Damage-Free Ways to Hang Garland and Wreaths

Get 10 damage-free options for hanging wreaths, garland, and other holiday decor!

brass bells and velvet ribbon on holiday mantel

I love garland and wreaths greenery and little gold bells and all the holiday decor. The more the merrier! But I don’t love leaving holes and other damage on my walls, doors, cabinets, and mantel. So I’ve gathered many little tricks over the years to protect them, and I’m excited to share them today.

Damage-Free Hanging Ideas

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1- Command Hooks

Command hooks are the ultimate tool at the holidays. I bought a giant pack years ago, and I simply order the refill adhesive strips each year. I used them on my painted walls, my stone mantel, my wood bookcase, and more.

simple pine wreath with gold bells hanging on painted wall with command hook

The key is to follow the directions:

Press hook against surface firmly for 30 seconds
Leave hook alone for ~1 hour while the adhesive sets before you put any weight on it

When I follow these directions, I can hang all this gorgeous garland on our huge fireplace with just three little self-adhesive hooks.

large brick and stone fireplace with beautiful asymmetrical holiday garland and lights for Christmas decorations

These command strips also work above a door frame, around a window frame, on bookcases, china cabinets, and more.

tan leather sofa with green velvet pillows and garland for holiday decorations | Maison de Pax

woman hanging pine garland on top of china cabinet

GET MY FAVORITE COMMAND HOOKS AND REFILLS

2- Floral Wire

The secret to using just three little hooks like I did on my mantel above is green floral wire. Create a little loop around the garland and over the 3M strip command hook. You can also add layers of garland by wiring additional garlands onto garland. Some people recommend zip ties (which can serve a similar purpose), but I find the floral wire is more versatile and less visible.

use floral wire to hang garland with command hooks

full wall brick mantel with christmas decorations garland greenery and twinkle lights

TRY FLORAL WIRE

3- Curtain Rod

This idea went a little viral last year, and I can see why. Simply use a tension curtain rod within a doorway, between cabinets, or anywhere that you have a stretch between two walls. Install the curtain across the space and wrap the curtain with garland. I like to secure using floral wire. You can add lightweight ornaments or other decorations to the tension rod, as well.

woman hanging garland on tension rod for damage free garland idea

FIND A TENSION CURTAIN ROD THAT WILL FIT YOUR SPACE

4- Decorative Garland Ties

These are especially good if you have painted trim or banister. I purchased these black garland hangers for our black banister and these gorgeous brown ones for our living room, and they are lovely and completely damage free. Soft, fabric covered with decorative knobs at the end – just twist to secure. These come in so many colors, too!

decorative garland ties attach garland to banister damage free

CHECK OUT THESE DECORATIVE GARLAND TIES

5- Ribbon or Twine

If your garland has substance and shape to it, then you may be able to hang it using just decorative ribbon or twine. This is especially useful on traditional staircases. Simply wrap the ribbon around the banister and garland and tie a knot before tying your bow.

magical holiday dining room with elegant yet simple holiday table

MY FAVORITE VELVET RIBBON

6- Hot Glue

Against brick or stone, a little drop of hot glue can hold a wire, light strand, or garland end in place so that it stays tucked behind the greenery and out of sight. I wouldn’t recommend this against a painted surface (or try it at your own risk), but it’s wonderful against hard surfaces as it peels right off when the season is over.

use hot glue to secure wires to brick for temporary decor

CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE GARLAND AND TWINKLE LIGHTS

7- Wreath Hanger + Felt Pads

Door wreath hangers that extend over the top of your door are a wonderful option, especially for a metal door. They can be a great way to avoid nails in your front door, too, but they can often scratch the door as the wreath hook swings back and forth. To avoid this, add a little felt pad (like the kind you put on the bottom of furniture legs) to the back of the metal wreath hanger to protect your door.

front porch with black planters and a festive holiday wreath with bells

FIND A DOOR WREATH HANGER

8- Flat Thumb Tack + Ribbon

If you have a wooden door, you can skip the wreath hanger altogether and use a thumbtack plus a length of ribbon to hang a wreath. Measure how far down you want the wreath to hang, then cut double that length of ribbon. Fold the ribbon around the wreath and lay it flat on the top of the door and use a flat thumb tack or small nail (with a flat head) to hold it in place.

wreath hung from wood door using ribbon and a thumbtack

magnolia garland above doorway and wreath on door with ribbon christmas decor ideas

MY FAVORITE REALISTIC FAUX WREATH

9- Suction Cups

When hanging a wreath on a window or a glass door, I’ve had success with suction cups. I purchased mine years ago locally, but these get wonderful reviews and come in multiple sizes.

woman hanging wreath on storm door on farmhouse porch | Maison de Pax

HIGHLY RATED SUCTION CUP HANGERS

10- Ribbon + Painter’s Tape

When attaching a wreath to a cabinet that you don’t open very often, a length of ribbon and some painter’s tape might be your best option. Just tape one end of the ribbon inside the door or cabinet, wrap the ribbon around the top of the wreath, and tape the other end above or inside the cabinet. Easy to hang, easy to remove, and completely damage free.