Welcome guests with a lavish vignette. Show off favorite ornaments on a small tree potted in an antique urn. Fill out the space with piles of festively wrapped empty boxes (they can be reused each year) and ornaments that festoon the architecture. On the railing, mix sparkly stars and red glass balls embellished with glued-on ribbons, hanging them on long and short pieces of metallic cord to fill the empty space between balusters. Wire fresh greens to the handrail for a finishing touch.

Matthew’s Secrets
Use sticky wax on the ornament strings to keep them from sliding down the banister.