Mirror Garland Decorating Mini Series
Welcome back to our Christmas Decorating Mini Series! This time we're dressing up a large gold mirror with a lush flocked garland and a show-stopping bow right in the center. A mirror is one of the easiest places to add holiday magic. The garland frames it like a snowy swag, and the mirror reflects all your other decor, so the whole room feels more festive. The star of this look is the bow. Ivory velvet, gold lattice ribbon, ruffled red velvet and sparkling gold leaf trim come together for a rich, layered finish. Here's how to recreate it at home.
What you'll need:
- 8 Foot Flocked Snow Norfolk Pine Mantel Garland
- 2.5 Inch By 10 Yard Cream Velvet Ribbon With Satin Backing
- John Mark 4 Inch By 10 Yard Ivory And Platinum Net Pattern Double Fused Backing Ribbon
- John Mark 1.5 Inch By 10 Yard Red Velvet Pleated Metallic Dupioni Ribbon
- John Mark 1 Inch By 5 Yard Gold Platinum Sequin Leaf Trim Ribbon
- Command hooks rated for the garland's weight, or clear hooks over the top of the frame
- Floral wire or zip ties
- Scissors and wire cutters
You'll find our favorite designer ribbons and flocked greenery online or in store at TMI Gifts.
Hang and shape the garland
- Fluff it first. Pull every branch out and shape the tips before hanging.
- Place your hooks. Set your hooks wherever works best for the look you are going for. These carry the weight so the frame doesn't have to.
- Hang from the center out. Find the middle of the garland, secure it at the center hook, then work out toward each corner as desired.
- Let the corners drape. Instead of running the garland straight across, let each end swoop down the sides of the frame.
- Reshape once it's up. Bend branches outward and downward so the garland looks soft and natural, not flat against the frame.
Build the statement bow
This bow is all about layering four ribbons, each with its own texture. Build it from the back to the front.
- Start with the 4 inch ribbon. Make wide loops, about 8 to 10 inches each, to form the base of the bow. This sets its overall size.
- Add red velvet ruffle. Layer smaller loops on top, letting the ruffled edges peek out between the lattice loops.
- Layer ivory velvet. Make slightly smaller loops in ivory velvet. This is the softest, brightest layer, so it draws the eye to the center..
- Add the sparkle. Weave gold sequin leaf ribbon through the center and let some of it trail down with the tails. It catches the light beautifully.
- Cinch it tight. Wire all the layers together at the center
- Finish with long tails. Cut tails from each ribbon, 18 to 24 inches long, and let them hang down over the garland. Cut the ends in a V or at an angle.
- Attach and fluff. Wire the bow to the center of the garland and fluff each loop so the bow looks full from every angle.
Designer tips
- Let the mirror work for you. Style the space in front of it, like red velvet cone trees on a console, so the reflection doubles your decor.
- Mix textures, not colors. Velvet, metallic lattice, ruffles and sequins add depth while staying in red, ivory and gold.
- Match your frame. Gold ribbon and trim pick up a gilded frame and make the whole look feel planned.
- Protect the wall and frame. Use hooks rated for the weight.
- Repeat the bow. Use the same ribbons on your tree or staircase so the rooms flow together.
Bring this look home
Everything you need for this mirror garland, from flocked greenery to designer ribbon, is waiting at TMI Gifts. Stop by the store or shop online, and be sure to follow along for the next episode of our Christmas Decorating Mini Series!
