Popcorn Garlands

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Popcorn garlands are a classic and cozy do-it-yourself holiday decoration. They look amazing on a Christmas tree, but they also look great woven around evergreen garlands on our mantles or banisters.

When I was a kid, it was a family tradition to sit down together and spend an afternoon stringing popcorn garlands. Ours were always popcorn and cranberry garlands, but they also look beautiful and classic with only popcorn, or popcorn and dehydrated oranges.

I had forgotten that we used to make popcorn garlands until I saw these garland strands on Pottery Barn. They are gorgeous, but for $84 for a six foot garland, you bet I’m DIY-ing these instead.

You can string any combination of popcorn, cranberries, and dried citrus fruits to make a quick and easy garland.

This is a great project to do with older kids. You can use blunt tapestry needles to minimize finger pricks.

If you’re looking for other DIY Christmas projects, check out our DIY Holiday Decorations post.

What You Need To Make Popcorn Garlands

You likely have everything you need to make these garlands. If not, you can get all the supplies for under $10, making this an inexpensive and budget-friendly DIY Christmas decoration.

You’ll need:

• strong thread, floss or fishing line
• a sewing needle, tapestry needles are blunt and easiest but all work
• plain popped popcorn (pop 24 hours before for the easiest stringing)
• optional: fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, dried oranges, lemons or limes

Popcorn Stringing Tips

This project works best with day-old popcorn. Pop a bowl the night before your project so the popcorn can firm up. This prevents breakage as you are stringing the popcorn.

Work in 3-4 foot segments. Anything longer tends to get wrapped up around itself and tangled. It’s also easier to lay on your tree or wrap around your banisters if the garlands are shorter.

Give yourself a couple hours to complete the garland, especially if you are doing this project with little ones. It’s the perfect project to do on a snow day or while watching a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie.

Leave some loose thread at both ends if you want to tie strands together.

How Long Do Popcorn Garlands Last?

Popcorn strands will last for a few weeks at a minimum. However, if you’re using fresh cranberries, they will spoil quicker, in about 8-10 days depending on the temperature of your house.

Before you go and toss your garlands at the end of the season:

The best part of these garlands is that you can use them for bird feed after the holidays!

When you’re finished with your garlands, simply hang them outside for your local birds.

I’ve heard of people using acrylic spray or shellac to preserve their garlands. Personally, I wouldn’t. If you spray them with a preservative, they cannot be used for bird feed after the holidays.

Have you tried this DIY?

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you tried this project!