Ashlee’s practical guide to hooks, hidden attachments and a beautifully styled mantel.
A Christmas garland can completely transform your fireplace, but how do you keep it in place?
I’m Ashlee, founder of The Suffolk Nest, and I’ve styled countless fireplaces at home and on our Christmas shoots. Command hooks are one of my favourite tools. I genuinely don’t go on a shoot without them!
Here’s how I plan, secure and finish a Christmas mantel, with close-ups so you can see what’s happening behind the foliage.
1. Choose the right fixing for your mantel
Before styling, check the surface you’re attaching to and the weight of your garland.
For smooth painted or varnished wood: Command hooks can be suitable. Check the instructions for the particular hook and make sure the finish is sound.
Rustic or unfinished wooden beams: Adhesive hooks aren’t suitable for rough or unfinished timber. A discreet screw-in cup hook is an alternative if you’re happy to leave a permanent hole. You can attach the garland with floristry wire to the screw in hook. A purpose-made mantel garland hanger may also work, depending on its fit and weight rating.
Stone fireplaces: We’ve used Command hooks on our limestone surround and in several homes we’ve photographed without problems. That’s our experience, rather than a guarantee for every stone finish. Check suitability with the hook manufacturer first, particularly for porous, rough or unsealed stone.
2. Plan the shape before attaching anything
Position your garland across the mantel to decide how you want it to fall, you may need an extra pair of hands to hold it for you to check your happy with the style.
Will you have foliage cascading down one side, or a balanced arrangement at both ends? Position it loosely first so you can identify where it needs securing.
Look for the garland’s hanging loops or sturdy central spine. These are your attachment points, rather than the delicate foliage tips.
Ashlee’s tip: Take a quick photo of your preferred shape before lifting the garland away to fit your hooks.
3. Fit your hooks and allow time for them to bond
Follow the preparation and application instructions on your hook packaging. Different Command strips have different fitting steps, so use the strips specified for your hook.
Make sure the surface is suitable, clean and dry, and fit the hook in its approved mounting position. Make sure to keep the removal tab accessible.
Allow the recommended hour before hanging your garland. This is a good moment to gather your ribbons, bells and finishing touches!
4. Secure the garland, then hide the attachments
Once your fixings are ready, attach the hanging loops to suitable hooks, or use floristry wire to secure the sturdy spine to your chosen fixing.
Check that everything sits securely before arranging the foliage around it. Gently spread the branches to conceal the attachments and create the fullness you want.
Stay within the fixing’s stated weight limit. Adding more adhesive hooks does not automatically increase the permitted weight.
5. Give heavier decorations their own support
I often hang cowbells from a separate hook. This keeps their weight off the garland’s attachment.
Plan their position before adding ribbons, then conceal the fixing with foliage.
Keep garlands and ribbons clear of flames, hot surfaces and the fireplace’s required safety clearances.
How to remove Command hooks after Christmas
Remove the decorations first. Following your product’s instructions, expose the adhesive tab and slowly stretch it straight down, keeping it close and parallel to the mounting surface.
Avoid pulling it out towards you or peeling the hook away. Correct removal is what allows the strip to release cleanly.
With your garland secured, you can enjoy the lovely part: shaping the foliage, tying your favourite ribbon and making your fireplace feel ready for Christmas.
Explore our Christmas garlands and find your favourite foliage for the festive season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Command hooks damage my painted mantel?
On a sealed, painted or varnished surface, Command hooks usually come away cleanly as long as you remove them properly: pull the tab slowly, keeping it flat against the surface. If your paintwork is fresh, wait at least a week before sticking anything to it. If you're unsure, test a hook somewhere hidden first.
Can I hang a garland above a fireplace I actually use?
Yes, with care. Faux garlands aren't fireproof, so keep the foliage, ribbon and any trailing ends at least 60cm away from the flames and the heat. If you light your fire or stove often, keep the garland along the front edge of the mantel rather than letting it drape down the sides. Check your stove manufacturer's guidance on clearances, and never leave a lit fire unattended.
What length garland do I need for my mantel?
Measure the width of your mantel first. If you want it to sit neatly along the top, a garland slightly longer than the length of the mantel is perfect. If you'd like it to tumble down each side, add around 30–60cm per side. For a fuller look, I'd allow for 2 200cm garlands, fixed at the centre of the mantel. Our garlands are 200cm long, which suits most UK standard mantels.
How many hooks will I need?
This depends on the look you'd like to achieve. For a dramatic look that drapes from the center of your mantel and cascades down the sides, I use 2 hooks in the centre of the mantel for each of the loops at the start of the garlands and then another one at either end. Always check the weight limit on the hook packet against the weight of your garland: ours Faux Mixed Foliage & Pinecone Garland and Faux Norfolk Pine Garlands weigh approximately 2.5-3kg, whilst our Faux Larix & Pinecone garland are much lighter.
Can I hang a garland without putting anything on the mantel?
Yes. Weighted mantel garland hangers can sit on top of the mantel and hook over the front edge, so there's nothing to stick or screw in. Another trick I love is to rest the garland along the mantel and hold it in place with heavy candlesticks, vases or other decorations.
How do I make my faux garland look fuller?
When your garland arrives, spend a few minutes fluffing each branch, bending the tips outwards and in slightly different directions so it looks natural rather than flat.
Can I add fairy lights?
Absolutely. Battery-operated LED fairy lights are my favourite, because they stay cool and there are no cables trailing across the hearth. Weave them loosely through the branches rather than wrapping them tightly around the outside, so the glow comes from within.
How should I store my garland after Christmas?
Gently coil it, or lay it flat, in a box and keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Don't squash heavy items on top of it. Stored well, it will come out looking just as lovely next year. Give it a quick fluff and it's ready to go again.
