Many years ago the first Europeans to arrive in America brought with them the tradition of making garland
to use in decorating their homes as well as making garland to sell. The materials to make up the garland were furnished by
nature.
Evergreen branches, leaves and berries were woven together
to form lovely decorations for the home. Later, with the introduction of artificial materials, garlands were easier to make
and would last for years instead of just one season.
Like the settlers, you can decorate with garland and give your home some holiday cheer that’s sure to bring
a glow of satisfaction when you see it. Garland no longer comes in only silver or gold.
Now, you can find garland in natural green, multi-colors, blue, red, and a host of
many other colors. Whatever your Christmas theme is, there’s sure to be a garland color that will complement it.
If you prefer to decorate your house with softer colors, you can also
find garland in pale mauve and other pastel hues. Thanks to the artificial garland, you can use it outside your home too without
fear of inclement weather since it can hold up in those rare rainy December days or nights.
Inside your home, you can use the natural green garland on top of your fireplace. Lay
it across the mantle stretched from end to end. You can cut pieces of garland to make appear fuller.
Get the garland that has a thin wire in it so you can bend it and shape
it. Tuck red holly berries among the garland and wrap pieces of it around the bottoms of Christmas candles. Garland can also
be used on top of curtain rods in any room to bring in a touch of Christmas.
If you live in a house or apartment with an upstairs living area, you can twine garland through
the spirals of the stairs along the banisters. Intersperse the garland with lights for added punch.
You can also use garland on your Christmas tree if you have an artificial
tree and the limbs show the middle rod of the tree. You can wrap the natural green garland around the rod of the tree and
it gives the tree a fuller appearance. The different colors of garland can be looped around your Christmas tree to give it
that dazzling effect.
Outside your house, the
garland can be wrapped around the columns of your porch or across the porch railing.
You can also find real or artificial potted Christmas trees. Decorate one with ornaments
and light, finish it off with garland and set it by your front door for a touch of Christmas for all your guests to see as
they arrive.
