This is a perfect substitute for live garland on your mantle -- this is our first year in a house with a mantle, and in my eagerness to decorate bought live garland that died and started shedding within 2 weeks.  So I spent a lot of time online wading through the options -- I really like the look of the needles on this -- they look much more realistic to me than straight "stick-like" needles.  The garland is also very pliable and drapes nicely.  It is not super thick, so it works well if you have other items on your mantle like stocking holders (which we do).  I was skeptical because of the relatively low price, but very happy with this purchase!