There’s something instantly festive about draping a garland across a mantel, weaving it through a staircase banister, or letting it cascade along a sideboard. Garlands add texture, sparkle, and a sense of movement, making them one of the easiest ways to transform your home for Christmas. Twinkling lights, metallic touches, or simple greenery can instantly elevate a space and make it feel magical.
The John Lewis Metal Star Garland has been a clear bestseller this season, and I can see why. I bought it myself and was immediately struck by its simplicity and classic elegance. Celestial-themed décor is such a big Christmas trend this year, and star garlands are a perfect way to bring that subtle cosmic magic into your home. But while hunting for something similar, I came across Habitat’s Gold Coloured Vintage Iron Star Chain Garland, at just £9, and I couldn’t believe how beautifully it matches the original. It feels like a little secret find, offering the same clean lines and understated charm for a fraction of the price.
Christmas decorating often feels like it’s all about maximalism and over-the-top sparkle, but there’s a quiet shift toward simpler, heritage-inspired pieces. Shapes that are unpretentious yet unmistakably festive are having a moment. These star garlands remind us of a bygone era, with a restrained, old-fashioned elegance reminiscent of Dickensian Christmases, without ever feeling dated.
The John Lewis version has its classic appeal, but the Habitat alternative is a genuine revelation, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture that same timeless aesthetic. Clean, considered, and deeply nostalgic, these garlands are perfect for anyone looking to bring a calm, classic charm to their festive decor this year.
This celestial garland is perfect for anyone looking to introduce rustic Christmas decor into their home. Its simple metal stars have a handcrafted feel that works beautifully draped across a mantel, framed around a mirror, or woven along a bookshelf. It adds character and a sense of nostalgia from Christmases past while remaining elegant and understated.
This £9 garland is utterly remarkable for the price. It looks like a high-end boutique piece and would work brilliantly along a staircase, layered over a console table, or draped over a mantlepiece. The stars have an artisanal, vintage quality that makes even the simplest display feel intentionally styled.
Metal star garlands like these have their roots in Victorian Britain, when handcrafted decorations were prized for their simplicity, durability, and charm. Unlike modern seasonal trends that come and go, these pieces were made to last and to be reused year after year, which gives them a sense of permanence and authority in festive decor.
They draw on celestial and folk influences, with shapes and finishes inspired by early metalwork, antique iron chains, and rustic country homes. I like to weave the garland across my mantelpiece, threading it through greenery gathered from the garden, which gives it a relaxed, layered effect that feels natural and carefully considered.
More Starry Finds for a Classic Christmas
This garland is truly special. Each antique brass star is handcrafted and finished with a tiny bell that tinkles softly, bringing sound as well as style to your festive decor. It works beautifully across a mantel or layered through greenery, adding a sense of ceremony and old-world craftsmanship that sets it apart from more conventional decorations
This paper star garland brings airy elegance to any space. The large white stars create a striking visual impact while remaining light and versatile. It can be draped across windows, over a mirror, or layered along a mantel to add a crisp, sculptural note to festive decor.
These star decorations bring a classic festive touch to your Christmas tree. Hung individually or in small clusters, they create a layered, twinkling effect that works beautifully with lights and greenery. They are an easy way to introduce the star motif and give your tree a cohesive, elegant feel.
Choosing garlands and star decorations like these does more than just dress your home for Christmas. They create layers of texture and subtle movement that catch the eye in unexpected ways, drawing attention to corners, shelves, and mantelpieces that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond the visual appeal, they encourage a slower, more intentional approach to decorating, allowing you to curate a space that feels thoughtful and lived in.
