GARITE red poinsettia and snowy pine garland with lights (270cm)

Description

Seven red poinsettia-style flowers give this GARITE garland a bold, traditional Christmas look. Snowy pine cones and pale touches on the greenery help the flowers stand out, while clusters of red berries and shiny baubles keep the colour running along the length. It is a decorated garland for those who enjoy a cheerful, recognisably festive display rather than plain foliage alone.

The selected version measures 270cm and has 30 warm white LED lights. Three AA batteries are required and are not included. Both the lights and battery box have an IP44 rating, allowing indoor use or a sheltered outdoor display in accordance with the supplied instructions. The gentle lighting is intended to add atmosphere around the decorations, rather than flood a whole doorway with light.

Plenty of red, with snowy details between

Alongside the seven flowers, the design includes eighteen berry clusters, eighteen white-tipped cones and six shiny baubles. These smaller pieces make the spaces between the larger blooms interesting, especially when the garland is seen close up on a mantel or banister. Green PVC branches provide the background and can be opened out around the decorations.

For a balanced mantel display, begin with the middle of the garland near the centre of the shelf, then adjust the ends to suit. The flowers do not need to face in identical directions; slight changes in angle make the arrangement feel more relaxed. If you prefer an asymmetrical look, let one end fall lower and use a few separate ornaments on the opposite side to balance the composition.

Allow time for the first arrangement

Customers often find that the garland looks much better after careful unpacking and shaping. The main length can be tightly coiled, so loosen it on a clear surface and separate the foliage a section at a time. Keep an eye on the electrical wire as you work. Spread the flower petals gently and bring the berries forward where they have become hidden in the branches.

At around 1.58kg, it needs secure support when hung. Choose fixings that suit the surface and the finished arrangement, supporting the middle where necessary. On stairs, leave the handrail usable and avoid putting projecting stems where hands or clothing will catch them. Test the lights before the garland is fixed in its final position.

The warm glow and red flowers are the main attractions here. For outdoor styling, a covered porch offers a more protected setting than an exposed fence, and the battery box should not sit in standing water. Pack the garland away dry after Christmas, with the batteries removed and the flowers cushioned from heavy decorations, ready to bring out again.