Best Dressed Door: Making a Large Fresh Outdoor Garland
Using chicken wire to create a large fresh outdoor Christmas garland for the front entry with pine, Fraser fir, cedar, magnolia, holly, and gingham ribbon.
There is nothing quite as inviting as a traditional Christmas display at the front door with classic red and green, twinkle lights, and a lush garland. It beckons you inside and sets the tone for a festive home.
I have been itching to create a large fresh outdoor Christmas garland for our front entry ever since I made this autumn mantel piece and embraced the beauty of a lush sculptural garland. I was also so inspired by Lucy at Craftberry Bush's Traditional front entry and @SuzanneZinggstyle's rock fireplace display with jingle bells.
My garland turned out better than I envisioned. I love the vibrant mix of evergreens and the fullness of the sculptural style. This Christmas decoration creates a grand entry that celebrates the magic of the season!
In this post, I'm sharing a step by step look at the process to make a large fresh garland, the materials you need for a similar look, and my tips to create it.
Materials Needed to Create a Fresh Outdoor Garland:
For reference my porch column to column is 13' and the height is 9'.
3 25' Long Leaf Pine Garlands - I bought these at Home Depot.
3 Large Arm Fulls of Magnolia - about 20 2' branches - A big thanks to my neighbor for letting me trim her tree!
2 Bunches of Cedar - about 30 stems - Found at Home Depot.
3 Bunches of Fraser Fir - about 50 stems - I get a cull tree from the farm to trim.
4 Bunches of Holly - about 25 stems - Foraged from my yard.
Chicken Wire
Gloves
Ribbon - I used 14 yards of the gingham and 10 of the red velvet
How I Made My Large Fresh Outdoor Garland
Watch the video below for a step by step look at how I put this garland together.
Tips to DIY Your Own Fresh Front Door Christmas Garland:
- This style of sculptural garland will get very heavy, so use screws or screw hooks to hang the chicken wire. Nails will just pull out as the weight increases.
- Cut your floral wire into 3-4" pieces and keep in a pocket or work apron, so you have easy access while up on the ladder.
- Cut your pre-made garland in the middle of each length and turn them so that the garland branches drape down on both sides.
- As you build the garland and it gets more full you won't need to wire as many stems because they will start catching more securely in the wire and other branches.
- If you want to use a beautiful ribbon not meant for the weather, spray it with Scotch Guard Fabric Shield. This will help the ribbon last longer in the elements.
Wow, this garland is absolutely stunning. I love how you combined different evergreens and added that pop of gingham and velvet ribbon, such a festive touch. Can’t wait to try making my own.
Thanks Evelyn!