How to Hang a Garland on a Staircase or Banister

A garland winding down the staircase is one of my favourite Christmas moments at home. It's the first thing you see as you come through the front door, and it makes even the most everyday hallway feel festive and welcoming.

It can look a little daunting, but it's far simpler than it seems, and you won't need a single nail or screw. Today I'm sharing the methods I use, from cable ties and Velcro ties to ribbon and twine, so you can choose the one that suits your staircase and the look you love.

Before you start: plan your look and measure

First decide how you'd like your garland to sit, because that decides how much you'll need. Measure your handrail from the top newel post to the bottom one, then use this as a guide:

Our artificial garlands are 200cm long. 

Ashlee's tip: Lay the garland loosely where you want to position them and have someone hold them in place so you can check to see how it looks. It's much easier to adjust the dips and the fullness now than once it's tied in place. Don't forget to check that the foliage is flowing down in the same direction as your stairs. 

You'll also need your chosen ties (cable ties, Velcro ties, ribbon or twine), a pair of scissors, and a few minutes to fluff each branch so it looks full and natural.

Method 1: Cable ties (the quickest and most secure)

Cable ties are my go-to when I want a garland to stay put all season, especially on a busy staircase that's used all day long. They're quick, strong and almost invisible once the foliage is fluffed over them.

1. Choose green, black or clear cable ties so they blend in. Releasable (reusable) ties are worth it, as you can undo them without cutting.
2. Starting at the top newel post, loop a tie around the garland's central spine (not the foliage) and around the post. Pull it snug but not tight.
3. Work down the stairs, adding a tie where needed. A fuller or heavier garland needs ties closer together.
4. Turn each tie so the fastening sits at the back, then snip off the tails close to the fastening.
5. Fluff the branches over each tie to hide it completely.

Protect your banister: A cable tie pulled tight against a varnished or painted rail can leave a mark. I tie the garland to the spindles just below the rail where I can, or slip a small piece of felt or fabric between the tie and the wood.

Method 2: Ribbon (the most beautiful)

With ribbon, the fixing becomes part of the decoration. It's the method I reach for when I want that elegant, country-house staircase, and the soft fabric is gentle on a polished banister.

1. Choose a ribbon at least 4cm wide. Velvet and wired ribbons hold their shape beautifully, and deep red, forest green or soft neutrals all work with foliage.
2. Cut lengths of around 80-100cm, one for each fixing point. You'll want enough to tie around the rail and garland and still finish with a generous bow.
3. At the top newel post, wrap the ribbon around the post and the garland's spine, then tie it firmly in a double knot.
4. Finish with a bow over the knot, and trim the tails on a slant to minimise fraying.
5. Repeat where needed down the staircase, or at the top of each swag.

Ashlee's tip: Ribbon alone can loosen over the weeks, especially with a heavier garland. For extra security, I hide a cable tie or a twist of twine underneath and use the ribbon purely to dress it. You get the beauty of the bow with none of the slipping.

Method 3: Paper Covered Wire or Twine (the natural, rustic look)

Paper covered wire or natural twine is perfect if you love a pared-back, foraged feel. It's soft on wood, easy to adjust, and on a natural oak or painted staircase it disappears into the foliage.

1. Cut lengths of around 40cm. A thicker 3 or 4-ply twine is stronger and easier to knot.
2. Wrap the twine twice around the rail (or a spindle) and the garland's spine.
3. Tie it, or twist the paper covered wire firmly, then trim the ends or leave them as a small rustic bow.
4. Work down the stairs, adding a tie every 30–45cm.
5. Fluff the foliage over the knots, unless you'd like them on show.

Ashlee's tip: This technique creates an opportunity to layering in little extras. Thread a small sprig of dried orange or a cinnamon bundle onto a tie at each fixing point for a scent of Christmas as you walk past.

Method 4: Velcro ties (the easiest to adjust and reuse)

Velcro-style (hook-and-loop) ties are a newer favourite of mine. You'll find them sold as garden plant ties or garland ties, usually in green. They're soft on the banister, need no knots or scissors, and you can reposition them in seconds until the swags look just right.

1. Cut strips of around 20–30cm, or use pre-cut ties.
2. Wrap the tie around the garland's spine and the rail or a spindle, then press the ends together firmly.
3. Add a tie at every point where needed, down the staircase.
4. Fluff the foliage over each tie. Green ties disappear almost completely.

Ashlee's tip: Choose a wider, heavier-duty tie for a full or heavy garland. Narrow ties can stretch and slip over the weeks. And when Christmas is over, they simply peel open, ready to use again next year.

Other options worth knowing

• Floristry wire: green paddle wire twisted around the spine and spindle is strong and nearly invisible. Tuck the cut ends well in, as they can be sharp and scratch the wood.
• Pipe cleaners: green pipe cleaners are soft, quick to twist on and off, and perfect for lighter garlands or a last-minute fix.
• Clip-on garland holders: these clip over the handrail and hold the garland in place, with nothing to tie. Check the clip fits your rail's width and doesn't press hard on the finish.

Finishing touches (and keeping it safe)

Once your garland is in place, a few finishing touches make all the difference.

• Finish the ends. Let the garland trail a little way down the bottom newel post, or finish both posts with a bow or a small cluster of bells.
• Add warmth with lights. Battery-operated LED fairy lights are perfect, with no cables trailing across the stairs. Weave them loosely through the branches so the glow comes from within.
• Layer for fullness. Twisting two garlands together, or adding a few winter stems, gives a lovely, abundant look.

A staircase is used all day, so please keep it safe:

• Make sure nothing hangs low enough to catch feet or trail onto the steps.
• If you have little ones or pets, check the ties and decorations are secure and out of reach.

Taking it down and storing it

• Cable ties: release reusable ties, or snip standard ones carefully, with the blade of your scissors pointing away from the wood so you don't scratch the rail.
• Ribbon and twine: simply untie. Velcro ties just peel open, ready to reuse. Roll the ribbon around a piece of card to keep it smooth for next year.
• Storing your garland: coil it loosely, or lay it flat in a box, and keep it somewhere cool and dry. Don't stack heavy items on top. Next December, give it a quick fluff and it's ready to go again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attach a garland to a banister without damaging it?

Ribbon and twine are the gentlest options, as they're soft against the wood. If you use cable ties, fix them to the spindles rather than tightly around the rail, or slip a piece of felt underneath. Avoid nails, staples and adhesive hooks on a varnished or painted banister.

How much garland do I need for my staircase?

For a straight run, you'll need roughly the length of your handrail, plus a little extra (20-30cm) for a tail at the bottom. For swags, allow around 1.5-2 times the length. For a really full look, double it and layer two garlands together.

How far apart should the ties be?

I place them every 30–45cm for cable ties and twine, and every 45–60cm for ribbon bows. A heavier or fuller garland needs ties closer together so it doesn't sag.

Can I hang a garland on a staircase without spindles?

Yes. On a glass balustrade or a wall-mounted handrail, tie the garland around the rail itself with ribbon or twine, keeping the inside of the rail free to hold. Never tie anything around the wall brackets.

How do I join two garlands together?

Overlap the ends by around 10–15cm, secure them with a cable tie, wire, or twine around both spines, then fluff the foliage over the join so it disappears.

Which method lasts best through the season?

Cable ties are the most secure on a staircase that's used every day. Ribbon can loosen over a few weeks, so I like to hide a cable tie underneath each bow.

A staircase ready for Christmas

Whichever method you choose, a garland on the stairs brings that wonderful sense of arriving home for Christmas. Our faux garlands are made to look lush and natural year after year, so once you've found your favourite way to hang them, they'll be part of your Christmas for many seasons to come.

Explore our Christmas garlands →

Dressing the rest of the house? Take a look at my guides on how to hang a Christmas garland on your fireplace and how to hang a wreath on your front door without damaging it.