Speaking of holiday decorations, it's hard to imagine one more joyful than a pretty popcorn garland around your Christmas tree. It is also a fun and affordable way to get into the Christmas spirit, as well as being a source of fun for the whole family. Kids will be happy to help out, so try to make lots of popcorn - some for the tree and some for the decorator.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Popcorn
Step 1. Make popcorn
You can make them using whichever method you prefer, but the wreath is easier to make if you use the unsalted and unseasoned ones, so it would be best to use the garland. If you don't have it, don't worry: you can also make them in a pan or pot.
- To calculate how much corn you should use, consider that with a cup you can generally make a one meter wreath.
- If you make pan-fried popcorn, remember to add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. To keep them from getting soggy, place them on a paper towel-lined tray or plate when they're ready to absorb at least some of the oil.
- If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, or buy a bag of ready-made popcorn. Just check that they are free of salt and seasonings.
Step 2. Examine the popcorn
After letting them cool down, go through them one by one to find the most beautiful ones to use for the wreath. First, get rid of the burnt ones, but you can also choose to set aside the broken or flattened ones. The ideal popcorn has a full shape, almost like that of a flower. Transfer the ones you choose to a bowl to make the next job easier.
Step 3. Let them cool
If they are freshly made, they are likely to break easily and can be difficult to put on. Popcorn prepared 1-2 days earlier is less crumbly and easier to handle.
If you want an even more festive result, consider coloring them 1-2 days after preparing them. A powdered food coloring may be for you if you want to add a touch of liveliness. You can choose a traditional color, such as red or green, or customize it according to the dominant theme of your tree
Part 2 of 3: Making the Garland
Step 1. Choose the thread to use
It has to be sturdy and you can use any of them, but some are better than others. The ideal is the embroidery thread, because it is very resistant and is sold in various colors. An alternative is the transparent fishing line, which also has the advantage of being invisible in case of any holes in the garland.
- At least you can use dental floss if you don't have embroidery floss or fishing line handy. Indeed, if the thread is waxed it will be even easier to slide the popcorn through it.
- If you use embroidery floss, choose a red or green one, or a color that matches your tree's dominant decorative theme, in case it shows through the holes in the wreath.
Step 2. Cut the thread
If you are going to make a garland longer than one and a half meters, to make the work easier it is best not to cut the thread, but to leave it attached to the spool. In any case, if it is not that long, it will certainly be more manageable if you cut the thread. If you decide you want a longer wreath, you can always tie two together later.
Step 3. Thread the needle
In these cases it is always better to use fine needles. If possible, choose one that also has a large enough eye. Be sure to tie a sturdy knot at the end to keep the popcorn from falling out.
Step 4. Insert the popcorn
The advice is to thread the needle right into the center of the popcorn, which you will then have to slide all the way to the bottom of the thread, where the knot is. Continue adding more popcorn until the garland is complete. You have to make sure that there are no holes left, so push the popcorn in well to make sure that the line is firm.
- Try to express your creativity, for example by alternating popcorn with fresh blueberries, with dried slices of orange or lemon or with cinnamon sticks. By alternating popcorn with other things you can get a truly amazing result. Fresh blueberries, however, tend to go bad after a couple of days, so it's best to coat them with a layer of spray shellac before placing them on the tree.
- You can also further decorate your wreath by dabbing the popcorn with glue and dropping a sprinkle of colorful glitter on it. Let the glue dry completely before placing the wreath on the tree.
Step 5. When finished, secure the wreath
Leave enough yarn at the other end so that you can tie another knot and prevent the popcorn from falling out.
- If you plan to join several garlands together, be sure to leave enough thread at each end so that you can tie them together easily.
- If you're working on a single long wreath instead and have left the thread attached to the spool, it's time to cut it. Again, tie a knot at the end to secure the garland.
Part 3 of 3: Decorate the Tree
Step 1. Put the popcorn garland on only after the lights are on
Sure, it would be easier to place before all the other decorations, but the wreath is kind of like the icing on the cake!
Step 2. Place the wreath on the tree
The best way to place it is to gently place it on the branches, instead of forcibly placing it in empty spots. Start from the top and carefully work your way down.
- For a traditional look, arrange the wreath into regular shapes.
- For a more casual look, let it fall naturally.
- If you want it to stand out on all the other decorations, arrange it on the double strand tree.
Step 3. Add the last few ornaments
After arranging the garland, add the last few ornaments (balls, stars, puppets). However, be careful while putting them: if they are too big or too heavy, the popcorns risk breaking.
Advice
- It takes a long time to make a beautiful long and elaborate wreath, but you can keep it for future use at the upcoming holidays. To do this, place it in a plastic container with a lid, taking care to arrange it in layers, interspersed with sheets of tissue paper. Keep it in a dry and cool place, safe from any mice or other animals.
- If you don't care about keeping it, hang it out the window after the holidays for the birds. But if you've used shellac to protect fresh fruit, throw it away - the chemicals will poison them.
- A popcorn garland isn't just for decorating the tree. It can also cheer and instill Christmas spirit in other places in the house, such as the fireplace, the entrance or the staircase.
Warnings
- The needle is sharp and the popcorn can be very tough. You may get stung, so it's best to wear a thimble, preferably rubber, to protect your fingers.
- If you have also involved children in the work, pay special attention to the needles. A single thimble may not be enough.
- It is definitely not the case to eat popcorn after the tree is undone. On the Christmas tree you can deposit dirt and various sediments, as well as insects.
- The use of popcorn is highly discouraged in the presence of dogs or cats. Pets may be tempted to bite into them, resulting in getting stuck in the branches of the tree and destroying it.
