How to Decorate the Outside of a Grapevine Arbor With Tulle

Tulle isn't just for the bride.

Weddings, wedding receptions and any other outdoor event can present excellent opportunities for decorating. Flowers, candles, ribbons and tulle are common decorating materials, with tulle being the fine netting fabric, much like the veil of a bride. Tulle is easy to work with and can be draped, tied, hung or wrapped around almost anything. When you have an arbor to decorate, such as one with living grapevine, you can get extravagant or keep it simple.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Notepad and pen
• Tulle
• Scissors
• Ladder
• Ribbon
• Tacks
• Flowers
• Garden shears
• Floral wire (optional)

Instructions

1. Count the number of arbor posts. Also note the full length of the arbor if you want to create a swag along the top. Multiply the length of the arbor by 1.5 to get the yardage you'll need for a swag or draping. Add to it 1 or 2 yards of tulle per post. For example, a 24-foot long arbor with 8 posts will need 36 feet for a swag plus 8 to 16 yards of fabric for the posts. This ensures you have plenty of tulle to work with, especially if any rips or shreds.

2. Find the center of the yardage cut for the swag. Attach that to the top center of the longest section of arbor. Have assistants on hand to help hold up the fabric at each end. Slightly twist each remaining side, working toward the ends. Attach each extension to the outer top of the outside posts of the arbor, letting the fabric dip about 10 or 12 inches into an extended "U" shape. Do one at a time, and verify the dip area is the same length and width. To make a double-dip, just tie the center of each draped section to the top of the arbor with ribbon.

3. Wrap each post with tulle in one or two places. Do this by wrapping a length of fabric around the post and tying it on directly. Alternatively you can scrunch a section or make a large bow and attack it with ribbon or tacks. For a single-wrap post, place the tulle about 5 feet high, allowing it to hang down 1 to 3 feet. For a double-wrap post, place the tulle at about 3 feet and 5 feet above ground level, and keep each piece more contained.

4. Arrange mini-bouquets of white roses or other flowers. Cut the stems to about 4 or 6 inches. Use the floral wire to wrap around them to hold them together. Cover the floral wire with white satin ribbon or a thin strip of tulle. Tie the bouquets on to the center of the swag where it's attached at the top of the arbor and to the end posts. Allow extra ribbon to dangle at each attachment area except for the top center, especially if anyone is going to be standing beneath it.

Tips & Warnings

• This is an optional decoration that works best if the greenery and vines are not extremely dense. Snip back any grape leaves that are sticking out excessively, or tuck them in behind your decorations. Allow a few to extend over the tulle in places, but don't let it hide the tulle. Pre-tying bows makes for quick attachment. Tuck flowers around the framework of the vines as desired for a more flowery effect. Or leave flowers out entirely if grapes are full -- this provides enough of an elegant look that limited tulle might also be advised.