Decorating a Chandelier with Greenery for Christmas
I’m in full blown Christmas spirit over here. Each day I’ve been picking a new area and working to making it cozy and Christmassy. (I just looked that up, and Christmassy really is a word!) Anyhow, today my attention is focused on our dinning room. the Mariah Carey holiday station is blaring, I’ve got a hot cup of coffee in my hands, and I’m ready to transform this room into something magical. And part of that includes decorating a chandelier with greenery!
Who loves fresh garland? I think most people either love fresh Christmas trees and garland, or they hate them. And I get it, they truly can be very messy. But, you just can’t replicate the smell of a fresh cut pine Christmas tree, or that roll of just harvested garland. I’m team fresh, though I do have a ton of fake garland and plants too. With how early I begin decorating, it’s a must really. So I use a healthy mix of both. For decorating a chandelier, I usually side with real garland. I find it so easy to use. But truly, faux works perfectly too. So grab your garland of choice, and let’s get busy!
Items for decorating a chandelier
You’ll need:
- Garland of choice (If using faux, this is a great option)
- Plant nippers and wire cutters
- Floral wire
- Scissors
- Extra decor pics like holly, pine cones, or items of your choice
- Twinkle lights (these remote operated ones are such a steal!)
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Prepare stems and chandelier
If using fresh garland, prepare it by unclipping and separating stems. I usually grab my garland from Costco for around $12 for 24 feet. It’s the best deal I’ve been able to find. Home Depot also carries fresh garland.
After the garland is separated, it’s time to add the wire to the chandelier. Begin by making a loop and securing it with a knot, then in large swoops, circle the entire chandelier. This is going to be our garland base that we’ll use to weave the stems into place.
Don’t make it too tight around the chandelier, as you want to be able to fill with quite a bit of stems.
Attach greenery
Once the chandelier is ready, begin by taking the longest stems, and threading them through the wire. Thread them through the bottom of the chandelier, trying to get them through at least two or three loops of the wire. If it looks messy, that’s okay, this is just the base. And truthfully, a little messy is natural and pretty!
Get the larger pieces in over the entire chandelier, and then begin to go back in, adding the smaller stems into the wire but also using the other branches to help stabilize. Stand back every so often, looking for holes or areas the greenery is sparse, and go back in and fill.
For some reason I find filling the greenery so relaxing. Just me, my coffee, my creativity, and usually an animal nearby for company.
Make you garland as full or sparse as you desire. Just be sure sure you’re not able to see the wire from any angle below when you finish.
Top it off with your decor picks, and lights. Then stand back and admire your beautifully stunning above table centerpiece.
I’ve been doing this for a few years now and it lasts well through Christmas. Just make sure none of the branches are toughing the light bulbs.
Now I’m off to make a few waterless snow globes for some friends, and also bake some Starbucks copycat cranberry bliss bars. This is truly one of the best times of the year.
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Great tutorial! where did you get the chandelier from? I’ve been looking for one thick enough to decorate for fall and winter but cant find one.
We got it at Costco a few years ago for $100! And sadly I haven’t seen another one like it since.