That strip of empty space between the cabinets and the ceiling is the most ignored real estate in most kitchens. In December it’s the easiest place to add a lot of Christmas without giving up a single inch of counter. The trick is to treat it as one long line, not a shelf for a dozen things.

One continuous garland

A garland running the full length of the cabinet tops is what makes the kitchen look decorated from the doorway. Measure along the front edge of the cabinets, including the returns at each end, and add a foot for draping.

The WEMADE pre-lit garland (on Amazon) is 15.4 feet with 50 LEDs, battery powered, with a timer that runs 8 hours and turns off for 16. Batteries mean no cord hanging down the side of the cabinets to an outlet, which is the detail that usually ruins this look. Tuck the battery box behind the garland at one end where you can reach it from a step stool.

Lay the garland along the top front edge so it hangs a little over the lip. If it slides, a few Command clear mini light clips (on Amazon) stuck to the cabinet top (not the face of the doors) will hold it back.

Something in the gap, if there’s room

If you have 12 inches or more between the cabinets and the ceiling, a few small things set back behind the garland give it depth. A cluster of mini bottle brush trees (on Amazon) in two or three heights is light, cheap and easy to reach. Group them in threes and leave bare stretches between groups.

If the gap is smaller, skip this. The garland alone is enough.

Something lower, on the doors

To connect the top of the cabinets with the rest of the room, hang a small wreath on a few upper doors. The mini cabinet wreaths (on Amazon) come in a set of six with burlap bows. Use a ribbon looped over the top of the door, or an over-the-door hook made for cabinets, so nothing is screwed in. Every other door looks better than every door.

Keep it safe

  • Keep anything that can melt or burn well away from the range hood and the area above the stove.
  • Don’t let garland hang down where cabinet doors swing.
  • Kitchen tops collect grease and dust fast. Lay a sheet of wax paper or a cut piece of shelf liner under everything, then fold it up with the dust in January.

More kitchen ideas live in cozy kitchen Christmas decor. If you’re hosting, holiday hosting in a small kitchen covers keeping the counter clear for food.