These are not artificial garlands, they are real foliage… but they are too stunning to not include on my list. Some are preserved and require zero maintenance, others are fresh and just require misting every few days to prolong their life span. If you are looking for a statement piece for your mantle or front door, you'll love the All is Bright Cordless Garland from Grandin Road. This garland is decorated with a variety of colorful, shatterproof jewel-toned ornaments and different types of branches and greenery, as well as 50 warm white lights. We love that it's battery-operated, ready to go right out of the box (aside from adding three C batteries), and needs minimal fluffing.

The combination of faux Scotch pine ( the national tree of Scotland), pistol pine, and fir branches—all made using molds of live branches and needles—looks full and lush (although the number of branch tips is not listed). Just be sure to reshape them (fluff the branches) when you take them out of the box. Pinecones and bright red berries add additional flair to this stunning holiday decoration.Suitable for indoor and covered outdoor use, the garland is perfect for placing almost anywhere you have the space, since you don't need to worry about an extension cord or outlet. Turn your mantle into the most festive space year-round with this light-up garland from West Elm. The embedded wire makes it easy to fit around curves and edges, so it fits perfectly in your space. It only features 30 lights (the least amount of the pre-lit options on this list), but the golden leaves help add to the sparkle. We think this garland would also look great layered over green garland, or on an artificial Christmas tree, for use around the holidays. Non-traditional garland comes in a variety of materials but is generally best for indoor use. As with all garlands, look for durable materials, especially if placed in a high-traffic area or around kids or pets. For example, both Anthropologie Holly Garland and the Balsam Hill Red Felt and Wool Beaded Garland are made of material that won't break if they fall and are easy to store. That, paired with the fact that I’d rather not have my 1 year old eating crispy pieces of cedar or pine needles, means that artificial Christmas garland is the best choice for my decorating plans.The Home Accents 9-Foot Prelit Woodmoore Artificial Christmas Garland is a great choice if you want a well-decorated option, without a lot of effort. It features classic plaid bows, red berries, and pine cones nestled among the faux pine branches. Like most artificial Christmas trees, you will need to "fluff" some of the branches by moving them out and around to make them appear more realistic and full (there are 150 branch tips, but you most likely don't need to fluff them all!). While the branches have wires hidden in them to help keep their shape, they shouldn't scratch any surfaces you place them on.

Also, keep in mind how you intend to place it. Placement on a mantle tends to be the easiest since you can drape it across and don't have to worry about it falling down. Doorways and windows will require special hardware, such as this garland holder from Grandin Road, while others can simply be hung with ribbons or other removable hanging strips.

This garland has a “real touch” feel to it. It’s not hard and ribbony like the cheap garlands of the past. It’s soft, bendable, and has a beautiful rich green that looks natural and realistic. It’s not hard to see why it’s considered the best garland for Christmas. Real vs Fake Garland Aside from the multiple lighting options, it's also full and almost overflowing with decorations, including berries, frosted pinecones, and frosted branches (220 branch tips). With that in mind, if you like a minimalistic, simple look, this is not the best option for you. But if you like being able to customize the lighting and change it from the comfort of your couch, this is an excellent option. Featuring decorative pinecones and berries this rustic decoration is astoundingly realistic. Ideal indoor use, get creative as you find the perfect place to hang your new garland. Try draping this accessory over your mantlepiece, doorframe or windowsill as part of your stunning festive display.

With a 270cm length, this garland provides plenty of room to hang any additional decorations to create a festive display. Many of these garlands are simple, but you can easily add some festive cheer in an easy way with lights, ornaments or even faux bright red berries for a traditional look. Important Considerations You won't have to worry about forgetting to turn the lights on your garland off or the lights burning out thanks to its 6-hour auto time feature (it turns on again after 18 hours). And since it's battery-powered, you don't have to worry about tangled cords hanging over your mantle, and you can place it almost everywhere. This garland is also available as a set of two for extra-long mantles or railings. Hand-crafted in California from olive leaves and fresh myrtle, this arrangement is unique both in its fragrance and its appearance. Before buying, it's important to note that this garland is about 6 feet long, which is shorter than other options on this list and is best for indoor use. However, the manufacturer says that the garland can be displayed outdoors as long as it's protected from wet weather and humidity—but it may not last as long. Also, keep in mind that dried garlands will shed when being handled or transported, so expect a little fallout from this one.

Decorate your fences and other outdoor spaces without worrying about bad weather, with the Red Sleigh Pre-Lit LED Artificial Sequoia Fir Commercial Garland. This is the only weather-resistant (outdoor-rated) garland on our list (all other options are recommended for outdoor covered spaces only). It also has the second most amount of lights on our list with 100 bulbs, so they will shine brightly among the faux fir (the 12-foot Frontgate Christmas Cheer Cordless Garland has 240). It's 14 inches wide and 9 feet long, so this garland will cover a large area. It's plug-in only, with a 2-foot cord, so you will most likely need an outdoor-rated extension cord if you are using it outside. Garlands without lights can stand out on their own, and you can customize them with your own lights and ornaments. You also have more placement options and don't have to worry about plugging them in, turning them on, or replacing batteries.

The best faux Christmas garlands sell out EARLY. Last year, that meant the first week of November. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Perfect choice for any grand display, whether it's draped across the fireplace, down the bannister of the stairs or over a door archway. For a festive, bright, and durable Christmas garland you'll use season after season, we recommend Frontgate's 12-foot Christmas Cheer Garland. It's the longest option on our list and also has the most lightbulbs, 240, so it will provide quite a bit of sparkle to a space. The garland's pre-strung LED, clear battery-operated lights (six D batteries required) should last for 3,000 hours before burning out, according to the manufacturer. And once you set the timer, the lights will come on automatically at that time for six hours every night, and shut off automatically for 18, so it's truly a "set it and forget it" experience, all season long (battery life permitting). While faux garland can look festive and realistic, if you want the smell of fresh greenery, there's nothing better than the real thing. The Fresh Olive Leaf & Myrtle Garland from Pottery Barn is delivered to your door fresh and fragrant and dries out over time. It won't last year after year like artificial garland, but it's a great way to add a natural element to your home for the holiday season and beyond.This is the garland I decided to use for my Christmas mantel this year, just to try something new! Preserved & Fresh Garlands We think this garland would look perfect on a mantle, doorway, staircase, and more (just note that the manufacturer recommends only putting it in a covered outdoor location, like a front porch, away from direct exposure to the elements). You can also choose a 12-foot option if you need a longer garland or even a matching wreath (sold separately). While I’ve already share the best garland to buy this year,there’s also a variety of other highly rated artificial Christmas garlands that might pique your interest – from mixed greens, to evergreen garlands of cedar and pine. As much as I love a fresh garland, I like to enjoy my Christmas decorations for as long as possible, and real garland just doesn’t last as long as I need it to.