As the holiday season approaches, hotels, restaurants, stores and event venues compete to create the most welcoming festive atmosphere. Wreaths and Christmas trees play their part, but garlands are the unsung heroes of holiday decor: they frame a front desk, run along a bar, dress a staircase or a shop window, and set the tone the moment guests walk in.
The tradition of garlands
Garlands have been an integral part of Christmas decorations for centuries. The word “garland” is derived from the Old French “garlande”, meaning a wreath or a chaplet, which signifies a circular shape symbolizing eternity. These decorative elements are traditionally made from flowers, greenery, and other ornaments. They are looped and hung to represent continuous life and the hope for an everlasting, joyful holiday season.
Get your dose of inspiration
Over time, garlands have become much more than a simple loop of greenery. Today, you'll find a wide variety of garlands, each with its own unique charm and characteristics. From classic evergreen boughs to contemporary designs, garlands have evolved to suit diverse tastes and styles.
Be bold and use captivating color schemes
Garlands are not just about greenery. They come in a myriad of colors to suit any holiday theme or interior design. While classic green remains a timeless choice, you can explore the possibilities of red and gold for a traditional Christmas look, or silver and blue for a winter wonderland theme. There are even garlands in pastel hues for a more whimsical and contemporary twist on holiday decor.
The color scheme you choose for your garland can significantly impact the overall atmosphere of your holiday decorations. It's an excellent way to coordinate your Christmas decor and create a harmonious ambiance in your space.
The benefits of selling preserved garlands
Why choose preserved garlands? First, they are environmentally friendly: they need no water or light, they don’t drop needles, and they are not thrown away after a few weeks. Second, they are cost-effective. A preserved garland costs a little more than a fresh one, but it stays beautiful all season long and can be stored and reused the following year. For a florist or a decorator, that means a higher-value product to sell, and an installation that never needs to be replaced mid-season.
How to use preserved garlands in hospitality and retail
- Install early. Preserved garlands can go up in early November and stay fresh-looking until January, with no maintenance.
- Plan for the space. Measure the length to cover and allow extra for draping. For long runs on bars or mantels, combine several garlands and add preserved foliage to fill the joins.
- Keep them away from heat and humidity. No candles, fireplaces or heaters in direct contact, and no outdoor use in rain.
- Store them for next year. Pack each garland flat in a box, away from light and humidity, to reuse it the following season.
Find our seasonal selection in the holiday specials.
