Master Mantle Décor with This Quick and Easy Summer Garland

A fresh, vibrant garland draped across your mantle is an effortless way to embrace the cheerful spirit of summer. With a simple DIY summer garland made from beautiful seasonal blooms, you can instantly infuse any space with natural charm. The relaxed, laidback style of a mantle garland evokes carefree days spent lounging outdoors. Making your own garland allows you to customize the colors, textures, and arrangement to perfectly complement your existing decor.

With just a few basic supplies and seasonal greenery, you can complete this easy garland project in under an hour. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a tailored accent piece that imparts cozy elegance to your home. Updating your mantle display for summer has never been simpler!

Materials Needed

Part of the beauty of a summer garland is letting nature shine through. Focus on finding seasonal plants and flowers to create a piece reminiscent of leisurely strolls through lush gardens. Prioritize locally-grown varieties available in your area for ultimate freshness.

Greenery and Flowers

When selecting greenery and blooms, aim for a balanced mix of textures and heights. Good choices include ivy for volume, ferns or palms for airy filler, and delphinium for height. Some other summery options include sunflowers, lavender, yarrow, bee balm, and black-eyed susans. For pops of brightness, try roses, zinnias, marigolds, or gerbera daisies.

Frame

While grapevine wreaths or styrofoam rings work well, we recommend using a hula hoop for the base of your summer garland. It provides a perfect round shape that lays nicely on mantles. For a small mantle, opt for a 14-16 inch hoop. Size up to 18-22 inches for larger displays. Wire frames are also lightweight and adaptable options.

Fasteners

To attach the greenery and stems, use flexible florist tape or thin wire. Florist tape sticks to itself and won't damage plants. Estimate needing about 10-15 feet of tape or wire for an average sized garland.

Other Supplies

Gather pruning shears or scissors for trimming. Have floral sealant or hairspray on hand to help preserve the garland. Consider raffia, ribbons, or burlap to conceal mechanics or add whimsical accents.

Create the Base Frame

First, assemble the base structure that will support the garland. For wire frames, use pliers to bend the wires into a circular, wreath-like shape. The frame should be slightly smaller than the width of the mantle so it sits nicely when hung. If using a hula hoop, simply make sure it is in an even, round shape.

Size and Placement

Hold your frame up to the mantle area to judge placement. Aim for a proportionate size - don't overwhelm a small mantle with an oversized garland. Mark where you want the ends to lay so you can balance fullness on each side.

Attach Greenery and Flowers

Now, the fun part - assemble your summery bouquet! Start by densely wrapping a base layer of greenery around the frame. This provides support and fullness. Vary textures and heights as you add pieces. Incorporate a few pops of color throughout, saving some showy blooms for focal points.

Wrapping Technique

Wrap stems tightly with tape or wire, overlapping as you move around the frame. Make sure no mechanics show. Aim for a natural, organic look. Trim any long stems and tuck in the ends.

Composition and Visual Appeal

As you add pieces, keep the garland full and luscious. Transition smoothly between materials for a cohesive look. Cluster some materials together to create texture and interest. Highlight especially beautiful blooms and trailing vines. Step back periodically to ensure the garland looks balanced.

Finishing Touches

Once your garland base is complete, add those special finishing touches to take it to the next level. Florist ribbons or burlap bows offer shabby chic flair. A final mist of floral sealant helps prolong the life. Give the ends a fresh snip to even out.

Accent Materials

Consider embellishing with ribbons, shells, or other accents that complement your design. Add lightweight items toward the top so they don't weigh down the garland. Keep it simple - a few well-placed accents go a long way.

Preservation

Spray your finished garland with floral sealant to help retain moisture. For longer lasting blooms, you can add glycerin to the water. Store out of direct sunlight when not on display.

Displaying the Garland

Now for the fun part - let your summer garland shine! Drape it along the length of your mantle, using decorative hooks or tacks to hold it in place.

Hanging the Garland

Aim for a relaxed, trailing effect. Make sure it sits evenly, filling the space nicely but not appearing squished. Reposition pieces as needed for the most pleasing look.

Working with Your Existing Decor

Incorporate lighting, candlesticks, vases or other mantle elements around the garland. Remove clashing items or relocate nearby furnishings to give the garland focus.

Maintenance

To keep your summer garland looking its best, be diligent about watering and tidying. Prune any spent blooms and swap wilting filler with fresh greenery.

Watering

Check soil moisture frequently, and mist with water to replicate dew. Consider moving the garland to a tub for thorough watering, then rehang when dry.

Grooming

Deadhead faded flowers to encourage new buds. Monitor for pests or rotting vegetation. Rotate pieces to evenly expose all sides to light.

Inspiration and Variations

The wonderful thing about DIY garlands is you can customize to suit your personal taste. Draw inspiration from nature, seasonal highlights, or your favorite color combinations.

Themes and Color Palettes

Try an all-white garland accented with silver for a beachy look, or bold primary colors for a festive fiesta flair. Research plants native to your region or coordinate with your interior design.

Adapt your garland to seasonal themes by switching out materials. Evergreen boughs, fragrant cloves, and tart cranberries transform it into a winter wonderland.

A handcrafted summer Garland brings warmth to your mantle for months. Savor the chance to highlight nature's fleeting beauty by adorning your home with gorgeous seasonal blooms. Their vivid colors and lush textures transport you to carefree summer days. Follow our guide for creating your own easy summer garland, or use it as inspiration to invent a style uniquely your own. Either way, this simple mantle project adds an irresistible pop of summer's vibrant spirit.