Last year, Google searches soared for chicken wire Christmas arches, as the unexpected festive trend swept the nation's front doors. With December around the corner, we're betting the budget Christmas decorating idea will be making a return.
The unusual trend uses chicken wire mesh as the base for threading through lots of festive foliage and decorations. As Donna Butler proves, all you need is some chicken wire, faux foliage, and baubles to make a beautiful DIY garland for the front door.
If you're looking beyond just investing in the best Christmas wreath this year, Donna shares her imaginative chicken wire creation with us to inspire others to get creative with our Christmas ideas. And it's easier than it looks, Donna assures us.
Chicken wire Christmas arch trend – quick links to the kit you need
- Outdoor English Ivy Garland Weather Resistant 180cm, £10 at Dunelm
- Eucalyptus Green Lit Garland, £10 at Dunelm
- Pre-lit Christmas Pine Cones Garland, £9.99, at Amazon
- WeRChristmas Pre-Lit Decorated Garland, £36.38, at Amazon
- Habitat Baubles, Silver, £8 for pack of 48, at Argos
- Artificial Pine Stems with White Berries, £15.89 for pack of 10, at Amazon
'I found the inspiration while on Instagram,' Donna tells Ideal Home. 'I saw it and thought I have to have that!
'My neighbour gave me the chicken wire and I bought most of the items from a local garden centre. I cut the shape out that I wanted and my husband attached it to our lounge door, so I could decorate in the warm!' she says humorously.
Donna explains, 'I used a plain garland and an old Christmas tree to go round the edges of the chicken wire, attaching it with cable ties.'
This faux ivy looks realistic and will face up to the elements on your front door. These natural-looking leaves will work as a base for more festive foliage and can be reused for tablescapes whatever the season.
Build your chicken wire arch by layering over more foliage, like this lit faux eucalyptus from Dunelm. It's battery-powered, giving a lovely soft light, and will also look great on mantlepieces, shelving and over mirrors.
We love the fact that this garland has LED lights entwined. They are powered by three AA batteries, and you can tuck the battery pack out of sight inside the chicken wire.
Donna tells us, 'I had no plan when I started, I just made it up as I went along.' Laying all the items out on the floor, Donna started with the big items, such as the flowers and greenery. Adding in the smaller items, revealing the key is, 'standing back every now and then just to make sure it looked just right.'
'After I had filled it all, I added the baubles and small items. The baubles were attached with plant wire.'
The faux poinsettia flowers already woven onto this garland make it perfect for creating your own statement piece. Half the work is already done for you with this pre-lit garland.
Adorn your festive creation with these classic metallic decorations, or just hang them on the tree. At less than 17p per bauble, they're a bargain.
Scatter through these snowy pine branches and white berries for an understated yet festive look. They measure 15cm and would look great tucked into a napkin on your Christmas day dinner table.
Wow! We're so impressed by Donna's Christmas creation. Donna says proudly, 'I posted it on a Facebook group, and I’ve had 2.5k likes and comments. I’ve had so many messages asking how I did and if I’d make them to sell.
'I have been overwhelmed with the responses I’ve had from it, and thoroughly enjoyed making it,' she concludes.
This DIY Christmas garland idea is affordable and can give you something that looks really impressive. You can do just one corner of the doorway or go all the way around in a big arch, or use chicken wire around a garden parasol to create a striking display.
Will you be seeking out chicken wire to create a doorscaping masterpiece?