Since we updated our kitchen layout few years ago, I wanted to hang the garland framing the large open archway.

During renovation we had the contractor open up a doorway into the kitchen to create an open concept and create a half wall that became a bar.

The open area was finished with drywall and sat like that until I installed plywood ship lap and framed the archway last year.

It does look much better and makes our main living area more open and brightens up the kitchen area as well.

So since I refinished the archway I had a picture in my mind of a large holiday garland gracing that wide opening. This year I worked on it and bought two 10 foot unlit Fraser Fir garlands from Balsam Hill. I already had lights on hand and didn’t want to splurge on the lighted one.

I added small mug hooks to the top of the framed archway and used lots of green zip ties to secure two grams together at the center of the archway with some overlap that allowed me to create fuller focal point.

Also tied bundles of real cinnamon sticks and gold gilded jingle bells. Single bells were a jingle bell garland in the previous life!

I tied greenery bundles with small green zip ties, they’re so versatile and blend in well with the grand.

After I decorated the garland I weaved in a string of lights. The trick is to tuck in lights and wires behind the garland branches, it gives an illusion that the garland is lit from the inside!

I hope this helped and have fun decorating for the holidays!

Warm wishes,

Nadia