It’s Easy to See Why the John Lewis Celestial-Inspired Star Garland Is a Bestseller – But I’ve Found a Stunning £9 Alternative at Habitat

I discovered a £9 celestial‑inspired star garland that taps into this year’s heritage, starry Christmas trend

Star Christmas garlands
(Image credit: John Lewis / Habitat)

There’s something instantly festive about draping a garland across a mantel, weaving it through a staircase banister, or letting it cascade along a sideboard. Garlands add texture, sparkle, and a sense of movement, making them one of the easiest ways to transform your home for Christmas. Twinkling lights, metallic touches, or simple greenery can instantly elevate a space and make it feel magical.

The John Lewis Metal Star Garland has been a clear bestseller this season, and I can see why. I bought it myself and was immediately struck by its simplicity and classic elegance. Celestial-themed décor is such a big Christmas trend this year, and star garlands are a perfect way to bring that subtle cosmic magic into your home. But while hunting for something similar, I came across Habitat’s Gold Coloured Vintage Iron Star Chain Garland, at just £9, and I couldn’t believe how beautifully it matches the original. It feels like a little secret find, offering the same clean lines and understated charm for a fraction of the price.

Garland

Add serious quantities of vintage charm to your Christmas mantlepiece with the Gold Vintage Iron Star Chain Garland from Habitat

(Image credit: Habitat)

Christmas decorating often feels like it’s all about maximalism and over-the-top sparkle, but there’s a quiet shift toward simpler, heritage-inspired pieces. Shapes that are unpretentious yet unmistakably festive are having a moment. These star garlands remind us of a bygone era, with a restrained, old-fashioned elegance reminiscent of Dickensian Christmases, without ever feeling dated.

The John Lewis version has its classic appeal, but the Habitat alternative is a genuine revelation, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture that same timeless aesthetic. Clean, considered, and deeply nostalgic, these garlands are perfect for anyone looking to bring a calm, classic charm to their festive decor this year.

Metal star garlands like these have their roots in Victorian Britain, when handcrafted decorations were prized for their simplicity, durability, and charm. Unlike modern seasonal trends that come and go, these pieces were made to last and to be reused year after year, which gives them a sense of permanence and authority in festive decor.

They draw on celestial and folk influences, with shapes and finishes inspired by early metalwork, antique iron chains, and rustic country homes. I like to weave the garland across my mantelpiece, threading it through greenery gathered from the garden, which gives it a relaxed, layered effect that feels natural and carefully considered.

More Starry Finds for a Classic Christmas


Choosing garlands and star decorations like these does more than just dress your home for Christmas. They create layers of texture and subtle movement that catch the eye in unexpected ways, drawing attention to corners, shelves, and mantelpieces that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond the visual appeal, they encourage a slower, more intentional approach to decorating, allowing you to curate a space that feels thoughtful and lived in.

Sophia Pouget de St Victor
UK Editor

Sophia Pouget de St Victor is the UK Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing readers the latest trends, expert insights, and timeless design inspiration tailored to a UK audience. With a background in luxury interiors and a qualification in Garden Design from London, she has a passion for creating spaces with character and emotional depth. Sophia gravitates toward interiors that defy definition, valuing individuality and effortless elegance. She lives in West London with her partner, two mischievous terriers, and a plump cat named Lettuce.

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