Posted by
Emma Reddington
Friday, December 7, 2012 11:54 AM EDT
Are you the type of person that does all of their holiday decorating in one day or do you like to spread it out? Personally, I like to tackle the indoors on one afternoon and the outdoors on another, usually over a weekend. They are just two completely different decorating processes and I find I can’t get my head around doing both on the same day. Also, I find my husband is a little more willing to help me with the outdoor decorations, so I like to leave a few tasks just for him. Below are five outdoor decorating ideas that are inspiring me this season.
1) Wintery Walkway
Lighted entryway, via HGTV, and Better Homes and Gardens
You know what they say about first impressions. The same rule applies to your house. If you’re hosting any holiday parties this year, why not light up the stairs or path to your house with candles placed in old wine bottles or, even better, protected from the wind in glass hurricane lanterns. Rocks, red berries, pruned evergreens and magnolia leaves add a festive touch and make an excellent first impression.
2) Light Up a Tree
Tree lights, via Martha Stewart, and House and Home
Rather than copying everyone else in your neighbourhood and just throwing a string of lights over your tree, try decorating a few balls or cones instead with twinkly white lights and placing those in the branches. The cones on the left are actually made from old tomato cages! They add a touch of seasonal brightness even in climates that might not have any snow.
3) Windowscapes
Decorative windows, via Cox and Cox, and Martha Stewart
Decorating your windows is a great idea and something that is often overlooked. Use cut-out reindeer, stars or snowflakes and attach them to the inside of your window frame to protect them from the elements. Make sure to choose neutral shapes or silhouettes that read well from both inside and outside.
4) Eye-catching Wreaths
Yarn ball wreaths, via Two Junk Chix, and Better Homes and Gardens
An eye-catching wreath is an easy way to make the outdoors of your home merry and bright. There are so many options when it comes to these festive decorations. If you’re feeling crafty you could make your own wreath like the one above, composed of different size yarn balls, or you could purchase a ready-made evergreen wreath and add some small embellishments like this small cluster of yarn balls seen on the right.
5) Light it Up!
Outdoor Christmas lights, via Better Homes and Gardens, and Martha Stewart
Putting up the outdoor Christmas lights is a task I often leave to my husband. I think the barn on the right looks so beautiful with its constellation of stars. I’m hoping my husband thinks so too! If that task seems a bit too much, threading some small white lights through twig balls would also look great.
