DIY Christmas Staircase Garland for $25!

 There's nothing that makes a house more cozy than the Christmas season. With so many decor options at hand, it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide which areas of the house to decorate while leaving other areas on the back-burner, especially if you're on a budget like me. It goes without saying that the living room is always the epicenter of everything Christmas. Thus, choose focal points in this room that you & your guests will notice first. My staircase is the most focal part of my living room. If the same goes for you & you have $25 to spare, then this DIY will definitely interest you! Why buy those overpriced, overrated, boring looking garlands in store when you can blow those out of the water with this one? ;)

You will need the following materials:

Garland $2.99 - Michael's

Poinsettias $2.50: Michael's has the best ones!

Garland Ties $2.50 - Wal*Mart

Ornament Balls $4.98 - Wal*Mart

Mini Lights $2.99 - Target

Ribbon $2.47 - Wal*Mart

Glitter Stems $0.74 each - Michael's
Pine Cone bag - $2.50 each - Michael's

*Note: sale + coupon price shown above*

Measure your staircase in order to determine how long of a garland you should purchase. My staircase measured 5 feet long & I purchased a 7 foot long garland. Take the garland and weave it in between the railings. Secure it with the garland ties. I did one on each end & two in the middle. Secure your ornament balls with the ornament wire and place them as shown below. Alternate colors & finishes (glitter, matte, shiny) throughout. Don't forget the backside!

Taking the poinsettias, detach them from their stems.

 Then, taking your ornament wire, slide it in-between the bottom of the flower & plastic stem, as shown:

Proceed to secure each poinsettia to the garland with the ornament wire. The cream poinsettias add warmth to this piece. In my opinion it is what makes it unique & cozy.

Next, take the individual glitter stem pieces and simply slide them into the garland - alternate colors throughout. You can secure them with ornament wire if you like, but it is not necessary.

Take your string of lights, plug them in, and place it to your liking. I suggest having them lit while you weave them onto the garland so that you can maximize the amount of surface area to be covered in lights & to ensure you do not miss any spots.

Add your ribbon of choice (I suggest a sheer ribbon - it makes the lights pop more!) & some pine cones and you are done! So simple & inexpensive, but it most certainly doesn't look that way ;)

 

 Here are some close-up shots for more detailed placement.

It's also a great place to add your stockings!

 

 And for impromptu Christmas card pictures ;)

I had such a fun time creating this & I hope you do as well! If you re-create this DIY, please leave a photo in the comment section below - I'd love to see them! Share this with your family & friends!

Classic Christmas Wreath Tutorial

There are three holiday decorations essential to the embodiment of the Christmas spirit - the tree, the garland, and the doorway wreath. This DIY is my take on a classic Christmas wreath - nothing over the top, too colorful, or too glittery. Just simple, clean, fluid, & soft - with a tiny extra something. I wanted it to say: A cozy, loving home is here :) You will need the following materials:

Wreath: $5.00 (Hobby Lobby); Artificial Snow: $2.50 (Hobby Lobby); Ornament Balls: $1.00 (Dollar Tree), Ribbon: $4.00 (Michael's); Silver Bell Ornaments: $3.00 (Wal*Mart); Pine Cones: various sizes; Glue Gun; Ornament Wire

First, coat your wreath with the snow. Follow the instructions listed on the bottle & take the appropriate precautions. I did mine one layer at a time, letting each layer dry for 1-2 hours. I did a total of 3 layers and let it completely dry for 24 hours. Layer to your desire. Mine turned out as shown:

Next, glue your pine cones to your wreath with your glue gun.  Helpful tip: Arrange the pine cones FIRST and then glue them down :) Also, gluing the pine cones right-side up & upside-down help to give the piece texture & dimension.

Don't forget to leave a gap at the bottom of your wreath. This is where the ribbon & bow will be placed.

Using the ornament wire, secure your ornament balls and silver bell pieces to the wreath. I alternated between the satin & glitter finishes.

 Close-up:

Take your ribbon & simply place it in-between the pine cone clusters.

Tie a ribbon and you are finished! 

 The neutral, creamy tones make this such a versatile piece. Hang it anywhere in your home...

 ...or outside :)

I honestly can't believe that there is only a week left till Christmas. If you're trying to hold on to the last leg of the holiday season for as long as possible, this DIY will do the trick - and it cost me no more than $15 bucks! Follow me on Instagram @jrosehomedecor and hashtag your recreations as #jrosehomedecor. See you in the New Year!

xx,
Jessica