How to Hang Garlands & Tinsel on a Christmas Tree

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Warning
Pets are sometimes attracted to eating tinsel, which can cut up their intestines.

Step 1: Pick one
Decide whether you want to hang tinsel—those silvery strands hung from branches to add shimmer to a tree—or garlands, which are long, decorative pieces that wrap around the tree. Using both can be a bit much.

Step 2: Hang the lights first
String the lights the way you want them before you put on the tinsel or a garland.

Step 3: Hang tinsel individually
If you’re using tinsel, commit to hanging it one piece at a time. Yes, it will be time-consuming, but the end result—even instead of clumpy—will be worth it.

Tip
Follow the six-six rule: Don’t hang more than six strands per branch, and leave about six inches of space between tinsel-decorated branches.

Step 4: Choose a garland
If you prefer garlands, decide what kind you’d like. Choices include ones made of tinsel, popcorn, cranberries, candy, and beads.

Tip
Buy or make 10 feet of garland for every foot of tree. You can use one long garland or several shorter pieces.

Step 5: Drape the garlands
Start at the top. If you need to, use a stepladder to reach. Drape the garlands around the tree, creating evenly spaced dips. To keep your garlands' shape, secure sections to branches with wire or ribbon, or just wrap it around branches.

Step 6: Consider vertical garlands
For a more unusual look, hang garland strands vertically, knotting them to top branches and letting them float to the bottom of the tree.

Did You Know?
Ukrainian Christmas-tree decorations often include a fake spider and web because of a folk tale that a spider spun a beautiful web to decorate a poor family’s tree.