Supplied with fresh garlands and white lights, we brought holiday cheer to a fire escape in Manhattan's East Village. And we have a few ideas for your fire escape too:
Photography by Erin Boyle.
Above: We headed to Home Depot in Brooklyn to stock up on lights, garlands, and other supplies. Then we headed across the bridge to Manhattan.
Above: Among the supplies: Fresh Boxwood-Pine Holiday Garland, 25 feet for $64.99 (available for in store purchase only), white Christmas lights, juniper berries, and white pine.
Above: In addition to the boxwood-pine garland, used a 25-foot garland of Fresh White Pine ($64.99 for purchase in stores only) and a 20-foot garland of red cedar.
Above: We used 11-Inch Black Double-Locking Cable Ties ($9.99 per pack) to tie the garland to the top railing of the metal fire escape.
Above: We're partial to the vintage-looking extra large lights. A 25-Light Clear Light Set is $8.98.
Above: To power the lights, we used a heavy-duty 15-foot Husky 3-Outlet Extension Cord; $13.97.
Above: After lights and garlands were secure, we trimmed the ends of the cable ties. Gloves were an essential part of this very chilly process: Firm Grip Grain Pigskin Gloves ($9.98).
Above: A view out the window.
Above: At the base of the railing we added another layer of greenery and lights.
Above: On the lower level we used a strand of tiny clear lights.
Above: For good measure, we also made tiny juniper swags.
Above: We tied Natural Sisal Twine ($2.57), around the ends of the juniper bunches to hang from the fire escape.
Above: The juniper berry swags all strung up.
Above: When we were finally finished, we speedily drank a cup of hot cocoa on the very chilly fire escape to celebrate all of our hard work.
Above: The view from the street.
Looking for more tips to design an outdoor holiday lighting display? See DIY: A Starry Night Holiday Light Display and 10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Holiday String Lights.
More Stories from Gardenista