HOLIDAY STAIRWAYS

HOLIDAY STAIRWAYS
Some more suggestions
Here's a look at some ideas for your holiday stairway.
Hang several wreaths up the stairs, spaced evenly along the length of the railing. Or use door swags or bunches of greens, evenly spaced.
There's no rule that stockings have to be hung at the fireplace. Hang them going up the staircase for an informal, homey look.
For a simple look, leave the banister bare, and decorate the newell post with a swag, greenery or bows.
Swag a length of tulle, netting or metallic sheer fabric up your stairs. Decorate with fresh or artificial greens, wired ornaments or bows.
Attach clusters of beaded fruit to ribbons and twigs. Tie these to the banisters about every 3 feet. You can also purchase red berry garland to drape on the staircase alone or on top of greenery.
If your stairs are wide enough, you might display small potted poinsettias, topiaries, cedar trees or other plants. Decorate each with a bow. If you're really ambitious, you can stencil words on the risers and add lighted candles to every few steps for a special gathering.
Coordinate your staircase with the rest of your holiday decorating. Contemporary, traditional and everything in between can work on the staircase, too.
A final tip: If you drape garland along a banister, make sure you wire it in place to hold the weight of the other decorations you add to it.
Sources: www.about.com; interior designers; florists