Garlands' Post-Christmas Stay: How Long Is Too Long?

The festive season is a time for celebration, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by adorning your home with garlands and wreaths? However, the post-Christmas period can be a tricky time for decorations – how long can garlands stay up before they start to dry out and lose their festive cheer?

Well, it depends. If you're lucky enough to live in a cold climate, your garlands will last much longer, especially if they're kept outside. For those in warmer climates, the key to prolonging the life of your garlands is to keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as the dry, hot air will accelerate the drying process.

There are several tricks to help your garlands stay fresh for longer. One method is to soak your garlands in water before hanging them up, and then use an anti-desiccant or anti-wilt spray to seal in the moisture. Spritzing your garlands with water every few days can also help extend their lifespan.

Soak garlands before hanging

Soaking garlands before hanging them is a great way to ensure they remain fresh and pliable for longer. This is especially true for dried grapevine garlands, which can become stiff and hard to shape. By rehydrating the vines, you can make them flexible again and mould them into different shapes.

To soak your garlands, start by finding a large plastic container. Remove any tags or labels from the garland and fill the container about two-thirds full of water. You want to ensure the garland is fully submerged, so if it floats, use a weight to hold it down. A water-filled plastic milk carton works well for this.

Leave the garland to soak overnight, or for around eight to twelve hours. You want the vines to be flexible but still slightly damp. If you leave the garland too long, and it dries out completely, it will lose its pliability. After soaking, gently shake off any excess water and hang the garland up to dry.

You can add scented oils to the water to give your garland a festive fragrance. Cinnamon, clove, or orange oil are great choices for the holidays, but you can also use aromatherapy oils for a year-round scent.

This soaking method is not only for grapevine garlands. You can also use it for other types of dried vines, such as honeysuckle, to create beautiful, fragrant decorations.

Use an anti-wilt protector

To keep your Christmas garlands looking fresh for longer, you can use an anti-wilt protector. These products are designed to stop plants from drying out and protect them from harsh environmental conditions.

There are several anti-wilt protectors on the market, including Wilt-Pruf and Bonide Wilt Stop. These products come in ready-to-use spray bottles or concentrates that you mix yourself. They form a protective barrier on plant foliage, reducing water loss and protecting against transplant shock, drought, windburn, and winter kill.

To use an anti-wilt protector effectively, follow these steps:

• Soak your garland in a tub of water for 12-24 hours before applying the anti-wilt protector. This will help the greenery absorb as much moisture as possible.
• Shake the bottle of anti-wilt protector according to the instructions on the product label.
• Spray the anti-wilt protector evenly on the garland, covering both the top and bottom of the foliage until the solution starts to drip off.
• Allow the garland to dry completely before hanging it up. This usually takes about 2-4 hours.
• Reapply the anti-wilt protector as needed. For best results, reapply every 1-2 months during spring and summer, and every 3-4 months during fall and winter.

By using an anti-wilt protector, you can help your Christmas garlands stay fresh and vibrant for longer, extending the festive cheer throughout the holiday season.

Mix faux with fresh greenery

Mixing faux and fresh greenery is a great way to get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the vibrant colours, textures, and fragrances of fresh greenery, while also benefiting from the longevity and practicality of faux plants. Here are some tips to help you mix faux with fresh greenery effectively:

Choose Realistic Faux Greenery

Select faux greenery that looks as close to the real thing as possible. Opt for varieties that resemble plants found in nature, as these will be more convincing and easier to mix with fresh greenery. Faux stems have come a long way since the early 2000s, and you can find very realistic-looking cedar, pine, magnolia leaves, juniper, and more.

Consider the Feel

If the faux greenery feels soft and not like plastic, it is more likely to fool the eye. High-quality faux flowers and plants will often have a more natural texture, enhancing the overall realism of the display.

Mix in Accent Greenery

You can use faux greenery as the base of your arrangement and then add in fresh accent pieces. Real floral arrangements typically use fresh greenery to ground the arrangement, but you can use faux greens for this purpose and then add in fresh flowers or other eye-catching natural elements.

Use Seasonal Colours

Avoid using colours that are not typically found in the season you are displaying your arrangement. For example, don't use bright spring colours in the middle of autumn. Stick to colours that are currently occurring in nature to make your arrangements look authentic.

Cut Faux Stems to the Right Size

If your arrangement includes a vase or container, cut the faux stems to the appropriate size. This will ensure that the display looks neat and that the faux pieces are not overly dominant.

Display for a Limited Time

Fresh flowers and greenery won't last forever, so it's best to limit the display time of your mixed arrangement. Enjoy your mixed bouquet for about one to two weeks, and then replace the fresh pieces with new ones or switch to an entirely faux arrangement.

Where to Buy

You can find high-quality faux greenery and flowers at craft stores like Michael's, especially around November when their coniferous/holiday stem section is usually expanded. Online retailers and local garden centres are also great options for finding both faux and fresh greenery.

Avoid hanging garlands near heat sources

When hanging garlands, it's important to be mindful of the proximity to heat sources. Here are some tips to avoid potential hazards:

Firstly, be mindful of the location. Avoid hanging garlands directly above or in close proximity to heat sources such as vents and radiators, as well as fireplaces, stoves, or space heaters. These sources of heat can accelerate the drying process of the garland, making it brittle and increasing the fire risk.

Secondly, consider the lighting. If you plan to incorporate lighting into your garland, opt for LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs. LED lights emit less heat, reducing the risk of drying out the garland and lowering the chances of fire hazards.

Thirdly, be cautious with candles. If you choose to display candles near your garland, ensure they are placed at a safe distance and never leave them unattended. Candles can be a fire hazard if they come into contact with dried-out garlands, so always exercise caution and keep an eye on open flames.

Additionally, you can use alternative hanging methods. Instead of nails or screws that may damage your walls, opt for adhesive hooks, fishing line, or floral wire. These methods provide a secure hold without causing permanent damage, and they can be easily removed once the holiday season is over.

Lastly, regular maintenance is key. Check your garlands regularly for any signs of drying, brittleness, or browning. If you notice any of these, it's best to replace the garland to reduce the fire hazard. Regular misting with water can also help to prolong the freshness of the garland and delay drying.

Store garlands in a cool area

Garlands and wreaths are challenging to store due to their size, and they need more space than other decorations like ornaments and lights. However, there are some great storage ideas to ensure they stay in good condition for the next festive season.

Firstly, it's important to store garlands in a cool and dry area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat like air vents. Heat will cause the garland to dry out and turn brittle.

There are two main options for storing garlands: using a large plastic container or a garland storage bag. Large plastic containers are durable and can often fit several garlands together, as well as other decorations. Garland storage bags are usually hung at the back of doors or in closets, but they can only fit one garland, and you may need extra space to store multiple pieces.

Before storing your garland, it's a good idea to give it a light clean to remove any dust, glitter, or fallen needles. You should also remove any decorations that are not attached, such as ornaments, beads, and pinecones, and store them separately. Then, wrap the garland in tissue or bubble wrap to preserve the needles. Finally, lay the garland in a circular motion in the container or bag.

Frequently asked questions