create garland swags between rafters.

Gazebos and Pavilions: Wrap garland posts and swag entryways with garland. Decorate inside with mini lights and ornaments.

Arbors and Trellises: Entwine garland through open latticework. Accent with floral blooms and lights. Allow the ends to trail on the ground.

Furniture: Wrap garland around umbrella poles, chair backs, and table edges for merry accents. Use mini command hooks to hang safely.

Get creative with these spaces. Just ensure the garland doesn’t interfere with structures’ safety or functions. Outdoor garland takes festivities to the next level!

Decorating Outdoor Garland

After hanging plain garland, add personality with fun embellishments:

Bows: Tie decorative bows using weather-resistant ribbon. Accent doorways, columns, fence posts, etc.
Pinecones: Wire miniature pinecones in clusters to garland for organic texture.
Ornaments: Hang shatterproof Shatterproof ornaments add sparkle.
Bells: Wire jingle bells to garland ends for musical cheer.
Faux Flowers: Clip in poinsettias, roses, magnolia, etc. for pops of color.
Fruit: Skewer cranberries, kumquats, or sliced oranges on garland.
Greenery: Tuck in sprigs of cedar, eucalyptus, holly, etc. for fullness.
Lights: Incorporate mini lights to create a glow after dark.
Candy Canes: Clip candy canes onto garland using floral wire for sweet whimsy.

The possibilities are endless for embellishing outdoor garland uniquely. Mix and match decorations to your style.

Weatherproofing and Caring for Outdoor Garland

To help outdoor garland last through the holidays and beyond:

Choose weather-resistant artificial or natural garland suited for the climate.
Check garland periodically and re-secure as needed, especially after high winds or storms.
Shelter garland under eaves and overhangs whenever possible.
For natural garlands, spray daily with anti-transpirant spray to prevent moisture loss.
Consider moving natural garlands indoors or under a covered porch during rain and snow.
Gently bend and shape garland to fluff it up and cover any sparse spots.
Remove decorations before high winds and store garland away from ignition sources.

With proper weatherproofing and care, your beautiful outdoor garland can provide great holiday cheer for seasons to come!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Outdoor Garland

What are the best places to hang outdoor garland?

Great spots include railings, columns, above doorways, along roof eaves, draped on fences, wrapped around patio posts, and lining driveway entrances. Focus on entries, walkways, and high visibility areas.

How do I hang garland on vinyl railings without damaging them?

Use removable Command hooks to securely hang garland on vinyl or metal railings without scratches. Space hooks close together, at least every 8-12 inches.

What is the best way to hang garland above my front door?

Measure above the door and get a garland about 2 feet wider than the door. Hang garland using Command hooks on either side. For a wreath look, gather the ends or drape them down the sides.

How can I decorate my outdoor garland?

Bows, pinecones, holiday ornaments, bells, faux florals, fruit, candy canes, and string lights can embellish plain garland. Make decorations weatherproof. Accent focal points like doorways.

How do I keep natural garland looking fresh outside?

For natural greenery garlands, spray them daily with an anti-transpirant spray to prevent moisture loss. Keep them sheltered under overhangs when possible. Move garlands indoors during rain or snow.

Will it damage my roof gutters if I hang garland from them?

It’s fine to hang lightweight artificial garlands from gutters using twist ties if evenly distributed. Avoid very thick or heavy natural garlands. Check periodically to ensure weight doesn’t pull gutters.

Can I leave my outdoor garland up all winter?

It depends on the garland material and weather conditions. Natural garlands will only last a few weeks outdoors. Artificial garlands can remain for months with proper installation. Take down decorations before extreme winter weather arrives.

Hanging outdoor garland is an easy, gorgeous way to decorate your home for the holidays or other special occasions. With a bit of creativity and the right techniques, you can display garland in endless festive ways. Drape a railing, frame a door, or adorn a fence to spread seasonal cheer on your home’s exterior.

Conclusion

Outdoor garland adds a special warmth and merriment to home exteriors during the holidays and throughout the year. Whether you choose natural or artificial garland, focus on weather-resistant materials made for outdoor use. Proper installation using secure materials like Command hooks and twist ties prevents garland from tangling and blowing away in the wind. Strategically hang garland in high visibility areas near walkways, doorways, porches, and patios to welcome guests in style. Pay special attention to visually softening rigid surfaces like railings, posts, and fences with draped garland swags. The right garland can magically transform even the simplest outdoor space into a festive wonderland. Whether you prefer a classic style or trendy look, creative garland displays allow you to share your unique holiday personality with your community. Follow this guide and you’ll be decking those outdoor halls with boughs of jolly garland in no time. Let your inner decorator shine bright this season!

How to Hang Outdoor Garland