Having grown up in the era of The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family I have often longed for a fabulous staircase. Sliding down the banister seemed like such fun! Mr. Décor and I had a metal spiral staircase while living in Germany but alas not much in the way of Christmas décor since we were living on an airman’s salary. But this Christmas I Decorated My Very First Christmas Banister.
I Decorated My Very First Christmas Banister
Of course one would expect Storybook Cottage to have a staircase leading to the tower. Albeit, it is a small one.
In the coming years, I can definitely see this area as my Christmas décor playground.
Real pine garlands…
Pinecone garlands….
Classic tinsel garland…
Bay leaf garlands….
Why if I ever have enough time on my hands I would love to do a paper garland.
But for now, I just used a lit artificial garland I had on hand.
I just might adore my upside down acorn newel post.
Gold balls that once hung on Grandma Gunn’s tree, mercury ornaments and mini wreaths purchased on clearance years ago, and my pearl star ornaments add a bit of sparkle and shine.
The presents in this room are wrapped in basic butcher paper held by washi tape. Shimmering add-ons are used year after year. The “Frohe Weihnachten” snowman clothespins were purchased when we lived in Germany 10 years ago! I also use gift bags although it’s somewhat faux pas in blog land.
The real magic occurs at night. I adore the twinkle of the soft lights.
Do you have a banister to decorate?
Laura
Laura, it looks beautiful, and I love the family connections!! I had a staircase only for about 3 years, and now just dream about having one:-) Where were you all 10 years ago in Germany?? I was just thinking about strolling through the Christkindlemarkt outside Ramstein. 2013 was the last trip I took there.
It's beautiful, and I love your G'ma Gunn's flourishes. Yes, I have a bannister and, patting myself on the back, in the first year, I wrote out instructions so I could save time in following years, counting the posts in between each of my swags, so as not to fall short of garland and bows at the end of a long staircase! Love that acorn! Did you know it's the Victorian symbol for longevity, strong new growth and new life? I purchased a cloisonne acorn ornament at the Breakers (Cliff Walk, RI) several years ago. Love your packages too, Laura, bags and all.
I'm awed at all you have accomplished in such a short time! It's lovely. I dig all the gold and silver. Your ornaments are beautiful.
We are still painting in our 'rec room' so we don't even have a tree up yet – 3 walls down, just one to go! It's great to see all the lovely blogland decorations.
That's so warm and charming. It's lovely.
No, we live in a tiny ranch home – no banisters.
I love the glow of Christmas lights when the sun goes down. We don't have a banister in our tiny, little ranch. I do think of the Brady Bunch when I see one though!
Oh I love your swag on the banister, it is gorgeous and the heirloom ornaments make it even more special. I like gift bags and they make such gorgeous ones today. Your packages are beautiful.
I had to laugh at your Brady Bunch reference! I always thought the same thing! I've had a few bannisters over the years, and there's something beautiful about decking them out! I especially love your second photo, and your stairway is also completely magical. Marsha Brady herself would be jealous!
So pretty! Your bannister with the gold sparkly ornaments and lights is perfect! Love the shiny presents mixed with the simple butcher paper. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Hi Laura,
Your banister is very lovely. Love all the beautiful ornaments. Although we do have a very small staircase it is inbetween two walls and there is no banister…just a little wooden hand rail but oh how I would love one too. So many wonderful ideas for decorating it. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana
Hello Laura,
Bannisters are such fun to decorate. I do have one, a nice long one. It's totally naked. Still. I'm planning to hang the stockings there this year because the mantel area gets too warm with the gas fireplace. But I have to finish the stockings first. Tick tock says the clock.
Your bannister is lovely with the lighted garland. I also like some of the inspiration photos you've shown. You'll have a lot of fun with that staircase over the years.
Beautiful display of Christmas decor on your bannister. I love bannisters, however we do not have one. Adding the gold sparkly ornaments is lovely.
What fun, Laura! I love the little lights at Christmastime on the bannister and mantels…and basically anywhere!
Mary Alice
Perfect.
You did a great job…it looks lovely!
Bonjour chère amie,
Mille et une manière de mettre en valeur la rampe d'escalier et apporter une belle allure festive… Merci pour l'ensemble de vos photos. Un petit billet qui illumine ma journée.
Je vous souhaite un Joyeux Noël ☃ ainsi que tous mes voeux pour l'année 2015 afin que tout soit compris y compris le bonheur pour toi et tous ceux que vous aimez.
Gros bisous ❄︎ ♡ ❄︎ ♡ ❄︎
The banister looks beautiful, Laura! I always wanted one, too, but at our age, The Man and I do not need stairs!
My banister is decorated, but not nearly as lovely as yours. I think I need to up my game a bit!
So pretty! I love how you use the things that are passed down from your family.
Laura, it looks beautiful! Love, love your garland!
It looks just beautiful Laura. I hope you have a blessed Christmas.
Your stair rail is beautiful, Laura. I am excited for you with a new home to decorate. You have done so much in your new home so quickly. I love how you decorated the garland. It is very attractive.
You have had a lot of adjustments,moving, repairs on the house, your grandmother passing and now a big holiday and you have done it with much grace.
I appreciated your kind comment so much. I too appreciate your friendship. This month has been so busy for me I haven't done but one blog post. In fact, I haven't spent much time on the computer at all in a week or more. Many preparations are still to be done with my family arriving on Sunday.
I hope your Christmas will be a joyous one and meaningful to you in your new home. May the Lord bless and keep you and make His face smile upon you and give you peace. Merry Merry Christmas. Bonnie
I have a small banister and had decided to decorate it for the first time this year and then run out of time (December isn't for decorating as a French teacher – it's to grade papers!!)) But yours is so lovely, it'll inspire me for next year!
Fun! I just love seeing your new home all dressed for the holidays! 🙂
~Liz