How to Hang a Garland Outside

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Jason Phillip and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jason Phillip is a handyman and owner of Iconic Interior Installations based in New York City, New York. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's work includes 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.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 47,642 times.

1. 
   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] X Research source

   • 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. 
   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] X Research source

   • 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] X Expert Source Jason Phillip
     Handyman Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.
   Advertisement
3. 
   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] X Research source

   • If your stone wall is damaged or not stable, do not push nails into it.
4. 
   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] X Research source

   • You can find brick clips at most hardware stores.
   Advertisement

1. 
   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] X Research source

   • When it comes time to take your garland down, cut off the zip ties and throw them away.
2. 
   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] X Research source

   • This looks great on a railing that slopes downward.
3. 
   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] X Research source

   • 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. 
   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] X Research source

   • 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.
   Advertisement

1. 
   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] X Research source

   • For example, if your post is 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, use a garland that is 16 feet (4.9 m) long.
2. 
   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] X Research source

   • You can also use hooks that are installed with nails and a hammer for a more permanent solution.
3. 
   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] X Research source

   • You can wrap a zip tie around your garland to attach it to the hook if you need to.
4. 
   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] X Research source

   • You can decide how many times you’d like to wrap your post depending on what you think looks the best.
5. 
   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] X Research source

   Tip: You can add string lights on top of your garland in the same way and use the same hooks to keep them attached.

   Advertisement

Video

Tips