17. Dark Botanical Eucalyptus and Bat Garland
If you love the look of fresh greenery but want to give it a moody, gothic twist for the Halloween season, a dark botanical eucalyptus and bat garland is the perfect solution. Eucalyptus is a favorite in interior design for its beautiful, round leaves and incredible, refreshing scent. By combining preserved or faux silver dollar eucalyptus with dark, matte black paper bats, you create a gorgeous, organic piece of decor that feels both fresh and delightfully spooky. You can find preserved eucalyptus at your local florist or craft store, which retains its natural flexibility and fragrance for months.
To build this garland, start with a long, thick vine of eucalyptus as your base. If you are using individual branches, wire them together overlappingly using green floral wire to create a continuous, lush strand. Next, cut out various sizes of bats from heavy black cardstock. Gently fold the wings of the bats upward to give them a realistic, three-dimensional appearance as if they are in mid-flight. Attach the bats directly to the eucalyptus branches using small, dark green floral wire or hot glue, making it look as though a colony of bats is nesting within the fragrant green leaves. This stunning, sophisticated garland is perfect for draping over a dining room sideboard, framing a doorway, or laying down the center of your dining table for an elegant, woodland-inspired Halloween feast.