12 Homemade Garlands for Trimming Your Christmas Tree

Nothing ties the decorations of a tree together like a garland. Consider trimming your tree this year with a homemade Christmas garland for a unique effect. While making a homemade garland for your tree may seem like a lot of work, if you recruit a few extra hands to help you and provide plenty of hot chocolate, spiced cider, and put in a classic Christmas movie as you work you'll have dozens of feet of garland created in a short amount of time.

1. Popcorn is one of the classic materials to make a garland out of. Be sure to use air popped popcorn rather than a bag of buttered microwave popcorn. Make sure to pop enough to snack on while while you are stringing the garland.

2. Fresh cranberries are the other classic material for garland stringing.

3. Alternate popcorn and cranberries for a dramatic red and white pattern.

4. Use clear wrapped peppermint candies (such as Starlite Mints) and ribbon to make a sweetly elegant garland. Simply tie together the clear plastic on two ends with a piece of ribbon and continue until an entire chain is created. Green, red, and silver ribbon all complement the candy perfectly.

5. Wine corks can be strung together if a small hole is punctured through them with a small nail or drill. Separate the corks with small wooden beads in green or red.

6. If you want a little bling on your tree, raid the craft store for beads in silver or gold, or spray paint your own. Add glitter embellishments for even more sparkle.

7. String large buttons together for a homespun garland. String the thread through two holes to allow the buttons to face outward. This garland is best suited for a smaller, table top tree.

8. Use wide ribbon as garland on your tree. If the ribbon has wired edges, it is easier to loop and drape along the tree.

9. Jazz up store bought beaded garland with tiny charms attached at varying intervals.

10. Scavenge the forest for small pine cones or purchase them at a store. Attach the pine cones together with twine and garnish with ribbon.

11. Varying textures, finishes, and colors can make the humble paper chain anything from classy to homey. Experiment with varying lengths and widths of paper strips before precutting all of the paper.

12. Any paper or craft foam shape can be folded over twine for a personalized garland. Try shapes of snowflakes, snowmen, Christmas ornaments, Christmas lights, snow topped cabins, forest animals, stockings, stars, or any other Christmas symbol.