Beyond the Mantel: SEVEN Ways to Decorate With Fall Garland

Fall garland with vibrant autumn leaves, pumpkins and warm lights framing an elegant black front door and entryway.


Fall garland might be one of the hardest-working pieces in the seasonal decorating box — and you don’t need a mantel to use it.

1. LAYER IT — MANTELS

Start with any basic garland and layer in candles, figurines, or more garland.

Layer It: Layered purple fall garland with warm lights decorating a fireplace mantel for autumn.

2. WRAP IT — COLUMNS & POSTS

Take garland vertical. Loosely spiral it around porch columns, deck posts or balcony railing to bring fall color into the architecture itself.

Wrap It: Fall garland with pumpkins, eucalyptus and autumn leaves wrapped around front porch columns.

3. RUN IT — DINING TABLES

Skip the traditional centerpiece and run garland straight down the table instead. Tuck candles between the foliage for an easy tablescape that looks far more elaborate than it is.

Run It: Fall garland with pumpkins, ribbon and lights running down the center of an autumn dining table

4. FRAME IT — BALCONIES & RAILINGS

Railings are practically made for garland. Drape it, swag it or keep it simple and linear — even unexpected styles like bows can turn an ordinary railing into seasonal décor.

Frame It: Fall bow garland in autumn colors decorating an outdoor porch railing.

5. LIGHT IT — BUSHES & LANDSCAPING

Take illuminated garland beyond the porch. Weave it through shrubs, small trees or garden borders for fall color that really comes alive after sunset.

Light It: Lighted fall leaf garland woven through outdoor shrubs and landscaping for autumn.

6. DRESS IT — MAILBOXES & Lamposts

The mailbox might be the most overlooked decorating spot in the yard. Wrap the post with garland for an easy hit of fall that carries your seasonal look all the way to the street.

Dress It: Fall garland with eucalyptus, pumpkins and autumn leaves wrapped around a mailbox post.

7. ELEVATE IT — DOORWAYS

Instead of stopping at a wreath, frame the entire entrance. Garland around the doorway adds height, color and impact — and instantly makes the front door feel like an occasion.

Elevate It: Fall leaf and pumpkin garland framing a front doorway for autumn.

SHOP OUR FAVORITE FALL GARLANDS

From minimal and natural to full-on fall, we’ve rounded up our favorite garlands for bringing these ideas to life.

→ SHOP THE FALL GARLAND EDIT

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