3 quick and easy ways to make a faux garland look real, according to an interior designer

Designer Marie Flanigan is known for her rustic yet elevated style, creating interiors that feel cozy, chic, and contemporary. Her style is best displayed in her beautiful Texas home which is enviably charming yet modern. Marie's look goes hand-in-hand with the festive and cozy qualities of Christmas. She's all about creating timeless looks that encompass feelings of joy and comfort, so who better to look to for some key last-minute Christmas decor advice to elevate pieces you already have?

Marie Flanigan shows us how to create a stunningly real-looking garland using faux foliage (that you already have), accomplished in just three easy steps. It's not too late to spruce up your mantel, giving it a refresh before your guests arrive. Let's take a look at Marie's simple tips.

1. Use more than one variety

Although a lot of faux foliage is surprisingly life-like, it's important to use a few different varieties to avoid a flat garland that lacks dimension and depth. Incorporate several types of foliage to create a lusciously full garland that has an organic look.

The key to the 'real' Christmas garland effect is using many leaf shapes and textures. Start with a classic green base, like an imitation fir or pine that's understated but still evokes a festive feel. These will do a great job of showcasing your more intricate and colorful garlands and allow them to shine.

Marie uses a velvety pine as the base of her design, and later adds in a juniper berry garland and some dried orange slices. Although you should start with a natural, plainer green garland, you aren't restricted to a specific type of foliage. For a contrasting approach, try Eucalyptus. Its large round leaves are the perfect backdrop for colorful citrus or an ornate beaded garland.

2. Weave them together for a natural look

This may seem like the simplest step, but in fact, technique (or lack of it) will make or break the overall garland look. Treat your individual garlands like a part of a braid that needs to be woven together, creating one successful piece. Notice that in Marie's video, she uses a twisting motion to combine her decor.

You want to avoid a clash of shrubbery and ensure that each element harmonizes, creating a unified and 'natural' display. A top tip is to use floristry wire as this will hold your garlands in place and allow you to drape where necessary. Amazon's green floristry wire comes in pre-cut stems and will camouflage amongst your green leaves.

Once you've nailed your garland choices, neatly drape them around your area of choice and carefully weave them together, keeping the overall structure in mind.

3. Add dried citrus or a beaded garland

Now comes the fun part. Marie's final step is to add dried citrus or beaded garlands for a touch of color and variety in texture.

Dried fruit garlands are all the rage this year, from red berries to charming juniper, they're rustic and wintery and will emphasize the 'real' quality of your garland. The traditional orange evokes a Christmas feel whilst producing a festive, zesty scent.

You can buy pre-made orange ornaments or garlands for a quick and easy mantel accessory. Or, you could try drying oranges at home. Finely slice an orange and pop in the air fryer for an easy drying method that eliminates mess. Note that Marie has glued her oranges to a thick twine like this one from Amazon, and then draped it around the garland structure.

This last step is all about adding a hint of fun to your garland, so it's entirely up to you what you add. Marie also suggests a beaded garland which can bring a hint of sparkle and frame your area successfully. For a look that nails this year's Christmas trends too, try tying red velvet bows like these from Amazon, for the ultimate Christmas garland display.

Creating a last-minute 'real-looking' garland couldn't be simpler with Marie's three concise steps. Adorn them on mantelpieces, down banisters, or along tables for a beautiful centerpiece.