It's easy to see why Christmas stockings continue to be a classic holiday tradition. They are not only festive Christmas decorations but also serve as vessels for all those adorable stocking stuffers! They're a treasured aspect of the holiday for kids from one to 92.
But where and how to hang Christmas stockings is just as important as what goes in them. Perhaps you have a cozy fireplace and want to put them front and center as your Christmas mantel décor. Or maybe you don't have a mantel or want to get a little more creative this year. No matter where you decide to place them, you want to hang them with care just as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas suggests.
Hanging with care means doing so safely, securely, and with minimal damage yet still ensuring that they're enjoyed for their full splendor and ability to be stuffed. So along with the creative ways to hang stockings included here, there are also tips and tricks to make sure you avoid seasonal mishaps.
Invest in Stocking Holders
If you do have a mantel, skip hammering nails or hooks into the pretty facade. Rather, find a set of sturdy stocking holders. You can stick on some Command hooks for simplicity's sake or look for a set that can sit on top and double as decorations. Just make sure test them out when the arrive to determine how much weight the can handle. Also, stocking holders that don't require adhering them in any way means you can put them elsewhere, too. Try a bookshelf!
Step Up Your Stair Décor
Banisters practically beg for Christmas stair decorations, so why not incorporate stockings into that mix? The blogger from Fynes Designs simply uses ribbon to secure the stocking loops around the railing, but you can also use zip ties for more security and hide them under garland. Or, use those free-standing stocking holders we discussed earlier and put them on the edges of the steps.
Hang Them in the Window
Let everyone outside enjoy what's hanging inside by putting the stockings in your window. You can hang them off of handles, stick Command hooks on the frames or glass, or large suction cup hooks. And if they get too heavy after they're stuffed, simply lean them on the windowsill on Christmas Day.
Deck the Halls
If you've got some empty wall space or can easily take down some artwork during the holiday season, utilize that space to hang stockings. Or even better yet, if you've got a closet to hold all of your winter coats, use your entryway coat hooks to hang stockings for the season instead like blogger Angela Marie Made. It makes your home very inviting to everyone who walks through the door. Plus, the hooks will be sturdy enough for lots of gifts.
Lean on a Blanket Ladder
Blanket ladders are a cozy and practical decorative idea for your living space any time of year. Besides throw blankets, they can also be used to hang other decorative baubles. They also happen to make a stocking display extra easy! Simply hang hooks or tie with ribbon to secure, like blogger Abby Organizes. (Bonus: She also has a tutorial to make a ladder on your own!)
Take a Stand
If you're so inclined, you can skip the repurposing and buy a sturdy, freestanding stocking holder specifically designed for the purpose. You can get fancy and decorate the top with garland or order a personalized version. Either way, you can vary the number of stockings you place on it and where it is placed, while having the reassurance that it won't collapse.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
