Use This Common Household Item to Display Your Favorite Holiday Garland

Published on November 11, 2025

The easiest way to turn your entryway into a greenery-filled holiday paradise involves nothing more than a single shower rod—no drills, hooks, or hassle required. This renter-friendly hack only takes a couple of minutes, and it can even help you arrange and decorate your garlands more easily, too.

How to Hang a Garland Using a Shower Rod

First, measure the doorway or arch you want to hang your garland over. Next, you’ll need a shower rod that can extend to cover your opening; an expandable option is a good idea, as it can accommodate different spaces. You should also consider the finish of your shower rod; bright gold or silver are both good options for holiday decor, while burnished brass adds a fun vintage holiday feel.

Then, you’ll want to place the rod inside the doorway at a comfortable height. Expand the rod until it can hold itself up using tension alone; press on it slightly to make sure that it’s secure and can hold weight.

Finally, it’s time to hang up your garland. Keep the shower rod a little above waist height for now; you can adjust it to its final height once you’re done decorating. Grab your garland and wrap it around your shower rod, fluffing it as you go if you want to conceal it. You can use zip ties, wire, or string to tie the garland to your shower rod, or you may also want to consider a wire garland that will keep its shape when you arrange it. 

Decorating Your Garland

Once your initial garland is up, you might want to add a few more whimsical details. We love adding strings of holiday lights to our garland greenery; you could also attach a few holiday bows across the display. Some social media users have showcased their garlands adorned with holiday bells, flowers, ornaments, and dried citrus slices. These extra details can also help to cover any gaps in your garland that might be showing.

Adjusting the Height of Your Garland

After your final decorations are securely attached, it’s time to adjust the height of your garland. You’ll want to carefully push the shower rod all the way up until it’s at the very top of the opening you’re hanging it in; if you’re working with a cased opening, for example, push it up until the garland starts to hit the topmost molding. 

When working with two people, each person should grab one end of the rod and lift up. It’s easy to lift your garland solo, too; place your hands around the center of the shower rod and lift it straight upwards. Once it’s at the right height, adjust the ends of the tension rod as needed, and then check it one final time by pressing down firmly to ensure it’s secure.