Words Hoard & Heath
Photography Omar Ramadan and Annie Spratt / Unsplash; RDNE Stock project / Pexels
A small red stocking hangs inside a curve of greenery. Above it, the brown handrail and black scrollwork remain visible between the loops. In Omar Ramadan’s photograph, the decoration follows the rise of the stairs without hiding every part of the railing. The empty spaces give the stocking a place of its own.
Choose the line first
A deep loop takes the greenery down between the spindles; a shallower curve stays closer to the rail. Decide whether you want that repeated scallop or a narrow line following the rise of the stairs. We would leave more of an ornate railing exposed, so its pattern is not buried under another one.
Pale twig-like sprays and small red accents stand out against dark greenery beside brown timber. We would keep that contrast as the main decoration, rather than add broad ribbon over it. Try one extra ornament against the garland before repeating it along the whole length.
Broad gold-coloured mesh makes a different sort of garland. Its loops partly cover the greenery, while pale sprays and round ornaments add another layer. We would choose either the ribbon or the projecting sprays in this arrangement, so the edge is easier to follow. The extra depth matters beside a stair, where people pass close to it.
Leave a usable handrail
Visible gaps are not the same as a usable handrail. The stocking garland still crosses the top at intervals. RoSPA’s advice on children and stairs recommends using the handrail, keeping the steps clear of clutter and keeping the stairs well lit. Leave a continuous clear grip and keep the whole tread available, including the edge beside the spindles.
Choose fixings suited to the decoration and the surface, following their instructions. Keep trailing ribbon, wires and projecting stems out of the walking route. If the garland cannot sit securely without interfering with the handrail or steps, use a display elsewhere in the room instead.
Keep greenery and ribbon away from candles, fires and heaters, as London Fire Brigade advises for Christmas decorations. Look down from the landing as well as up from the hall: a projecting stem can be easy to miss when it points away from you.
