DIY A Beautiful Fall Marigold Flower Garland For Your Home

Fall is the perfect time to give your decor a seasonal upgrade. Whether it's an adorable Dollar Tree DIY or a ridiculously cozy fall mantel overhaul, there are plenty of small touches you can implement on any budget. One of our favorite projects is a fall take on the classic Christmas garland, swapping traditional pine for colorful, fragrant marigolds.

In order to craft your own garland, all you'll need are fresh flowers, an extra-large needle, thick string, and a bit of patience. The plant's yellow and orange varieties are the perfect hue to bring a seasonal touch to your home, whether you want to hang the garland in your living room, out on your porch, or anywhere in between.

Traditionally, you may have seen these bright orange and yellow creations pop up during Día de los Muertos, but they're actually loved by many cultures. In Thailand, for example, marigolds are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, and in Hinduism, they're used to banish negative energy. That's not to mention they simply look beautiful and, in addition to delivering a pop of color to your home, are sure to lift your mood with their citrusy-spicy scent.

Start by collecting marigolds from your garden and snipping the flowers off their stems. You can do this with sharp shears or simply by pinching the flowers off with the tips of your fingers. If some of the stem comes off along with the bloom, cut it off, but make sure to leave the calyx intact. Next, choose an extra-large needle; thread it with twine, thread, or any craft string you like; cut the string to length; and tie a knot at the end.

There are two distinct ways to thread the marigolds onto your string. If you plan to loop the garland, hold your first flower upright and insert the needle horizontally through the center of the calyx, drawing it out on the other side. Alternatively, you can insert the needle through the bottom of the calyx and pull it out through the top of the flower, staying as centered as possible. Slowly slide the flower down the line and repeat.

Once you've reached your desired length, remove the needle and tie the string into a loop on each side so you can easily hang up your garland. It also looks beautiful simply draped on a mantel or across a porch. And while the flowers will dry out in a couple of weeks, they will continue to look pretty well into the winter season. Just remember: Once you're ready to remove the garland, take the seeds out of each bloom to plant in the spring.