Holiday Mantels and Staircases, Styled by Hand

San Diego homes span every style, and the mantel and staircase are often where that style shows most. A coastal modern home in Del Mar might call for a clean linear garland with white florals and soft light. A Spanish Revival home in Kensington looks wonderful with olive branches, velvet ribbon and candlelight against plaster and tile.

Grand homes in Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch and La Jolla often have curved or floating staircases that are seen from the foyer below and the landing above. We design those garlands to look full from both views, adjusting the swag, the ribbon and the light density along the run so the curve is celebrated rather than hidden.

We also think about how you live. Garland stays clear of handrails where hands need to hold on, candles are flameless where children and pets play, and mantels are styled so stockings can still hang. The result is a home that looks like a magazine and still works for your family.

Fresh and premium faux greenery are both available. Fresh garland brings a wonderful fragrance and works well for shorter seasons and events, while premium faux garland stays full and lush from mid November into January and allows richer layering of lights and ornaments. Our designers will recommend the right choice for your home, your dates and your fireplace use, and we refresh fresh garland during the season so it always looks its best for guests.

Lighting is where a mantel or staircase truly comes alive. We weave warm white lights deep into the garland so the glow comes from within rather than sitting on the surface, and we set everything on timers so it greets you each evening. Ribbon, florals and ornaments are layered in by hand after the lights are in place, so every detail catches the light from every angle.