How to Hang Holiday Garland Without Damaging Your Mantel

Learn tips and tricks on how to hang holiday garland without damaging your mantel or walls, plus all the sources of what you need to do this.

If you have been wondering how everyone hangs their garlands and makes them look lush and full then I’ve got the secret tips to do this for you!

These are my no-fail secret tools to get the look that are damage-free to your walls and mantel.

This layered Christmas mantel is so full-looking and has many pieces to it.

I love creating a different mantel every year but the steps to do this and the tools I use never change.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start thinking about decorating your home to create a warm and festive atmosphere.

One of the first places I decorate is my mantel. From choosing the perfect garland to the tools you need to do this effortlessly, bookmark this step-by-step tutorial for each year to use.

So, grab your garland and your favorite festive playlist, and let’s get started on transforming your mantel!

How to Hang A Holiday Garland Without Damaging Your Walls or Mantel

There were some inexpensive new pieces I used that make all the difference when hanging holiday garlands.

I have been using them for years and it takes a lot of stress out of the design process knowing you will not damage what you adhere to.

Decorating damage-free has never been easier and you don’t need any tools to use them. They are so easy to put up and so easy to take down!

So get your shopping list below and recreate my gorgeous mantel damage-free!

What Do You Need To Hang Holiday Garland

The easiest thing to do is to begin your project with everything you need on the front end. You definitely do not want to get started and then find out you need additional pieces. Here is everything I used to get this full and festive look.

Steps To Hang Holiday Garland On A Mantel

Once you have everything you need to begin this project, then you are ready to go!

Step 1: Adhere Command hooks

The first step is to hang the garland. I start with Command™ Small Wire Hooks.

These are my favorite because they are clear so you can see through them (easier to hide them in your designs) and the hook swings both ways to easily manipulate whatever it is you are hanging or attaching. 

To hang the garland with a swag, place one Command® Small Wire Hook on each end and in the center of your mantel on the top.

It is easier to hook the garland around it so you can’t see the hooks when you place the hook on the top of the mantel. 

Step 2: Hang first set of garlands.

Use the first set of garlands. Take one garland and hook the end to the center hook and then create your drape.

Swag the other end over the hook that is at the end of your mantel.

You can adjust it after you do the garland on the other side for them to have identical swags. 

Step 3: Hang second set of garlands

Now take your other set of garlands and wrap and tuck the end into the center hook on the mantel to secure it.

Then wrap it around the first garland to make it look fuller, tuck into the end hook, and let the end of the garland drape with the other garland “tail”.

You can see the difference the second garland makes. On the right is the two together and on the left is just the first garland. It definitely adds fullness and I love that they are both different. 

Step 4: Hang bells on each end.

Use Command™ Small Wire Hooks and place one on each end just a couple of inches in from the hooks holding the garlands.

Place them on the top of the mantel so they are hidden by the garland.

Then hang your string of bells. 

Step 5: Place floral picks.

Now it’s time to add some decorative floral picks to your garland.

You can use flowers, greenery, or glittery picks. Whatever you like to make it more full and add in some dimension. 

I just tucked them into the hooks that are holding the garland to secure them. I put them on either side of the center hook and then one on each end. 

Step 6: Next add in ribbon

Use ribbons for your garland to dress it up.

I like to use a ribbon that has wired sides so it holds its shape a little better.

I twist it like a curly cue and just tuck the ends in.

Step 7: Add glittery accent picks

I love to add some sparkle to my mantel decor.

These beautiful silver glitter leaves are large and easy to break apart.

I cut smaller pieces with a wire cutter and tucked them throughout the garland. 

Step 8: Add additional picks

For the sides of my garland, I added larger glitter picks with these Command™ Indoor/Outdoor Light Clips (PS they can be used Indoors AND Outdoors).

I hid the hook behind the “tail of the garland on the side and then clipped in my glitter leaves.  This made the side portion of my garland look fuller and have more depth. 

Step 9: Hang the wreath

The last step is to hang a simple wreath in the center of the mirror or on the wall in the center of your fireplace wall.

The Command™ Medium Designer Hooks are so strong and durable and don’t damage the wall, making them the perfect thing to use to hang a wreath.

I love to use these on my front door too in the entry.

Simply peel the back off of the adhesive and apply with slight pressure. That’s it! 

Then just hang your wreath up. So simple and I just love that these are so durable. 

I added candlesticks I already had in the house and layered them on the top of the mantel.

I love the whimsical curated look they give. You can also use these flameless candles and they even have a remote, making it easy to turn them on and off at night.

So I hope you loved this easy tutorial on how to hang a garland on your mantel without damaging your walls or your mantel. I use this same technique for my stairway.

It makes it so easy to decorate and not ruin your paint. They are my favorite!