The Cypress Garland

What it is and how it is made

The Cypress Garland is an artificial garland with fine, feathery cypress-like foliage. The greenery is made of plastic and sits on a bendable stem. Inside that stem runs a bendable wire, so you can shape the garland by hand and it holds where you put it.

The color is army green, a deep, natural tone that reads well against wood, white paint and brick. The look is full but airy, closer to real cypress than to a heavy pine garland.

Size and pack options

Each garland is 71 in (180 cm) long. That is just under 6 ft, a useful length for a stair rail section, a mantel or a doorway. If you plan to wrap a full staircase rail or drape a wide arch, the 3 pack gives you more length to work with.

Where it works

This garland suits indoor and outdoor spots. Common uses:

• Staircase rails and banisters
• Mantels and shelves
• Door frames and entryways
• Porch rails and courtyard rails
• Table runners for holiday meals

Because the stem bends, you can drape it in a soft curve, wrap it around a rail, or shape small loops at the ends. The wire holds the shape without clips in most cases. For a fuller look, pair two garlands and overlap the ends.

How to shape and style it

Unpack the garland and give the foliage a light fluff with your hands. Work from one end to the other, opening the stems so the cypress-like leaves sit naturally.

To hang it, bend the ends of the wire stem into hooks or loops and rest them over a rail or nail. You can also tie it with ribbon or twine. On a staircase, run the garland along the top of the rail and let a few inches hang below for a relaxed look.

To add interest, tuck in small ornaments, berries or a string of lights. The army green base works with warm white, red and gold. If you use it outdoors, keep it out of standing water and bring it in during heavy storms to protect the shape.

Care and storage

Wipe the garland with a dry cloth to remove dust. Do not soak it or use wet cleaners. When the season ends, reshape the stem, lay the garland flat or coil it loosely, and store it in a dry place. Avoid stacking heavy items on top, since the foliage can crush and lose its feathery look.