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With the rise of the maximalist Christmas trend, this year almost everything is on the table when it comes to holiday decor. Tinsel on trees, decorative paper chains, sequined stockings and velvet ornaments are just some of the over-the-top options this season. So are do-it-yourselfers using stock staplessuch as dried orange slices and dried bay leaves, to create playful garlands and centerpieces.
While all this DIY decor ideas are relatively new to the Christmas scene, there’s one do-it-all style of garlands that people have been making for decades: stringed popcorn garlands. Learn the history of the popcorn bunting tradition, why they are associated with the holidays, and how they became an iconic Christmas tradition.
Related: The 14 best Christmas garlands of 2024
While opcorn was used centuries before by the Aztecs for decor, jewelry and ceremonial purposes, the practice of stringing popcorn kernels for Christmas dates back to 1842 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Not only were popcorn streamers easy to make, but popcorn kernels were affordable and easy to find in colonial America. To make the garlands more interesting, people painted the popcorn kernels in bright colors and stringed fruits and nuts onto them.
Making streamers wasn’t the only way early Americans used popcorn during the holidays. In the 19th and 20th centuries, popcorn balls were a popular Christmas decoration and gift idea. Families used the marshmallow treats to decorate their mantles, doorways and Christmas trees.
Although decor styles have changed since then, stringing popcorn garlands remains an easy and affordable way to decorate for Christmas – and it’s also a great way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays. Keep reading to learn how to make your own popcorn garland at home.
Related: 10 Traditional Christmas Decors We Love and Their History
Making a popcorn garland is one simple christmas project the whole family can do together. If you want to make one at home, be sure to prepare the materials 1-2 days in advance.
Put 1-2 bags of popcorn in the microwave (or make a bowl full on the stove). Because fresh popcorn falls apart more easily than old popcorn, leave the popcorn in a bowl on the counter for a day or two.
Once the popcorn is old and slightly hardened, begin stringing the pieces onto a piece of fishing line. (You can also use waxed dental floss or thread.) To string the pieces together, push a threaded needle through the center of each core and move the pieces to the end of the thread. Continue this process until all the kernels are threaded and tie a loop and knot at the end to secure the popcorn. When you’re done, seal the garland with a shellac spray.
If you want your garland to have more color, try alternating popcorn pieces with cranberries to add a pop of red. You can also use beads or dried orange slices.
Hang the completed garland from your tree by threading the branches through the knotted loops at the ends of the garland. Or combine it with another one DIY Christmas garland or an evergreen garland, and hang them on your railing, mantle or in a door frame using a tension rod for a full and playful look.
When choosing where to go hang up your garlandremember it is edible. If you leave it outside, critters can turn your streamer into a snack. That is why it is best to store the popcorn garland indoors.
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