How to Hang a Garland Outside

Co-authored by Jason Phillip and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 30, 2020 References

Garlands are long strands of pine tree branches that add a pop of cute decoration in the winter time. They look great as an addition to string lights or as a focal point on the front of your home. You can add a garland to your front door, your railings, or your porch posts by using simple tools that won’t damage your walls or doors.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Hanging a Garland Around Your Front Door

1
Use a tension rod to hang your garland for a quick addition. Find a tension rod that is made specifically for garlands or use an extra curtain rod. Put the tension rod into the alcove above your door and screw it tight. Hang your garland along the rod and wrap it around the ends so that it stays.^{[1]
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- You can find garland tension rods at most home goods stores during the holiday season.
Tip: Add a matching wreath to your front door to tie your garland in with your decorations.
2
Attach hooks to the top of your door for easy installation. Purchase 5 to 6 wall hooks that have sticky backings. Place them about 1 foot (0.30 m) apart from each other on the wall above your door. Hang your garland on the hooks and let the ends frame the outside of your front door.^{[2]
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- Hooks with adhesive backings work well on wooden walls, but they won’t do well on brick or stone. They also may fall off in hot or humid climates.^{[3]
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  Jason Phillip
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.}
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3
Hammer nails into the spaces between stones in a stone wall. Choose nails that are about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Use a hammer to push them into the spaces in between the stones in your wall that surround your door. Try to put the nails about 1 foot (0.30 m) apart, but add them wherever they will fit in with your stones. Hang your garland on the nails and let the ends frame your door.^{[4]
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- If your stone wall is damaged or not stable, do not push nails into it.
4
Use brick clips to hang your garland on your brick wall. Brick clips are metal clips that fit vertically over your brick without creating any holes or marks. Hold your brick clip vertically and attach it around a single brick above your door. Make sure it clicks into place so that it will support the weight of your garland. Use 5 to 6 brick clips spaced about 6 inches (15 cm) apart to span the width of your door. Hang your garland off of your brick clips and let the ends drape around your front door.^{[5]
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- You can find brick clips at most hardware stores.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adding a Garland to Your Railings and Windows

1
Use zip ties on your railing for a secure solution. Set your garland out on your railing in a straight line. Attach a zip tie around the center and each end of your garland. Pull the zip tie as tight as it can go to make sure it is secure. If your garland is sagging in any areas, add another zip tie to make it tighter.^{[6]
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- When it comes time to take your garland down, cut off the zip ties and throw them away.
2
Wrap your garland around your porch railing for a simple decoration. Place your garland on top of your railing at one end. Wrap your garland around your railing 2 to 3 times in a loose spiral pattern. Secure each end of your garland with a zip tie to keep it in place.^{[7]
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- This looks great on a railing that slopes downward.
3
Add planter hooks to your railings for a secure solution. Planter hooks are large metal hooks that have brackets to fit over your railing. Open up the brackets of your planter hook and set them over your railing. Tighten the brackets with a small wrench to secure them. Place 5 to 6 planter hooks along your railing about 1 foot (0.30 m) apart. Drape your garland over the planter hooks to keep it in place.^{[8]
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- You can also use planter hooks to hang large wreaths or heavy bundles of lights.
Tip: Planter hooks are great for heavy garlands since they can usually hold up to 30 pounds (14 kg).
4
Hang outdoor hooks on your windows for a subtle decoration. Use outdoor hooks with an adhesive back that are made specifically for attaching to glass windows. Place one hook on either side of your window and hang a small garland in between them.^{[9]
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- Outdoor hooks will withstand the months of cold and harsh weather that might happen during the winter.
- You can find outdoor hooks at most hardware stores.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wrapping a Porch Post in Garland

1
Use a garland that is twice the length of your post. Measure the length of your porch post with a measuring tape. Multiply the length by 2 to find out how long your garland needs to be.^{[10]
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- For example, if your post is 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, use a garland that is 16 feet (4.9 m) long.
2
Attach hooks with adhesive backs to the top and bottom of your post. Peel the backs off of 2 adhesive hooks and place one at the very top of your post on the side that faces your home. Add another to the very bottom of your post on the same side.^{[11]
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- You can also use hooks that are installed with nails and a hammer for a more permanent solution.
3
Hang the top part of your garland on the top hook. Hold your garland lengthwise and place the top part on the top hook. Make sure that it is secure and won’t fall off of the hook.^{[12]
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- You can wrap a zip tie around your garland to attach it to the hook if you need to.
4
Wrap the garland around your post 3 to 4 times. Grab the end of your garland and wrap it around your post, keeping even spacing throughout. If your pole is especially long, you may need to wrap your garland 5 to 6 times.^{[13]
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- You can decide how many times you’d like to wrap your post depending on what you think looks the best.
5
Hook the bottom end of the garland on the bottom hook. Once you reach the bottom of your post, take the end of the garland and attach it to the bottom hook. If you need to, add a zip tie to attach the garland to the hook so that it stays in place.^{[14]
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Tip: You can add string lights on top of your garland in the same way and use the same hooks to keep them attached.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I hang a garland up outside?

Jason Phillip
Handyman
Jason Phillip is a handyman specializing in mounting and hanging objects onto walls. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's Handyman Services, Jason's work includes working with mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

Jason Phillip

Handyman

Expert Answer

If you don't live in a hot or humid climate, you may be able to use adheisve-backed hooks.