How to Hang a Balloon Garland on a Mantel or Staircase

The short answer: build the garland on its strip first, then attach it to the mantel or banister at three or four points with removable adhesive hooks, ribbon or soft ties. Never tape balloons directly to paint or wood, and keep them well away from any fire or heater.

Here's how to do both, step by step, without damaging walls, paint or woodwork.

What you need

• A balloon garland built on a garland strip (every ColorPlusAir kit includes the strip, glue dots and two wall hooks)
• A balloon pump (hand or electric)
• Extra removable adhesive hooks for longer runs
• Ribbon, soft twine or reusable cable ties
• Scissors and a tape measure

How to hang a balloon garland on a mantel

1. Check the fireplace. If the fireplace will be lit, don't put balloons on that mantel. Heat makes latex burst and it's a fire risk. Use the wall above a table instead.
2. Measure. Measure the mantel width and add 1 to 2 feet so the ends can drape over the sides. Most mantels need 5 to 8 feet of garland.
3. Build the garland on the strip. Inflate to about 90% and twist balloons into clusters of four on the strip, mixing sizes. Leave a little bare strip at each end.
4. Add hooks. Stick one adhesive hook at each end of the mantel, on the underside or the wall just above it. Press for 30 seconds on a clean, dry surface and wait a few minutes before loading it.
5. Hang and shape. Hang the strip ends on the hooks, rest the garland along the top of the mantel, and let one or both ends cascade down. Twist clusters gently to make it look organic.
6. Fill gaps and add the stars. Use glue dots to tuck small balloons into gaps, then add foil bows or stars last.

Tip: for an asymmetric look, let one end hang lower than the other. It looks more natural and professional than a perfectly even garland.

How to hang a balloon garland on a staircase

1. Measure the banister from the bottom post to where you want the garland to end. Most staircases need 10 to 15 feet.
2. Build smaller clusters. Use mostly 10″ and 12″ balloons so the garland stays slim. People still need to hold the rail safely.
3. Tie, don't tape. Attach the strip to the outside of the banister every 2 to 3 feet with ribbon or soft ties around the spindles. This holds it securely and leaves no marks.
4. Start at the bottom post with your fullest cluster or a foil bow, then work upwards so the garland gets lighter towards the top.
5. Keep the steps clear. Nothing should hang into the walkway or over the treads.

Mistakes to avoid

• Taping balloons straight to paint. It can lift paint when you take it down, and the balloons slip anyway. Use hooks or ties.
• Overfilling. Balloons filled to 100% pop easily and look stretched.
• Hanging near heat. Fireplaces, radiators and heaters shorten the life of a garland and can make balloons pop.
• Making it too heavy. Large 18″ balloons look great on a wall but can weigh a banister garland down. Use them sparingly.

How long will it last?

Indoors and filled with air, a garland usually looks good for several days. Sun and heat shorten that. For Christmas Day, set it up a day or two before; foil bows and stars can be kept and reused next year.

Safety: balloons are not toys. Keep uninflated or broken balloons away from children under 8 and pets, and never place balloons near candles, fireplaces or heaters.