Get ready to decorate for the holidays with an easy, creative guide to hanging garland on your staircase. Create a striking display using faux greenery, ribbon, pine cones and more.
When we moved into our house a few years ago, I was thrilled to finally have a staircase to decorate. A stairway is a beautiful architectural feature and one of the first things guests notice when they enter. It’s also a great way to connect Christmas décor between floors.
Hanging a gorgeous garland on the banister is simpler than it looks. With a few strands of greenery, a reliable way to attach them, and some accent pieces, you can achieve a professional, cozy holiday look.
I love decorating the house for Christmas—from the kitchen to the living room and even the bedrooms. I hope these tips inspire you to make your home festive and welcoming.
Use the Table of Contents to jump around this guide and feel free to save this tutorial so you can reference it each season.
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Before You Hang the Garland
After decorating my stairs for several seasons, I’ve picked up some helpful tricks. Before you begin, consider a few practical points so your staircase garland looks great and lasts through the holidays.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Artificial Garland?
The smartest time to shop for faux garland is early—around October—before the peak season. The most popular styles often sell out by November, so buying early gives you more choices and better quality.
Real or Artificial Garland?
Both real and faux garlands work for stairs. Keep in mind fresh garland dries out and tends to shed needles after 2–4 weeks. For indoor displays, faux garland is often the better choice—low maintenance and reusable.
If you love the scent of fresh greenery, you can layer a small amount of real sprigs over faux garland or use a holiday-scented candle nearby for that fresh aroma without the upkeep.
Can You Layer Multiple Garlands?
Absolutely. Layering different garlands creates a full, textured look. I typically layer three different strands—starting with a basic, inexpensive garland attached to the rail, then adding fuller, higher-quality garlands on top.
Beautiful Evergreen Garland Options
- Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland
- Long Needle Pine Garland
- Magnolia Leaf Garland
- Real Touch Cedar
- Faux Spruce Garland
- Carolina Pine Garland
- Faux Cedar Garland
- Lamb’s Ear Garland
- Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Garland
How to Attach the Garland to the Staircase
There are several practical ways to secure a garland to a banister. Choose a method that won’t damage your rail and matches the look you want:
- Zip ties
- Floral wire
- Medium clear Command hooks
- Decorative twist ties (my favorite—they’re gentle and attractive)
- Special garland ties made for artificial greenery
Decorative Accents to Add to the Garland
After the garlands are in place, add accents to complement your home’s style. A few ideas:
- Ribbon—tying bows or weaving ribbon through the garland
- Extra greenery sprigs or floral picks
- Bells for a classic holiday sound and look
- Twinkle or fairy lights for a warm glow
- Berry picks for color and texture
- Dried orange slices for a rustic touch
- Ornaments for sparkle and personality
How To Hang Garland On a Staircase: Step-by-Step
1. Measure Your Railing
Measure the length of your handrail and decide whether you want swoops or a gentle cascade down the newel post. Add an extra foot or two for each swag and an allowance for any drape you plan to create. For example, my 8-foot staircase works well with 9- or 12-foot garlands when I include swoops and a cascading finish.
2. Attach the Garland to the Handrail
I prefer a layered look with three garlands: a sturdy, inexpensive base garland attached to the rail, then fuller garlands layered on top.
Secure the first garland to the banister using your chosen method—decorative ties, zip ties, or clear hooks. Start at the top or bottom of the stairs and work your way along the rail. Decorative twist ties are my go-to because they’re easy, non-damaging and discreet.
3. Attach, Swoop, Repeat
Continue along the railing, attaching the garland at intervals to form swoops. On an 8-foot rail I usually create two swoops by securing the middle spindle and arranging the drape toward the bottom. If you want a cascade, leave extra length to wrap around the newel post.
4. Layer Additional Garlands
Layer a second and third garland over the first to build volume. Use the branches of the base garland—especially if they’re wired—to “hold” the next layer in place so the strands appear as one continuous piece.
Connect the garlands along the railing by tucking and twisting branches together until the combination looks natural and full.
5. Fluff the Garland
Step back and inspect the garland from different angles. Gently puff out branches and reposition any thin or uneven spots so the display reads as lush and balanced.
6. Add Accent Pieces
Now the fun part—add bells, bows, ribbon, picks or ornaments. Place larger accents where the garland is anchored or along swoops to draw the eye. If you used zip ties or wire to secure the garland, hiding them with ribbon or bows creates a polished finish.
7. Add Lights
If your garland is not pre-lit, weave in string lights for a gentle glow—either plug-in or battery-powered fairy lights, depending on outlet access and convenience.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and a few tools, you can create a classic, welcoming staircase garland that becomes a focal point of your holiday décor. I hope these steps help you craft a banister display that brings joy every time you pass it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose garland at least as long as your railing, plus about one extra foot per swag. Add more length if you want it to cascade down the newel post.
Use removable, non-damaging options like Command hooks, decorative twist ties, or zip ties tucked out of sight.
Choose soft, removable fastening methods such as Command hooks or decorative ties. Avoid abrasive materials directly against painted or stained wood.
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