The Most Realistic Christmas Garland + Our Cozy Christmas Mantel

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Halfway Wholeistic!

If there’s one Christmas staple I’ll never stop using… it’s this garland! 🎄

It’s full, realistic and looks so much more expensive than it is. I bring it back year after year, and it makes such a beautiful statement on our stone fireplace without breaking the bank. It’s one of my favorite affordable Christmas decor finds ever.

Below I’m sharing how I style our Christmas mantel, why this is the best faux Christmas garland I’ve found, and every piece from our holiday living room, from the cozy stockings and mini trees to the throws and pillows.

Pin this for later so you have it when you’re ready to decorate!

The most realistic Christmas garland on a stone fireplace mantel with shearling stockings and mini Christmas trees
Save to Pinterest

Watch: Hanging Our Christmas Garland

Unboxing, fluffing and hanging the garland on our mantel

Why This Is the Best Realistic Christmas Garland

  • So full and lush. The real-touch branches are thick, so you don’t need to layer two strands to get that full look.
  • It actually looks real. The soft, cedar-style greenery has so much more dimension than typical plastic garland.
  • Lights included. It’s pre-lit with 8 lighting modes, so there’s no wrestling with a separate strand.
  • Affordable. It looks like a designer garland for a fraction of the price.
  • It lasts. I pull it out every single year and it still looks beautiful.

Shop Our Christmas Living Room

Christmas decor sells out fast, so if something is gone, check back. Restocks happen all season!

The Christmas Garland

Linking the exact garland from the video, plus the cord bundlers that keep everything neat.

Realistic 6 ft artificial Christmas garland with lights draped on a mantel

Realistic Faux Christmas Garland with Lights

The star of the show! Full, lush and so realistic. It looks way more expensive than it is.

Shop on LTK
Command damage-free cord bundlers for hanging Christmas lights and garland

Command Cord Bundlers

Damage-free cord bundlers that keep garland light cords neat and tidy.

Shop on LTK

Christmas Trees

A big tree for the corner and two little potted trees to flank the fireplace.

7.5 ft pre-lit twinkling balsam fir artificial Christmas tree from The Home Depot

7.5 ft Pre-Lit Balsam Fir Christmas Tree

A full twinkling tree from The Home Depot with smart lights you can control from your phone.

Shop on LTK
3 ft pre-lit lightly snowed cypress Christmas tree in a woven basket

3 ft Pre-Lit Snowy Cypress Tree

The little potted trees flanking our fireplace. So cozy with the warm lights on.

Shop on LTK
32 inch pre-lit lightly snowed cypress Christmas tree in a woven basket

32 in. Pre-Lit Snowy Cypress Tree

Mix the two sizes for an easy, layered look by the hearth.

Shop on LTK

Swipe to shop more →

Christmas Mantel Decor

Vintage art, cozy stockings and candlelight. This is everything on our Christmas mantel.

Vintage pine tree sketch framed art print from Collection Prints

Vintage Pine Tree Art Print

The vintage-style pine sketch above our mantel. It's from our own shop, Collection Prints!

Shop on LTK
Cream shearling lamb Christmas stocking from Joss and Main

Shearling Christmas Stocking

The softest neutral stocking. These textures make the mantel feel so cozy.

Shop on LTK
Brown sherpa fabric Christmas stocking from Joss and Main

Brown Sherpa Christmas Stocking

A rich brown sherpa option if you love mixing tones.

Shop on LTK
Tall brass finish iron tabletop candlestick

Tall Brass Iron Candlestick

Candlelight on the mantel is a must. Mix heights for a collected look.

Shop on LTK
Short brass finish iron tabletop candlestick

Brass Iron Candlestick

The shorter version, so pretty paired with the tall one.

Shop on LTK
Vintage-style brass Christmas bells on a jute rope hanger

Brass Bells on Jute Rope

I tie these onto our stockings for a little vintage jingle.

Shop on LTK
Rustic brown terracotta cauldron vase with handles

Rustic Terracotta Cauldron Vase

A textured vase that's perfect for holiday greenery.

Shop on LTK

Swipe to shop more →

Cozy Throws and Pillows

Layered textures in warm neutrals make the whole room feel ready for the holidays.

Brown faux fur throw blanket from Joss and Main

Faux Fur Throw Blanket

So soft for cozy movie nights by the fire.

Shop on LTK
Neutral woven throw blanket with fringe

Fringe Neutral Throw Blanket

A lighter neutral throw with fringe that works all winter.

Shop on LTK
Rust velvet grid lumbar throw pillow

Rust Velvet Grid Lumbar Pillow

That rust velvet adds so much warmth to a neutral sofa.

Shop on LTK
Woven brown striped cotton linen pillow cover

Woven Brown Striped Pillow Cover

Earthy texture that layers beautifully with linen.

Shop on LTK
Pottery Barn Belgian linen throw pillow in brown

Belgian Linen Pillow in Brown

A classic linen pillow in a warm chocolate tone.

Shop on LTK
Pottery Barn Faye textured linen throw pillow in cream

Faye Textured Linen Pillow

The perfect creamy textured pillow for layering.

Shop on LTK
Pottery Barn Belgian linen throw pillow in taupe

Belgian Linen Pillow in Taupe

A soft taupe that ties all the neutrals together.

Shop on LTK
Pottery Barn down alternative throw pillow insert

Down Alternative Pillow Insert

The secret to full, fluffy throw pillows.

Shop on LTK

Swipe to shop more →

Our Living Room Furniture

The pieces that make our living room a cozy spot to gather all season.

Bobbi 87 inch cream upholstered sofa from Wayfair

Cream Upholstered Sofa

A clean-lined cream sofa that makes the whole room feel calm.

Shop on LTK
Neruda slipcovered sofa from Wayfair

Slipcovered Sofa

A relaxed slipcovered sofa that's so comfy for family movie nights.

Shop on LTK
Bowie cream teddy upholstered accent armchair

Cozy Teddy Accent Chair

The coziest textured accent chair.

Shop on LTK
Solid wood coffee table with arched base

Solid Wood Arched Coffee Table

That arched base! So much character for a coffee table.

Shop on LTK
98 inch solid pine wood sideboard with seven drawers

Solid Pine Sideboard with 7 Drawers

Warm pine and tons of storage for holiday overflow.

Shop on LTK
Woven genuine leather stool with black iron base

Woven Leather Stool

Extra seating by the fire that looks so good.

Shop on LTK
Asta handmade ivory jute and sisal flatweave area rug

Ivory Jute and Sisal Area Rug

A natural, textured rug that's an easy neutral base.

Shop on LTK
Oversized woven seagrass storage baskets with handles

Oversized Woven Seagrass Baskets

Perfect for corralling all the extra blankets this time of year.

Shop on LTK
Ellis brass metal floor lamp with white cone shade

Brass Floor Lamp with White Shade

A slim brass floor lamp for a warm, soft glow.

Shop on LTK

Swipe to shop more →

How to Style a Christmas Mantel

  • Start with a full garland. Drape it across the mantel and let the ends hang just past the edges for a relaxed, natural look.
  • Fluff every branch. Pull each tip out in a different direction. It takes a few minutes, but it’s what makes faux garland look real.
  • Add one statement piece of art. Our vintage pine print keeps the mantel timeless and ties right into the greenery.
  • Hang cozy, neutral stockings. Shearling and sherpa textures feel so warm against a stone fireplace.
  • Flank the fireplace with mini trees. Two small pre-lit trees in woven baskets add height and a soft glow.
  • Finish with candlelight. Brass candlesticks in mixed heights make it feel collected, not staged.

Christmas Garland FAQ

How do you hang garland on a mantel without nails?

Use damage-free adhesive hooks or weighted mantel clips. Command products work great, and cord bundlers keep the light cords neat so nothing looks messy.

How long should garland be for a mantel?

For a straight, full look like ours, measure your mantel and add about a foot or two so the ends can hang over the sides. Swagged or draped looks need more, about 1.5 to 2 times the mantel width.

How do you make faux garland look more realistic?

Fluff every branch, choose warm white lights, and start with a garland that has real-touch greenery. If you want extra fullness, layer two strands together.

Which piece is your favorite? I can’t get over this garland, and those mini trees make me so happy! Save this post to your Christmas board on Pinterest, and follow along on my LTK for more Christmas decor, cozy home finds and holiday styling ideas.

xo, Katie

Join the Conversation

Browse More in: