A bauble garland is one of the easiest ways to bring bold, festive energy to your holiday decor. Whether you’re aiming for glam, rustic, minimalist, or over-the-top, you can customize it to fit your style. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and takes surprisingly little time to put together.
Here’s everything you need to know—from tools and materials to assembly, styling, and pro tips.
Why Make a Bauble Garland?
Bauble garlands are:
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Versatile: Use them on stair railings, mantels, trees, door frames, tables, or walls.
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Reusable: With shatterproof baubles and smart storage, they last for years.
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Customizable: Pick colors, sizes, and textures to match your decor.
Unlike store-bought garlands, DIY lets you control every detail.
Materials You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following supplies:
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Shatterproof baubles (different sizes and finishes work best)
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Sturdy string, twine, fishing line, or wire (depending on your desired flexibility)
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Scissors
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Hot glue gun (optional but useful)
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Wire cutters (if using floral wire)
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Measuring tape
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Command hooks or nails for hanging
Optional:
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Greenery (faux pine, eucalyptus, etc.)
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LED fairy lights
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Ribbon or tulle for added texture
How to Make a Bauble Garland (Step-by-Step)
1. Plan Your Design
Decide on your color scheme and where you’ll hang the garland. Popular themes include:
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Classic red, green, and gold
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Modern metallics (silver, black, champagne)
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Frosty whites and blues
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Monochrome or rainbow gradients
Measure the space where the garland will go, then add 30–50% to your final string length to account for spacing and fullness.
2. Prep the Baubles
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Check that the caps on each bauble are secure. Use hot glue to reinforce any that feel loose.
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If your baubles don’t have loops or holes, you’ll need to glue or tie them directly to the string or use wire to attach them.
3. Cut and Prepare the Base String
Cut your string, twine, or line to the planned length. Knot one end so the baubles don’t slide off. You can also tie a small loop at both ends for easy hanging later.
4. Start Stringing the Baubles
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Thread baubles directly onto the string using the loops on their tops. If the opening is too small, you can use floral wire to attach them and then twist the wire onto the string.
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Alternate sizes and finishes to avoid clumping.
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Pack the baubles tightly for a fuller look, or space them out for a lighter, more casual vibe.
Tip: Every 6–10 baubles, knot the string or wrap a piece of tape to hold them in place and prevent bunching.
5. Add Extras (Optional)
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Lights: Wrap fairy lights around the garland or weave them through the baubles.
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Greenery: Layer in faux pine branches or eucalyptus stems.
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Ribbons: Add loops or bows in between baubles for texture and color.
6. Secure and Hang
When you’ve finished stringing, knot the final end of the garland tightly. Use loops, hooks, or twist-ties to hang it. For mantels and staircases, draping in a gentle swag creates a polished look.
Styling Ideas
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Over a Fireplace: Pair with stockings and candles for a traditional setup.
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On a Tree: Use the garland as a statement layer instead of tinsel or ribbon.
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Around a Mirror or Door Frame: Adds a festive border with big visual impact.
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Table Runner: Lay a mini garland flat down the center of your holiday table.
Storage Tips
After the holidays, wrap the garland around a piece of cardboard or place it in a large plastic bin. Keep it away from heat and moisture. If your garland is too long, coil it loosely to prevent tangling.
Final Thoughts
Bauble garlands are festive, bold, and endlessly customizable. With the right materials and a little planning, you can create a high-impact decoration that rivals anything in the store—at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you go glam with golds or keep it cozy with classic reds, you’re only a few steps away from a garland that turns heads.