Creative Tips for Hanging Garland on Stairs

Garland serves as a delightful and festive embellishment for mantles, doorways, and, of course, staircases! Transforming your staircase into a festive spectacle is a breeze with techniques like wrapping, draping, or weaving garland, all while incorporating your personal flair.

Determine the Garland Length: Measure your banister to calculate the required length of garland. Start by placing the measuring tape at one end and measure each section. Since you'll be either draping or wrapping, add approximately 1 foot for every 3 feet of banister. For instance, for a 15-foot banister, aim for 20 feet of garland.

Opt for a Timeless 'Swag' Appearance by Allowing Garland to Drape Between Spindles: This classic technique is favored by interior designers for its timeless charm, evoking the holiday spirit in many. Secure the garland at intervals and let it gently droop between those points, creating elegant swags.

• The distance between each point of sagging can be adjusted to your preference, whether you desire grand, sweeping curves or delicate, subtle droops.
• Remember, larger swags require more garland, so ensure you have an ample supply if you're aiming for a dramatic effect.

Add a Touch of Festivity by Wrapping Garland Around the Banister: This method is popular for transforming an otherwise mundane part of the house into a festive focal point. Wind the garland snugly around each baluster for a traditional look, or leave it slightly loose for a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Keep in mind that this method may limit access to the handrail, so exercise caution when using the stairs.

Opt for Easy Elegance by Draping Garland Along the Banister: This simple yet effective technique requires minimal effort and garland. Lay the garland atop the banister and secure it at both ends for a hassle-free decorating solution.

• Although the handrail will be covered, it can still be used if necessary.

Embrace a Contemporary Aesthetic by Hanging Garland at the Base of Spindles: Position the garland below the handrail, weaving it through the spindles to anchor it securely along the floor. Lower placement allows for unrestricted handrail use while still infusing your staircase with festive charm.

• For a fuller appearance, weave two strands of garland in opposite directions to completely conceal the bottom of the spindles.
• Exercise caution when navigating the stairs, particularly with children, as decorations from the garland may pose a tripping hazard if dislodged.

Start by Securing the Garland End to the Banister Using a Zip Tie: Position one end of the garland at the staircase's top. Fasten it to the banister with a zip tie, ensuring a snug fit.

• Although special Velcro is available, zip ties offer a cost-effective alternative for garland installation.
• Explore seasonal offerings like green zip ties found in holiday decor sections for a festive touch.
• Leave a tail at the garland end to prevent slipping through the zip tie. Tail length can vary for different aesthetic effects.

Secure the Garland to the Banister Every 2 Feet Using Zip Ties: Install zip ties periodically along the length of the banister to prevent the garland from drooping. Ensure tight fastening, especially if the garland is heavily decorated.

• For garlands with intricate decorations, multiple zip ties may be necessary to ensure stability.

Trim Zip Tie Ends with Sharp Scissors: After securing the garland, carefully cut off excess zip tie ends to maintain a neat appearance. Trim as close to the lock as possible, then conceal the cut ends within the garland.

• Sharp kitchen or floral scissors are recommended for cutting thick plastic zip ties.

Conceal Zip Ties Using Floral Wire or Tape: If visible zip ties are undesirable, cover them with green floral wire or tape. Wrap the wire around the zip ties to hide them. Avoid taping directly onto the banister to prevent discoloration.

• Trim any protruding ends of floral wire for a seamless finish.

Add a Festive Touch by Wrapping Lights Around the Garland: Prior to hanging the garland, adorn it with string lights to create a luminous ambiance on the stairs. Alternatively, drape the lights over and around the boughs for a more relaxed feel.

• To simplify wire concealment, opt for battery-operated fairy lights, typically featuring a thin, easily concealable metal wire.

Camouflage Zip Ties with Stylish Bows: Conceal unsightly zip ties with decorative bows for a charming festive touch. Utilize ribbon to tie sizable bows where the garland is secured to the banister.

• Bow size can vary, with larger bows creating a more dramatic effect, particularly complementing garlands with prominent dips.
• Opt for seasonal hues like silver, gold, red, blue, or white to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Imitate Snowfall with Flocking Powder: Enhance the garland's wintry appeal by applying flocking powder, mimicking the appearance of snowfall. Ensure even coverage, primarily focusing on branch ends, and allow the powder to dry before hanging.

• Apply flocking powder outdoors to prevent indoor mess and potential staining of surfaces.
• To minimize shedding, seal the snow with a coat of extra-strength hairspray.

Adorn the Garland with Coordinating Ornaments: Customize your garland by embellishing it with ornaments matching your tree's decor. Secure clusters of 3 or 4 ornaments of varying sizes using ornament hooks, ensuring they are firmly attached.

• Opt for ornaments in a harmonious color palette to complement existing decorations.
• Alternatively, incorporate pine cones for a rustic touch, securing them with wire or twine.
• Securely fasten ornaments to prevent accidental displacement, wrapping hooks around the garland for added stability.

• Let your creativity shine during the holiday season! Use this opportunity to express your unique style and flair in your interior design.

• Measuring tape
• Garland
• Zip ties
• Sharp scissors
• Floral wire or tape
• String or fairy lights (optional)
• Ornaments or pine cones (optional)
• Flocking spray (optional)
• Hairspray (optional)