Are Tinsel and Garland the Same Thing?

A garland is usually made of flowers or leaves, tinsel is the shiny stuff you buy for the Christmas tree.

What's the difference between garland and tinsel?

The word tinsel comes from a French word meaning sparkle. The definition of garland is actually a wreath of flowers, leaves or other material worn for ornament purposes or hung on something as a decoration.

Is tinsel a garland?

Tinsel is a type of decorative material that mimics the effect of ice, consisting of thin strips of sparkling material attached to a thread. When in long narrow strips not attached to thread, it is called "lametta", and emulates icicles. It was originally a metallic garland for Christmas decoration.