This week is one of my favorites of the year. Not only do we get to celebrate Thanksgiving, but the very next day we have a family tradition of going out to grab our big Christmas tree. This year I am a bit extra giddy because these strands of miniature marquees are going right up! They are festive, bright, and make for a perfect welcome to the season, on a mantel or on a tree.

The marquees are simple to make with bright paper. You will need a 12×12 piece of scrapbook paper for each of the letters, a hole punch, and a strand of lights to poke through. You’ll also need hot glue to attach the papers to their linings. The miniature marquees would be a fun project to craft by the fire – after this week’s festivities are through.

To make the miniature marquee Christmas garland: Start by tracing and cutting out the letters for your words. I love the look of the freehand version, but you could also print out large size text and copy for a more perfect shape. Use the hole punch to make your light holes about 1/2 an inch apart for a normal size light strand.

Next cut strips of the scrapbook paper about 3 inches wide. Run a small line of hot glue down the middle of each strip beginning at one side and wrap the strip around your letters – landing the letter right in the center of the paper strip. Continue around, until each letter is fully lined.

Poke the lights through and hang up on the tree, mantel or windows for the beginning of a joyful display this holiday season!

Photography done in collaboration with Jocelyn Noel Photography.