Home for Christmas

Ryan McCraw from City Church Tallahassee in Tallahassee, FL brings us this design inspired by the Great Acoustics set – customized for Christmas.

From Ryan: Each year our church does a big Christmas service at the beginning of December at a local venue. Due to Covid-19, we are unable to do that this year, so we’re doing an online special in lieu of it.

For the online special, we created a bunch of 4×8 wooden frames and attached a sheet of dry wall to them, then painted them white. Once the legs were attached, we placed sandbags on the back to keep them steady. We joined 2 of the frames together to create an 8×8 wall, and attached a 5′ fiberglass fishing hoop and some floral from hobby lobby to create the giant wreath in the center. We had a local print shop print the logo on canvas and glued it in the middle of the hoop. Once the stage was up and panels were layered, we taped the panel edges that were visible with 4″ white gaff tape so you wouldn’t see the seam between the wooden frame and the drywall. We then added some salvaged windows from a local store and some smaller wreathes, added a Christmas tree and couch, and the look was complete!

The drywall panel construction is a clever adaptation of traditional flat-building techniques. Drywall provides a smooth, paintable surface that reads beautifully on camera—perfect for an online special. The 4×8 dimensions match standard lumber and drywall sheet sizes, minimizing waste and simplifying construction. Sandbag ballast is a professional approach that allows quick setup without permanent attachment to the floor.

The giant wreath created from a fishing hoop demonstrates how everyday items can become stunning stage elements. Fiberglass hoops are lightweight yet rigid, making them ideal for oversized decorations. The floral additions from a craft store provide texture and fullness that transforms a simple ring into an impressive focal piece. Canvas printing for the center logo adds a professional branded element.

The salvaged windows add authentic character that manufactured props can’t replicate. Architectural salvage shops, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and even Facebook Marketplace are excellent sources for affordable vintage windows. Clean them thoroughly before use and check for loose glass or lead paint if the windows are very old.

Related Designs

• Christmas Home – Cozy living room Christmas setup with cardboard fireplace and bookshelves
• Great Acoustics – The original acoustic panel design that inspired this Christmas set
• Christmas in the City – Buckhead Church’s foam-core city skyline with over 12,000 CNC-cut windows
• Free Christmas Cheer – Budget-friendly Christmas stage design ideas
• 12 Strands of Christmas – Creative Christmas lighting design using string lights

Pro Tips for Home Christmas Stage Design

Drywall Panel Construction: When attaching drywall to wooden frames, use drywall screws every 12 inches along the studs. Pre-drill holes to prevent the drywall from crumbling. For portable flats, use 1×4 or 1×3 lumber rather than 2x4s to reduce weight. Always transport drywall panels vertically to prevent cracking.

Giant Wreath Assembly: Secure floral elements to the fishing hoop using zip ties or floral wire rather than glue—this allows for easy disassembly and storage. Add elements in layers, starting with greenery as a base, then adding accent pieces. Consider battery-operated LED lights woven through the wreath for extra sparkle.

Seam Hiding Techniques: White gaff tape is an excellent choice for hiding seams because it removes cleanly without residue. For permanent installations, consider using joint compound to fill gaps between panels, then sanding and painting for a seamless look. Matching paint sheen is crucial—gloss differences will reveal seams even if color matches perfectly.

Salvaged Window Safety: When using vintage windows, check for lead paint (common in pre-1978 homes) and loose glass. Secure any rattling panes with clear silicone caulk. Remove old hardware that might snag costumes. If windows will be handled frequently, consider replacing old glass with acrylic sheets to prevent breakage.