Key takeaways
- Lay the garland first, then add height at the ends with candlesticks, lanterns or tall vases.
- Place a focal piece in the center, such as a mirror, wreath, sign or artwork.
- Tuck small pumpkins, gourds or pinecones into the garland.
- Keep a limited palette, such as rust, cream and green, for an elegant look.
A fall garland is the easiest way to bring autumn indoors. Draped across a mantel, it frames the fireplace from September through Thanksgiving and pairs naturally with pumpkins, candles and a seasonal sign. The main choices are the style of foliage, length, whether it is lit, and how to hang it safely above a fireplace you may start using as nights get colder.
Fall garland styles
| Style | Look | Pairs well with | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple leaf garland | Bright reds, oranges and golds | White mantels, classic décor | Can look busy when layered |
| Eucalyptus and neutral greenery | Soft, modern | Cream pumpkins, farmhouse style | Less obviously autumnal alone |
| Berry and pip garland | Rustic, colonial | Wood mantels, candles | Thin; often best layered |
| Pre-lit leaf garland | Warm glow in the evening | Dark rooms, cozy nights | Battery box to hide |
| Wheat and dried-look grasses | Natural, textured | Neutral décor | Can shed |
Length and fullness
For a garland that drapes down the sides, buy about one and a half to two times the mantel width. For a garland laid flat along the top, the mantel width plus a few inches. Single strands of fall garland often look thin. Layering two types, such as eucalyptus plus a leaf or berry strand, looks much fuller and more natural. Fluff and bend each stem after unpacking.
Lit fall garland
Pre-lit fall garland makes the mantel glow as evenings get darker. Warm white or amber lights suit autumn colors better than cool white. A battery pack with a six-hour timer is the most practical for mantels without nearby outlets. If you already own unlit garland, weave a strand of battery copper-wire fairy lights through it for the same effect. Compare pre-lit fall garlands by length.
Fireplace safety
Most fall garland is made of fabric and plastic. If you use the fireplace, keep the garland on top of the mantel shelf, not hanging down near the opening, and use LED or battery lights rather than real candles nearby. Turn lights off when you leave the room.
Styling the fall mantel
- Lay the garland first, then add height at the ends with candlesticks, lanterns or tall vases.
- Place a focal piece in the center, such as a mirror, wreath, sign or artwork.
- Tuck small pumpkins, gourds or pinecones into the garland.
- Keep a limited palette, such as rust, cream and green, for an elegant look.
Weighted mantel garland clips hold garland without nails or adhesive.
Using garland beyond the mantel
Fall garland also works along a staircase banister, across a doorway, down the center of a dining table as a runner, or along an open shelf. Using the same garland in two places ties the room together.
Storing fall garland
Garland crushed in a box comes out flat and tangled next year. Loosely coil it in a large bin or wrap it around a sturdy cardboard tube, keeping leaves facing outward. Remove batteries from pre-lit garland before storage. Store it away from attic heat, which can fade and warp leaves, and away from damp basement floors that encourage mildew on fabric berries and ribbons.
Which garland suits you
Classic autumn look: maple leaves with berries. Modern farmhouse: eucalyptus with cream pumpkins. Cozy evenings: pre-lit leaf garland with a timer. Long season from September to Christmas: neutral greenery you can redecorate after Thanksgiving.
FAQ
How long should fall garland be for a mantel?
About one and a half to two times the mantel width for a draped look.
How do I make fall garland look fuller?
Layer two garlands, fluff every stem and add pumpkins or picks.
Is fall garland safe above a working fireplace?
Only if it stays on top of the shelf, away from the opening, with LED lights.
Can fall garland stay up until Christmas?
Neutral greenery can; remove leaves and pumpkins and add pinecones and red accents.
