Asymmetrical Christmas Garland

Hi Friend!

One of my favorite parts of decorating for Christmas is giving myself permission to let things be imperfect. Not every strand of garland needs to be even, and not every detail needs to match. Hanging our Christmas garland asymmetrically was a small shift, but it made such a big difference—adding movement, softness, and a sense of ease that feels just right for our home during the holidays.

Come and see this years Mantel decorated for Christmas ~

If you are new here, earlier this year we gave our brick fireplace a makeover. It was quite the extensive process, and we thought through every aspect of what this makeover would look like. You can read all about it HERE, but today is the day I have been waiting for ever since we finished our fireplace makeover. I brought my favorite garland out of storage, and I couldn’t wait to hang it back up.

Why I Love an Asymmetrical Christmas Garland

Traditional garland is beautiful, but I find myself drawn to decorating styles that feel collected and a little unexpected. Hanging garland heavier on one side creates movement and makes your mantel feel more personal and less staged.

It’s also forgiving. If you don’t have the exact right length of garland (or you’re working with what you already own), asymmetry makes it look intentional.

How I Style an Asymmetrical Christmas Garland (Step-by-Step)

Start with Simple Greenery

You can use fresh garland, faux garland, or even a mix of both. I like something with texture—pine, cedar, or anything that doesn’t feel too flat. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; fullness comes later with layering.

Hang One Side Lower

Instead of centering the garland, I start by securing it closer to the middle of the mantel and letting one side drape lower. This instantly creates that asymmetrical shape and becomes the visual anchor for the whole mantel.

Small nails or removable hooks work well, especially if you’re decorating a wood mantel.

Add Ribbon for Softness

Ribbon is what makes this feel cozy and finished. I like using more than one—maybe a wider ribbon paired with something thinner or textured. Let it flow naturally through the garland rather than tying perfect bows.

Layer in Simple Accents

This is where you can make it yours. Bells, dried oranges, ornaments, or even a little extra greenery tucked in go a long way. I usually stop before it feels “done” because less really is more here.

You can find the hanging bells in my Amazon Storefront Christmas folder – HERE.

Decorating Around the Mantel

One reason I love this style is how easy it is to decorate around. The heavier side of the garland balances beautifully with artwork, a mirror, or a small collection of décor on the mantel itself.

And if you hang stockings? Asymmetrical garland gives you room to work without everything feeling crowded.

For above the mantle, I hung an antique metal tray for a focal point. I added a few sprigs of faux greenery (found HERE) and ribbons to decorate it for Christmas. To the left I added a grouping of brass candle sticks, and on the right I added a few mini trees.

The two tiny houses in the middle are from the Target value spot last year, and I love how the faux wood roof color coordinates with the antique metal tray and the brown bottle brush tree.

With the garland hung asymmetrically, it leaves me room on the right side of the mantel to hang our stockings, and this year I’m choosing to wait until Christmas eve to hang them.

Below is a list of Sources of the items that I used ~

• Garland – Purple Rose Home
• Bells – Amazon
• Brass Candlesticks – thrifted, similar ones found HERE.
• Ribbons – Amazon
• Round Tray – found antique
• Faux Cedar stems (on tray) – Afloral
• Bottle Brush Trees – Magnolia
• Green Plaid Tree – Hobby Lobby
• Fireplace Sconces – Amazon

You can read more about our Fireplace Makeover HERE.