Best Christmas Wreaths and Garlands for Your Home

The best artificial wreaths and garlands look so real that most people will be tempted to touch them. Plus, artificial Christmas greenery is easier to work with because it doesn't break when you're trying to bend or wrap it around wreath forms or garland strings. You can also reuse Christmas garlands and wreaths year after year and even re-purpose them for other holidays or events. Benefits of artificial wreaths and garlands include:

• They're hypoallergenic, meaning they won't bother people with allergies.
• Flexible wiring allows for easy shaping of branches.
• Garlands are available in lengths up to 100 feet.
• Garlands with end-to-end lighting allow you to connect multiple strands.
• The best Christmas garland and wreaths are pre-lit andbattery-operated.

Fresh-cut foliage brings the freshness of the outside indoors. Fresh garlands and wreaths are made from tree branches and leaf bundles firmly secured into a wreath form or along a garland string or ribbon. Fir branches are a popular choice, as are spruce and pine, but boxwood and even magnolia leaf clusters produce pretty results. Here are some other things to consider:

• Fresh-cut varieties are designed for one-season use and should be thrown out after the holidays.
• Prevent needle loss by avoiding use in drafty areas or near heat sources.
• Low-heat lighting such as micro, micro mini or LED lights are recommended to keep greenery from catching fire.

Standard nails and hooks work well for hanging wreaths and securing garlands. If you don't want to nail a hole in your wall or risk damage to sheetrock, purchase special ties, clips and hooks to attach decorations to a variety of surfaces. Some of the most popular types include:

• Wreath hangers:Choose from a variety of sizes and styles to complement your decor.
• Zip ties: Zip ties discretely secure garland firmly to railings.
• Fishing line: This is a virtually invisible way to suspend or drape decorations.

If you plan to add holiday lights to wreaths and garlands, use UL-listed lights. UL means it has passed safety requirments for use by consumers and businesses.

Artificial wreaths and garlands can last for years. Take care to store them properly.

• Remove fragile decorations from wreaths and garlands and wrap in paper to store.
• Dust garlands and wreaths and store in a plastic container.
• Large items can be placed in specially designed wreath and garland storage bags.
• Pre-lit decorations should be inspected annually for damage, and have bulbs replaced.