8 Christmas Entryway and Staircase Decor Ideas to Wow Guests
8 Christmas entryway and staircase decor ideas from real homes: stair garland, lanterns on the steps, trees by the stairs, benches with baskets and cozy entry tables.
The entryway is the first room guests see when they step inside at Christmas. A garland on the stairs, a tree by the door or a little bench with stockings sets the mood for the whole house.
I picked 8 real Christmas entryways and staircases from homes on Instagram. Each one is easy to copy, even in a small front hall.
Christmas Entryway Decor Ideas
🎨 A Welcoming Christmas Entryway Palette
1Garland and Ornament Balls on the Staircase
View this post by its_all_about_the_house on Instagram
Photo: its_all_about_the_house on Instagram
A full garland wraps this staircase railing with big white ornaments hanging along it. A slim console below keeps the entry tidy.
Attach garland to the railing with zip ties, then hang a few large shatterproof ornaments from it with ribbon.
Ask yourself
- Do you have a staircase near your entry?
- Can you attach garland with zip ties?
- Would big white ornaments suit your style?
2Stair Garland With Lanterns on the Steps
View this post by sanctuaryhomedecor on Instagram
Photo: sanctuaryhomedecor on Instagram
A loose garland on the railing and lanterns on the steps make this staircase glow. It looks elegant and very welcoming.
Place two or three lanterns with battery candles on the lower steps, away from where people walk.
Ask yourself
- Are your stairs wide enough for lanterns?
- Do you have battery candles with timers?
- Would a loose garland suit your railing?
3A Bench, Basket and Garland in the Front Hall
View this post by carpendaughter on Instagram
Photo: carpendaughter on Instagram
A wood bench with baskets underneath, a tiny tree and garland on the stairs make this entry feel warm and ready for guests.
Put a bench by the door with baskets for shoes and hats. Add a small potted tree on top for Christmas.
Ask yourself
- Do you have space for a bench?
- Could baskets hide shoes and boots?
- Is there room for a small tree?
4A Plaid Scarf and Hooks in a Small Entry
View this post by francois_et_moi on Instagram
Photo: francois_et_moi on Instagram
A plaid scarf on the hook, a wooden sled and a small wreath turn this tiny entry into a winter welcome. Simple and charming.
In a small entry, use what you have. Hang a plaid scarf and a wreath on your hooks and lean a sled against the wall.
Ask yourself
- Is your entry very small?
- Do you have wall hooks?
- Do you own a sled or skis to display?
5Flocked Trees and a Bench by the Stairs
View this post by loverlygrey on Instagram
Photo: loverlygrey on Instagram
Two snowy flocked trees, a bench with red pillows and a round mirror make this entry look like a winter wonderland.
Use two trees of different heights to fill a corner by the stairs. Flocked trees look extra wintery.
Ask yourself
- Do you have a corner by the stairs?
- Would flocked trees suit your home?
- Do you have a bench or chair to style?
6A Tree at the Foot of the Staircase
View this post by sweetsouthernlilly on Instagram
Photo: sweetsouthernlilly on Instagram
A tall tree at the bottom of the stairs with ribbon bows and a garland up the railing makes a big impression in this entry.
If you have a two story entry, it is the perfect place for a tall tree. Add bows on the tree and the railing so they match.
Ask yourself
- Do you have a tall entry or stairwell?
- Can a tree fit at the foot of the stairs?
- Would matching bows tie it together?
7A Glowing Tree Under a Curved Staircase
View this post by the_vintage_list on Instagram
Photo: the_vintage_list on Instagram
A full tree glowing under a curved staircase with garland on the railing makes this entry feel grand and cozy at once.
Look for an empty spot under or beside your stairs. A lit tree there fills the space and lights up the hall.
Ask yourself
- Is there an empty spot under your stairs?
- Do you have an outlet nearby?
- Would a lit tree brighten your hall?
8An Eclectic Entry Table With Dried Oranges
View this post by myeclecticabode on Instagram
Photo: myeclecticabode on Instagram
This entry table mixes blue and white plates, greenery, a little painting and dried orange slices for a warm, collected Christmas look.
Style an entry table with a lamp, greenery in a vase and a bowl of dried oranges. Hang a few plates or small art above.
Ask yourself
- Do you have an entry table or console?
- Do you like a collected, eclectic look?
- Could you dry your own orange slices?
Staircase Decor vs Entry Table Decor
Pick the focus that suits your entry. Many homes do both.
Staircase
- Garland on the railing
- Bows, ornaments or lights
- A tree at the bottom
- Big impact in open entries
Entry Table or Bench
- Greenery, candles and a lamp
- A small tree or wreath
- Baskets and stockings
- Perfect for small entries
How to Hang Garland on a Staircase
Garland on the stairs looks hard, but it is easy with the right supplies. Work from the top down so the garland hangs evenly.
- Measure the railing and buy 25 percent extra garland
- Use zip ties or pipe cleaners to attach it
- Add lights before you hang it
- Tuck in ribbon or picks every few feet
- Keep the handrail free to hold
💡 Hana’s tip
Leave the handrail clear on the inside so people can still hold it safely. Wrap the garland on the outside of the railing.
Christmas Entryway Shopping List
- Garland for the railing
- Zip ties or pipe cleaners
- A small tree or two
- Lanterns with timer candles
- A wreath or stocking hooks
FAQs
How do I decorate my entryway for Christmas?
Add a wreath or garland, a small tree, lanterns or candles, and festive pillows or stockings on a bench or table.
How do I put garland on a staircase?
Attach garland to the outside of the railing with zip ties, add lights, then tuck in ribbon or picks.
How do I decorate a small entryway for Christmas?
Use wall hooks for a wreath or scarf, a small tree on a bench, and keep the floor clear.
Is it safe to decorate the staircase?
Yes, if you keep the handrail clear and place lanterns away from where people step.
Welcome Guests With Christmas Cheer
Start with garland on the stairs or a small tree by the door. A festive entry makes everyone feel welcome the moment they arrive.
Finish the look with our Christmas porch decor and Christmas mantel decor ideas.
