What is a Garland?

Hanging Eucalyptus garland, holidays, ceremonies, events, parties, gathering,

A garland is a woven or braided, decorative strand or loop. It can be made from fabrics, flowers, branches or a combination of materials.

Throughout history, various cultures have used garlands during celebrations, be it a religious ritual or a victorious occasion. Regardless of how they’ve been used, garlands have remained as an essential element during our commemorations.

As I thought about how to decorate for Thanksgiving, I wanted to honor tradition, while embracing a new one. I also wanted to showcase a variety of colors and textures in my decor. Since I love displaying flowers and plants throughout my home in general, I felt a garland would be the perfect choice for my table’s centerpiece.

Create This Thanksgiving Table Garland

Step by Step Instructions

Garland and Tablescape Contents…

Purple Ranunculus, Deep Purple Flowers, Velvet flowers, Thanksgiving colors, Rich, Vivid and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Purple Ranunculus

Seeded Eucalyptus, Texture, Thanksgiving colors, Rich and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Seeded Eucalyptus

Apricot Strawflowers, Peach, Pink, Rose, Unique Flowers, Thanksgiving colors, Rich and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Apricot Strawflowers

Parvifolia Eucalyptus, Thanksgiving colors, Rich and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Parvifolia Eucalyptus

Bronze Pom Cushion Holanda, Thanksgiving colors, Rich and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Bronze Holanda Mums

Mini White Pumpkins, Thanksgiving colors, Rich and Vibrant, Tablescape, Table Garland and Runner, Holiday, Events, Weddings, Parties, Gathering, Decor, Flower Decor, Floral Design — Mini White Pumpkins

Thanksgiving fall Autumn terracotta rusty red burnt orange cheesecloth runner simple easy elegant tablescape for the holidays, events, parties, gatherings — Cheesecloth Runner

Thanksgiving fall Autumn linen tablecloth, simple easy elegant tablescape for the holidays, events, parties, gatherings — Linen Tablecloth

Holiday tablescapes, simple, easy affordable tablescapes, napkins, tablecloths, table runners, candle holder, ribbons, napkin holder, table garland, floral arranging, flower arrangement, greenery, botanicals, holiday, Christmas, thanksgiving, parties and events, mercury round candle votives — Mercury Votive Holders

rusty red burnt orange copper velvet string ribbon napkin holder elegant, fancy holiday events parties weddings thanksgiving, Christmas, floral arranging, floral accessories — Crushed Velvet Ribbon

hurricane candle holders set of 6 holiday events parties weddings thanksgiving, Christmas, floral arranging, floral accessories, tablescape, holiday decor — Hurricane Holders Set

Thanksgiving fall Autumn gold leaf napkins disposable, simple easy elegant tablescape for the holidays, events, parties, gatherings — Foil Leaf Napkins

Creating A Stunning, yet Simple Garland and Tablescape

Styling a Cheesecloth Runner

To start off, use a simple and basic tablecloth. One that is a neutral color but compliments your color scheme. I selected a light tan Linen tablecloth.

You may want to steam your tablecloth to remove any wrinkles acquired while in storage or if recently unpackaged. Steaming also freshens up the fabric before use.

Cheesecloth table runners are a great way to add color and texture to any table setting. They are a lightweight material that comes in a wide variety of colors. You may also steam your cheesecloth runner. Steaming delicate fabric can be a little tricky, so make sure to take your time.

Cheesecloth fabrics can be used in a variety of ways, even when using them to decorate a table. I mostly see cheesecloth runners bunched to the center of a table, but I like to spread mine out to maximize the color exposure of the fabric.

*You may notice the runner extends out far enough to sit underneath the plates, creating another fun styling detail.

Thanksgiving, Holidays, Events, Parties, Table Garland and Tablescapes, Cheesecloth runner, How Tos — Linen Tablecloth and Cheesecloth Runner

Thanksgiving, Holidays, Events, Parties, Table Garland and Tablescapes, Cheesecloth runner, Seeded and Parvifolia Eucalyptus, How Tos — Linen Tablecloth &Cheesecloth Runner with Seeded & Parvifolia Eucalyptus Garland

Create a Eucalyptus Garland

For the base of your table garland, you can use any greenery of your choice! I chose to blend Seeded and Parvifolia Eucalyptus.

Seeded Eucalyptus is one of my favorite varieties due to its light Eucalyptus scent and cute seed clusters. The leaves are narrow and elongated. The branches are quite flexible and are more drapey than other varieties, adding a playful element.

Parvifolia Eucalyptus is a variety with small, narrow leaves giving it more of a delicate appearance, yet it has sturdier stems than its seeded counterpart.

As shown in the photo, align the Eucalyptus in the center of the runner, alternating the two varieties. For added flare, position the stems with a curve, also alternating the direction of the curvature to create a wave pattern down the table.

To conceal the lower portion of the stems, layer the Eucalyptus by slightly overlapping the previous branch with the newly positioned branch. For a fuller garland, simply position the alternating stems closer together.

Arranging the Flowers!

Table garlands can be as simple or intricate as you desire. What it basically boils down to, is the number of flower types, various colors and how many flowers in total you add to the garland.

Originally, I was only going to incorporate Ranunculus and Strawflowers, but due to the season, I felt it was necessary to add Mums as well.

I wanted my table garland to be rich with color! Therefore, I selected deep purple Ranunculi that would surely capture the attention of my guests. To complement the colors of the season, I chose peach and bronze tones for the Strawflowers and Mums. The color combination is so luxurious!

Trim the stems of the flowers to approximately 5 inches or so, then “weave” them into the garland. Begin with one flower type, spacing them evenly throughout the Eucalyptus. Repeat the process for all additional flowers.

Due to the hydration requirements of flowers, keep them in water until an hour or two prior to your guests’ arrival. If you plan to hang onto the flowers after the festivities have ended, remove them from the garland and place them in a vase for continued enjoyment!

Thanksgiving, Holidays, Events, Parties, Table Garland and Tablescapes, Cheesecloth runner, Seeded and Parvifolia Eucalyptus, Purple Ranunculus, Apricot and Peach Strawflowers, Pom Cushion Holanda Mums/ Chrysanthemums, How Tos — Linen Tablecloth, Cheesecloth Runner with Live Table Garland

Adding Ambience

The lighting in a room greatly affects its ambience, influencing the mood of the space. Bright lights may make you feel more awake or even overstimulated. While too little lighting can put you right to sleep.

Lighting also affects one’s perception of color and texture, influencing the overall aesthetic of a space. Adding the soft, calming lighting from candles makes everything feel cozy and inviting, putting your guests at ease while also making them feel special. So, adding candles to the garland just made sense.

For variation and an elegant touch, I combined two different candle styles. Mini mercury votives and moderately sized hurricane candle holders. I opted for subtle, low-profile candles to avoid detracting from the garland.

To arrange the candle holders, alternate between the two different styles, also alternating them on either side of the garland, tucking them in close.

Don’t forget the pumpkins! Place the pumpkins sparingly throughout the garland.

Place Settings with Mini Bouquets

Now that the table garland is complete, it is time to add the place settings as well as the final touch to make guests feel extra special, the mini bouquets.

With keeping things simple, I used my everyday plates, silverware and wine glasses. Due to the vivid color palette of the runner and garland, I didn’t feel it was necessary to splurge on special dinnerware.

Instead, I personalized each place setting with mini bouquets held together with orange crushed velvet ribbon. These mini bouquets are a simple combination of a single Eucalyptus stem and two flowers.

To minimize clean up, I decided to use disposable napkins, but not just any paper napkins. I selected these lovely gold foil-stamped leaf napkins that complemented the theme and added a touch of sparkle and shine.

With this stunning Thanksgiving Garland and Tablescape, you can rest assured that your guests will not only be impressed but feel welcomed and celebrated, creating a warm and memorable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The table is set, adorned with a gorgeous, timeless garland along with personalized place settings. It is time to enjoy a delicious meal shared with family and friends, creating impressionable memories.

I hope you are feeling inspired and festive as a result of this lovely table garland. I encourage you to arrange one of your own, enhancing a current tradition or possibly beginning a new one.

Thank you for allowing me to be your floral guide. Happy Holidays flower fans, until next time, take care!

~ Your Tabletop Florist ~

For more inspiration and floral arranging guidance, go to my Bouquet Gallery. For all floral extras, go to my Floral Accessories.

Interested in bouquets with similar flowers? Check out these posts!

Arrangements with Mums: Harvest Hues, Orange Roses, What Flowers Pair Well with Mums?

Bouquets with Ranunculus: Anemone Bo uquet, Spring Flower Arrangement

Arrangements with Eucalyptus: Deep Autumn Colors, Eucalyptus and Peonies

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Instagram and YouTube!

How about hands-on, interactive guidance? I host workshops as well! Go ahead, click it!

Floral Workshops

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