Make Cedar Garland with me ✨

I absolutely love how a homemade cedar garland with twinkling fairy lights can transform a simple door frame into a festive entryway! When I was making mine after my amazing foraging trip to Strawberry Lake (it was so beautiful seeing the snow-covered forest and walking across a snowy log bridge, even in my winter coat!), I realized there are so many little tricks to make your garland truly shine. First, let's talk about those magical fairy lights. You know, those delicate fairy lights really make all the difference! Depending on your door frame and whether you have an outlet nearby, you might choose battery-operated or plug-in string lights. For my garland, I opted for warm white lights, as they give off such a cozy glow, perfect for the holiday season. When you’re wrapping them, don't just drape them loosely. Try to weave them into the cedar branches. This helps hide the wires and makes the light look like it's glowing from within the lush cedar garland. If you're using clips or small Command hooks to secure your string lights around door frame, place them strategically on the inside of the frame or behind the garland so they're not visible. Little details like this elevate the look of your homemade holiday decoration. Now, about the cedar itself. While foraging in a snowy forest like I did is an amazing experience, not everyone has access to fresh cedar or the time to go out. If you're looking for alternatives or want to supplement your foraged branches, places like local nurseries or craft stores (yes, even big ones like Michaels!) often carry fresh greenery bundles around the holidays. You might even find pre-made cedar garlands at Michaels if you're short on time but still want that classic look. When selecting branches, look for ones that are vibrant green and flexible. To make your garland fuller or to achieve a specific thickness, consider how you layer your cedar sprigs. I found that layering smaller pieces on top of a longer base branch with my floral wire created a more natural, organic flow. If you want to add more festive touches, beyond just fairy lights around door frame, think about incorporating other elements. Red ribbon or a big bow, as I mentioned, would be stunning. You could also tuck in some pinecones, dried orange slices, or even small ornaments for extra sparkle. Remember, it's your creation, so let your personality shine through! Keeping your cedar garland fresh indoors can be a challenge, but a light misting with water every few days can help it last longer, especially if your home is warm. Enjoy crafting your beautiful, fragrant cedar garland!