This year I am working really hard at keeping Christmas simple and peaceful. One of the first things we did was to cut back on decorating, which got me thinking. What if I could only have one kind of Christmas decoration?
And if I had to choose one decoration for Christmas it would be evergreens. Bringing nature into the house is always a favorite of mine for any holiday. So, I wanted share some of the ways that I have been decorating with evergreens this year, concluding with a simple tutorial on how to add an evergreen garland to a banister.
If you would like more tips on a peaceful Christmas, you can download my 10 Steps to a Peaceful Christmas Printable by clicking below.
But, before I get started, I want to say how pleased I am to be part of the “bHome for the Holidays” Christmas blog hop and if you scroll to the bottom of this post you will find a fabulous line up of other Christmas home tours AND a $250 giveaway to Farmhouse Refined!
My favorite place to add greenery is actually on top of my kitchen cabinets, it makes my kitchen feel like its right out of a storybook.
Later this week, I will be doing a “Christmas in the Kitchen” tour, so stay tuned!
Then, of course, any shelves or decorative containers will benefits from incorporating evergreens.
And I love seeing a simple touch of green tucked behind a picture.
(I kept trying to get the glare off the glass here, until I noticed the silhouette of the Christmas tree and then I liked it.)
And, finally, the banister in all its glory.
Would someone tell my photobombing dog that laying half on the hearth and half off is really uncomfortable?
I searched high and low this year to find the perfect cable knit stockings and am happy to report that I have found them. They are lined with flannel and they feel like cashmere, which makes me wish I could use them for sleeping bags!
I found them at L.L. Bean. Sadly, the “natural” ones are currently sold out, the other three colors are super cute, though.
As for other decorating spots, we have also added evergreens to wreaths, decorative trays, chandeliers, and even the Christmas tree.
For more inspiration, feel free to visit my Christmas Pinterest board.
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Ok, and now on to the . . .
Garland Tutorial
You will need. . .
- Evergreen trimmings
- I used about 50 cedar trimmings for my banister, cedar is a little flat, though. You could use less if you had douglas fir or something similar.
- If you don’t have evergreens in your yard, ask at a tree farm for their trimmings.
- Green wire or string
- Last year, I used green string and it was easier to take down and dispose of.
- Pruning sheers
- Wire cutters or scissors
Once you have assembled everything, you will . . .
- Make several little bundles of 3-4 branches.
- Attach both ends of the first bundle to the banister using the wire or string. Leave one branch free to cover the wire on the end with the tips.
- Now, overlap the second bundle over the first bundle, covering the first bundle’s cut end.
- Repeat this step until you come to the other end of the railing.
- For the last section of the banister, flip a bundle around so it points the opposite direction and secure in place. The two cut ends with need to be kind of intertwined so the ends are hidden.
- Fill in any bare spots with smaller bundles of evergreens, hiding any cut ends.
- By now the garland is pretty strong, you can just start tucking in the little filler branches and they will stay in place. I like my garland to look full from all angles, so I build it out on both sides, as well as the top.
And now for that giveaway you’ve all been waiting for. . .
We have a fabulous giveaway for $250 to
Farmhouse Refined!
US residents only.
Download bHome & tap the star for Farmhouse Refined.
You will be automatically entered.
The winner will be chosen on December 9th and notified via bHome app and email.
Sunday- Day Four
Confessions of a Serial DIY’er
Here are the past three days, as well.
Day One
French Garden House * Shabby Fu Fu * Zevy Joy * Redhead Can Decorate * My Soulful Home
Day Two
Starfish Cottage * Little Farmstead * So Much Better with Age * Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Garden Therapy * TeaselwoodDesign * Shabby Art Boutique
Day Three
Love of Home * Duke Manor Farm * Setting for Four
White Lace Cottage * Cupcakes & Crinoline * Our Southern Home
Sharing at these parties!
I love the ways you have scattered the greens here and there for a simple holiday addition. Your dog is too cute lying by the fire.
Author
Haha! Thanks, Kim. I will tell her you said so.
Love your beautiful home decorated with the gorgeous fresh evergreens. Thanks for the tutorial on creating the garland on the stairs. I never thought to actually layer the greens right on the banister, rather than tying the greens together first. Love that idea!…I am off to acquire more real evergreens after your beautiful inspiration!…Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Author
Yes, it saves an extra step of creating the garland. I hope you get a chance to try it!
Wow loving the fresh evergreens and appreciate the how-to for getting that lush look on your gorgeous staircase! XO
Author
Thank you, Christy, I hope you get to try the garland idea!
The evergreens are my favorite too, like you I’m decorating much more simply for the holidays, and enjoying the season more. Your home looks beautiful, Sarah. It’s a pleasure being part of this beautiful bHome for the Holidays Tour with you!
Author
So nice to meet you, Lidy. There is really something to be said for a peaceful decorating process, isn’t there?!
Evergreens are to best & cheapest Christmas decor – right from the garden or from walk with the walk. I am forever carrying home fallen branches! Wonderful tutorial Sarah. Your home is so inviting & lovely anytime of year, but that evergreen tucked in here & there makes it even more special
Author
You are so smart, I would love to see your house all decked out for Christmas! I really appreciate you organizing the home tours this year!
Sarah, I just love how your home comes alive with evergreens! Your decor is lovely to begin with, but the greenery really brings something magical to your spaces. Beautifully styles and I love those cable knot stockings!!
*knit
Author
Thank you, Lory, I’m so glad you like the stockings and greenery, too. The greenery brings such rustic beauty to any room, doesn’t it?
I like the wood up against the brick best. A good, if necessary, switch. And pets we had, both cats and a dog, could never get close enough to the wood stove. They loved the warmth as much as the rest of us, so I think your dog is very “for real.”
Author
Yes, I think you are right! Now I need to to figure out what to do on the white wall again! Maybe some shiplap?
Sarah- your garland is so beautiful. i love fresh greens that are left bare. so simple and pretty. happy holidays!
Author
Thank you, Laura. You sound like a girl after my own heart.
I really enjoyed this. Your home looks so peaceful and simply beautiful. If one uses real cedar boughs, do you have any idea how long they would last?
Author
Michelle,
Thank you for all your kind words. They should last 2-3 weeks, they are pretty crispy by Christmas. Some people change them out, but I don’t have the desire to put that much work into it. Haha!
Hi Michelle! I need to try this on our stairs next year. Thank you for the tips! Your brick and WB fireplace are so cozy. Your dog-hilarious! Mary Christmas! ~ Julie
Author
You are so welcome, I hope your stairs turn out lovely.
Merry Christmas to you, too!
wonderful, i love the fresh greens everywhere, and they really pop against your bright white spaces. oh, animals…i think my cats must be cut from the same cloth as your dog, lol
b
Author
You are a girl after my own heart and your cats sound completely darling!
Your home looks fabulous! I also decorated with greenery, and those alone would be sufficient! I love the staggering of the stockings and oh, those red rubber boots! Adore everything you’ve done for home for the holidays!
Author
It is so nice to finally get to decorate the fireside room well for Christmas, I know you understand.
xoxo
Your home is gorgeous! I love your garland tutorial. So great being on this tour with you!
Hugs, Jamie
Author
Thank you, Jamie, I loved getting to do the tour with you, as well!
xoxo
Keeping it simple with evergreens was a great decision Sarah. That banister is a show stopper for sure and I appreciate the tutorial on how you did it. The whole room is lovely and even more perfect with your little photo bomber…. she is adorable. Merry Christmas!
Author
Thank you, Kerryanne! I’m so glad you liked it and I tell that pup what you said. 😉
I LOVE this garland! It’s so beautiful! I just need a banister to build it onto now… lol. I’ll be featuring you at the Creative Gallery this week – thanks for sharing!
Author
Oh wow! Thank you so much!! I’m so excited.
Love the simplicity of your Christmas decor in your absolutely gorgeous home!!! It looks so cozy and comforting. Merry Christmas!!
Author
Thank you so much, Anne. What a sweet thing to say!
Very pretty decor! You did a really nice job!
I have a woodstove with some ugly brick behind it that I need to improve the look of. I may decide to whitewash or paint it. Is your woodstove as close to your painted staircase as it appears in the photos? I’m concerned about regular paint heating up too much and either browning or offgassing. Thank you!
Author
I get asked that question a lot. The stove is not that close to the stairs and it is not a fire hazard. I haven’t had any trouble with the paint overheating. Whitewashed brick is my favorite!! What a great idea!