How to Hang Christmas Garland Around the Front Door

Evergreen garlands are a classic way to deck out your entryway for Christmas. They're simple to hang and provide a festive welcome throughout the entire holiday season and even into the new year. Use real or artificial greenery depending on your climate and what is locally available.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Materials Needed

  • hammer and large nails (or outdoor-rated adhesive hanging hooks)
  • fresh or artificial garland large enough to hang around doorframe's top and sides
  • faux evergreen pipe cleaners
  • twinkle lights (optional)
  • step ladder

Gather Supplies and Secure Hangers

Purchase or make your own garland, then assemble all materials on your front porch (Image 1). Hold garland over the doorframe to do a “dry fitting” before securing hangers. Trim garland to size with scissors or wire cutters if necessary. Hammer in a large nail at the top corner of the doorframe on the left and right sides (Image 2). Tap one more nail above the doorframe's top center to prevent garland from drooping over the door, possibly getting caught or impeding function. Or, for a damage-free solution, opt for outdoor-rated removable hooks, instead.

Add Lights or Decorations and Hang

If desired, wrap garland in battery-operated string lights (or ones that plug in if an outlet is available). This would also be the time to add any desired embellishment like ribbons, floral picks, ornaments or pinecones. Starting on one corner, drape garland over the nail, making sure garland is hanging to desired length on that side. Secure in place with an evergreen pipe cleaner or florist wire. Wrap the pipe cleaner or wire around the nail and garland multiple times to ensure it will hold up to the elements and your family's comings and goings. Repeat on the other corner. Finally, secure garland to center nail in the same manner. Safety Tip: Make sure any lights you use are UL-rated for outdoor use.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Step Back and Admire Your Handiwork

Seriously, that's it! Turn on the lights and admire your festive entry! Position planters at the bottom of the garland on each side to hide electrical wires, if desired.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Deck Out Other Outdoor Areas

This same process can be repeated around windows to coordinate with the front door. In cooler climates, fresh greenery will last for several weeks outside, or opt for faux greenery, instead, that can be reused year after year.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Festive Up Your Front Porch

Next Up

Transform Potted Evergreens Into Front Porch Holiday Gnomes

Festive up your front porch by turning potted evergreen trees into a pair of holiday gnomes that are as cute as they are Christmassy.

Upcycled Flannel Holiday Gift Wrap

Start saving those empty dry-good containers now to upcycle into festive fabric-clad packages that can be used again and again.

Easily Monogram Christmas Stockings With This No-Sew Cross Stitch Trick

Whether creating holiday heirlooms for your family or giving as a handmade gift, these personalized stockings look just like the hand-stitched version but come together much quicker and without needle and thread.

Gift or Enjoy: Endlessly Customizble Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Whether you're gifting them or serving them at a holiday party, we'll help you fill your Christmas cookie tray with ease. We’ve formulated one easy shortbread dough to be the base for three different cookie flavors. Cranberry-Orange and Toffee-Chocolate Chip are enticing and holiday appropriate, while Smoked Cheddar-Jalapeño offers an unexpected savory bite. Whatever their favorite flavor — this sweet or savory shortbread cookie recipe promises something for everyone.

Endlessly Customizable Layered Cheesecake Bars

Just one pan of these 3-in-1 cheesecake bars will fill your entire dessert tray or a Christmas tin for gifting. Get creative by swapping in your own fillings and toppings, or use our easy guide for the season’s most tempting flavors: Cookies ‘n Cream, Peppermint Patty and Pecan Pie. They all come from one pan and the variety is sure to please a crowd.

Sledding Marshmallow Snowman Holiday Place Card Holders

Add a dash of whimsy to your Christmas table with these tasty sledding marshmallow snowmen. They are easily assembled using familiar Christmas candies and nostalgic sweets. Add a personalized handwritten gift tag to each for edible place card holders that holiday guests of all ages will love.

Edible C9 Christmas Bulb Cookie Ornaments

Celebrate the holidays in retro style with a delicious cookie that doubles as a Christmas tree ornament, a party favor or a fun, homemade food gift. C9 bulb-shaped cookies are decorated in a rainbow of royal icing colors, with twinkling sanding sugars to match.

Homemade Christmas Cookies for Dogs Recipe

No pups on the naughty list here! Santa knows that all dogs are nice year-round, so they deserve a special homemade holiday treat. Chicken broth and sweet potato give these cut-out cookies the flavor of a holiday dinner, while nutritional yeast gives them cheesy flavor without adding any dairy products.

How to Make a Colorful Holiday Pom-Pom Wreath

Celebrate the ho-ho-holidays with this festive pom-pom wreath that’s as merry and bright as Rudolph’s nose.

Upcycle an Old Cake Pan Into a Christmas Candle Ring Centerpiece

Got a past-its-prime Bundt or tube cake pan taking up space in your cabinet? In just a few steps, you can upcycle it into a cheery Christmas centerpiece to brighten up your holiday table all season long.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.