Your staircase can easily be the centerpiece of your holiday décor. After all, few things are more traditional than the well-decorated holiday staircase. If you’re a bit lost when it comes to the right ideas, though, these tips can help.

Start with Evergreen Swag

The traditional holiday staircase starts with a beautiful evergreen garland, and in some cases, it stops right there. Whether you go with a fresh garland or you choose one that will look great year after year, this is the most basic way to make your staircase look simply amazing. Most garlands are sold in 9 foot lengths, and those that come with lights have end-to-end lights that will allow you to connect one strand to another. If you need something longer, you’ll want to move ahead with garlands that fall into the commercial category.

Add the Unexpected

While pine cones on the bannisters are fairly traditional, there are many other things you could do to spice up those garlands. Poinsettias, in red or white, make a beautiful touch. Just put the stems in some water to make them last through the season. Ribbon is also a fairly traditional accent. Just make sure it complements the other items you add into the garland. You can either work it in throughout the garland or simply make it into beautiful bows to hang at the top, middle, and bottom. Citrus is becoming more and more popular. Go with orange, pineapple, or another color that works well with your home’s current décor. Christmas ornaments you love are a great touch, too. Glittery snowflakes look pretty, as does white branches tied in. Throw in a pair of antique ice skates around the bottom bannister for a gorgeous, classic touch to the stairs. Stockings, whether they’re your primary stockings or not, are another great choice to lead people up your stairs. Just make certain the colors work with your garland. One final option you may want to think about is adding wreaths to your stairway. You can go with a traditional green, but thanks to the background color in the garland, you may want to go with something bolder like red.

Other Options

Not sure you like the idea of starting with evergreen garland? There are several other great options, too. A bay leaf garland also makes a wonderful touch, and it makes your home smell wonderful as well. Pine garlands will give your staircase a primitive touch. Ribbons or beaded garlands are an additional good touch you may want to consider. Another great choice is to attach greenery bunches to the posts of railing. You could use birch branches as the backbone, then tie in other branches with a bit of greenery or berries. Tied together with some bright ribbon, you have a package that will look enjoyable throughout the season.

Don’t Forget the Stairs

Whether you go with garland or not, don’t forget that you can decorate the actual stairs as well. Place small, beautifully wrapped gifts on the stairs, or potted plants. You could even add a bucket of ornamental greens.

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Pinkchic18 is a writer who loves to focus on events and holidays. She regularly contributes to the Holiday Gifts & Baskets Blog, where you can find fun holiday gift baskets for all ages.