27 Christmas Garlands That Outshine Twinkly Lights

This string of paper Christmas lights requires a bit of skill — but the fact that it doubles as an advent calendar makes it worth the effort.

What you'll need: colorful paper ($18 for a 250-pack, ), black string ($5, )

These adorable felt balls will add a pop of color to your Christmas tree without straying too far from the traditional holiday palette.

BUY NOW: $16,

This bannister masterpiece delivers so much oomph without an ounce of crafting frustration. Simply wrap a pine garland and Christmas lights around a railing and garnish with cranberry sprigs, ribbon and glitzy foam balls. The result? A winter scene that also works as a nightlight for the kids.

What you'll need: ribbon ($11, ), fake snow ($4, )

This sparkly bow-tie garland requires just pasta, string and glitter glue. Try other shapes — a string of ditalini, perhaps — for an eclectic touch.

What you'll need: farfalle pasta ($3, ), gold glitter ($5, ), twine ($5, )

Sometimes, you just have to throw the Christmas color scheme to the wind. And with a DIY this easy, why not? Simply knot felt strips along a string of twine — and hang anywhere and everywhere.

What you'll need: colorful felt ($10 for a 25-pack, ), twine ($5, )

This traditional, twinkling pine garland looks majestic when draped on a rustic wooden headboard. Imagine falling to sleep with the scent of pine wafting through the air, under the warm glow of flickering golden light...

What you'll need: snowflake ornament ($6 for a 10-pack, ), Christmas lights ($8, )

Who really eats all of the candy canes in a box, anyway? Put them to good use with this easy string-and-hang DIY. We're loving this blogger's interpretation — three pepperminty strings above an unexpected (but surprisingly festive!) orange throw pillow.

What you'll need: twine ($5, ), candy canes ($32 for a 48-pack, )

This blogger turned paper light garlands into balloon strings, but we think they're perfect for stringing across your mantel.

What you'll need: colorful paper ($18 for a 250-pack, ), black string ($5, )

If you thought garlands belong on mantels and walls only, we think this tree (which has us dreaming of a white Christmas) will change your mind.

What you'll need: cardboard letters ($8 for a 26-pack, ), twine ($5, ), white paint ($4, )

Designer Robert Rufino says the trick to this dramatic railing display is to create a definitive shape with paper wedding bells (which are store-bought). Use fishing line to secure them in place and don't be afraid to add more than you think are necessary.

Get the tutorial at CQ »

What you'll need: paper bells ($9 for a 12-pack, )

This blogger used wire, floral string and Australian pine from Whole Foods to create this minimal holiday arrangement.

What you'll need: floral wire ($5, )

A message so nice, we'll string it twice.

BUY NOW: $20,

These mini wreaths are so cute and so doable. Secure sprigs of rosemary around tiny embroidery hoops with floral wire and attach to a cherry-red string of twine.

What you'll need: mini wreaths ($7 for a 3-pack, ), red string ($8, amazon.com)

We love this blogger's clever black backdrop to her silver, white and gold star project — it's as if we're looking at a perfectly crisp winter sky.

What you'll need: twine ($5, ), star scrapbook cutouts ($4 for a 25-pack, )

Try draping this garland across a doorway's white crown molding for a touch of nature.

BUY NOW: $26,

Move over red and green: This blogger's icy railing display is proof that the best festive decor often goes against the grain.

What you'll need: tissue paper pom-poms ($14 for a 12-pack, )

Susan from actually bleached these pinecones before stringing them alongside real cranberries. (For their golden effect, submerge pinecones from your backyard in bleach for two days.)

What you'll need: pinecones ($19 for a 50-pack, ), cranberry garland ($10, )

We bet you'll catch your kids singing the lyrics to "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" while dancing underneath this dashing garland.

What you'll need: brown paper ($13 for a 50-pack, ), red and white string ($6, )

This blogger files this pom-pom DIY garland under Valentine's Day projects — but we think it's just as appropriate for Christmas. A DIY that you'll break out twice a year? Definitely worth doing.

What you'll need: red yarn ($6, ), white yard ($7, )

These neutral stockings are actually recycled pieces of grain sacks. Painted blue and white, they make for a pretty garland that doesn't disrupt the vibe of this space.

What you'll need: twine ($5, )

A garland that combines the sweet (and simultaneously savory) scents of cinnamon, roasted apple and fresh citrus with pretty aesthetics? Sign us — or should we say, string it — up.

What you'll need: twine ($5, ), dried apples ($4, )

This project requires little more than tying your favorite holiday ribbon and strips of burlap around a string of Christmas lights. Wrap this beauty around your tree, a bed post or your porch's railing — the options are truly limitless.

What you'll need: burlap ribbon ($19, ), Christmas lights ($8, )