When it comes down to getting your Christmas decorations up fast and easy I always have lots of garland ties available to use. Here are 7 creative ways you can use them to help you decorate your home for Christmas this year.
What is a Garland Tie?
Garland ties are short little pieces of garland used to tie Christmas garlands on staircase banisters, lights, and more. They are sold in packages of 6 or more. You can find garland ties in the ornament aisle at most craft stores. The smaller/thinner ties are sold where the miniature Christmas Village items are sold. Their packaging only says “Canadian Pine”.
You can buy them online here: Christmas Garland Ties
When it comes to decorating my house for the holidays, I prefer to embellish what is already in each room, instead of removing it to place “Christmas-only type” decorations. Garland ties allow me to simply embellish items for the holidays instantly…and for the cost of only a few dollars.
Creative Ways to Use Garland Ties for Christmas Decorating
No. 1 Gift Wrap
I used 6 ties for this package and used the excess to make idea No. 2 below.
- Twist two garland ties together to make it long enough to wrap around a gift box.
- Twist the excess to secure.
- Cut ends with wire cutters or fan out to look like leaves.
- Wire on a trio of jingle bells and a name tag for a simple but festive holiday wrap.
No. 2 Invisible Tree Ornament Hooks
- Cut the ties into 3-1/2″ sections to make invisible ornament hooks.
- Simply bend each into the standard ornament hook shape.
Twist one end on the ornament…
…and the other end over a tree branch. No unsightly wire showing :-)
No. 3 Table Setting
I snipped off berries from an old wreath and hot glued them to the center of the twisted tie.
- Tie and twist the ends of one around a place setting of silverware.
No. 4 Holiday Candle
This is my favorite way I have found to use the ties so far as Christmas decorations.
- Wrap a garland tie around a glass candleholder and twist the ends to secure.
- Snip the excess off with wire cutters.
- Use florist wire to attach the silver ornaments.
No. 5 Make a Gift Jar Purse Using a Mason Jar
How to make: Mason Jar Gift Bag Purse
Use two garland ties around a glittered Mason jar to create a cute way to give your girlfriends a gift this year.
No. 6 Tie Garlands to a Banister
This was what the ties were made to do. They work perfectly to tie a garland onto a stairway banister.
No. 7 Hang Ornaments Along a Staircase
Read how to do this: Christmas Staircase Decorating on a Dime
Here is my favorite way to creatively use garland ties on a staircase. I use them to hang ornaments along the staircase. This is much easier than having to hang long 9ft sections of garland along my staircase.
These inexpensive sticks of fake greenery can be repurposed to instantly embellish just about anything. Can you think of more ways to use them around your home for the holiday season?
Want to see more Christmas decorating ideas? Check out this Paper Holly Garland and Christmas Decorating for Lamps
REBECCA says
Diane,
It all looks great. I see you like plaid this year. I use plaid every year. I, too, change things up every year. I decorated with an all-natural look. Very different for me but if ever there was a year to do things a bit differently and creatively, it’s this year.
Anyway, have a great day.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Rebecca – I agree that this year is the year to do things that make you feel good. Getting creative adds the happy positive vibe we all need after the last 11 months. Enjoy your festive decorating for a very Merry Christmas.
Susan Rhoads says
Hi Diane
I’m definitely going to use garland ties as ornament hooks, because our cats really enjoy batting my glass ornaments!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Susan – The garland ties make the best and secure ornament hangers. You will love them, your kitties not so much. :-)
Frances Cheetham says
Hello! 😁
On the GIFT BAG PURSE is there any OTHER kind of jars WE can USE in Australia?? We don’t have MASONS JARS!
HELP🥴
Diane Henkler says
Hi Frances – You can use any jar with a lid and make tie the garland ties around the same way. For the top just glue the tag onto the lid.
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says
LOVE these ideas! Just pinned! Merry Christmas! Melissa
Theresa says
Just found you on pinterest I love you idea for decorating the front porch lights. The wind here is terrible and I will try this . A wreath on the door won’t stay
Lisa says
Hi Diane,
I am thinking about buying some dill essential oil after reading about your sugar addiction. I too struggle with this and I’m wondering how you are doing and is the dill oil still working? Are you loosing weight from using it? I hope you don’t mind my questions, but would like to know how things are going for you before I purchase some. How long have you been using the oil? Thanks so much for your time!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Lisa –
I have been using the oil since May and am amazed at how it works. In Sept, I stopped using it to see if I would get the cravings back. It took about a week and then I noticed the cravings slowly crept back. I started applying the dill oil again every morning and am happy to say that they cravings are gone agin. It did not happen overnight like it did when I first started. The key I have found is to use it everyday for a month and then you can go every other day or every 2-3 days between applying it to your wrists. I lost 8 lbs. The oil seems to only remove cravings from sweets, not food in general so if you want to lose weight you still need to lower your caloric intake. I think I lost the 8 lbs since I was eating so much sugar laden foods and then stopped pretty much cold turkey. I feel better, my skin looks better. Using the dill is a huge win for me.
Lisa says
Thank you for your quick reply! I am going to give the dill oil a try. Thanks for sharing what is working for you. I love your blog!
Henniie says
Wow, amazing!
Sheryll & Critters. says
Oh how I love you Diane! Never a wasted visit to your blog…… ever!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Sheryll – you are the best XO
Christina Rodriguez says
Really good ideas for these little garland ties. My favorite is the ornament hooks.
Kelly @thelilypadcottage says
I just grabbed a bag of these, such great ideas!!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Kelly – They come in pretty handy this time of year. I just bought 2 more packs – good to have in my toolbox.
Dianne says
I like to read other home decorating sites as well as yours, but yours is the very best of all. You always explain in detail how you do a project. And the website appearance is very classy. Thank you.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
I want to roam the aisles of the craft store with you so some of your creativity will rub off on me! Who would have thought!!
Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says
Not sure where I have been, but I didn’t know these existed, and I NEED them! One year I even cut a piece off of some garland so I could use it. This is an adorable idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing!! Pinning!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Diane, these are brilliant! Such an easy idea that will make Christmas preparation a whole lot easier! LOVE the ties with the flatware!!!
Linda says
Great ideas! To never have to mess with those funky ornament hooks again…wonderful!