Call me a glutton for punishment, but I love fresh, REAL greenery draped all over my halls, and I do mean ALL over. It’s makes your home smell like a forest (festive) and while there are plenty of good fakes, there’s just nothing like the real thing. But fresh greenery can also be a bit of a pain if you don’t know what to do. Besides keeping your vacuum within arms length, here’s how to keep your winter garlands looking good through Christmas:
Keep them cold until you’re almost ready to decorate.
In the rare occasion I pick up garland more than a day before I’m ready to deck the halls I store them in the garage.
Soak garland for 24+ hours
Don’t waste any time. As soon as that garland passes the threshold get those greens in water. Soak them for at least 24 hours. I use a bathtub to get the job done, then lay them out to dry on the bathroom floor. Bonus points if you can find a spot to hang dry.
Thoroughly spray with an anti-desiccant to seal in the moisture.
Don’t skip this step!
Spritz the garland with water every 2-3 days to extend the life.
I’m admittedly bad at this step, but when I remember I like to use this.
Bonus: Store extra evergreen bundles someplace cold to freshen up the garland as needed.
I like to keep a bundle or two of pine and/or cedar, which I get from local hardware stores, in my garage. Every week or so, I weave some into my garland. Then when Christmas is just around the corner, I throw the stems I didn’t end up using in a vase… instant holiday table centerpiece.
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