It’s that time of year again when we spend hours upon hours dragging box after box down from the attic to decorate our homes for the season. There’s not a room in my house that isn’t oozing with holiday cheer. In honor of the popular Christmas song, I’ve put together a list of my dozen favorite curb appeal ideas from simple to sensational. Don’t be a Grinch… keep reading to find out the best Christmas/winter decorating ideas you didn’t know you were missing.
#1 Outline in garland
From windows to doors and rooftops to railings, almost every aspect of your home’s exterior looks more festive with a fluffy green border. Extra points for using fresh-cut greenery, such as cypress, eucalyptus or holly, which adds a wonderful scent for arriving guests. Or cheat a little… tuck sprigs of the real deal into your faux garlands!
#2 Fill lanterns for a fun display
Fillable lanterns are one of the most versatile holiday decorations you can buy for your home. Some popular fillers include ornaments, pinecones, holly sprigs, lights, fake “buffalo” snow, poinsettias, candles, or any other holiday-related item that will fit inside. Place a few filled lanterns on your porch steps or by the front door, and you’re all set.
#3 Make wine/beer bottle luminaries
Don’t want to fill lanterns? Then make luminaries! Instead of throwing out those old bottles, repurpose them to add holiday “spirit!” This fun, simple craft project puts less glass in the landfill and more glow in your home. Check out this article on how to create simple-yet-elegant bottle luminaries.
#4 Decorate in naturals and neutrals
Your front door is the focal point of your whole housefront! It’s the first thing your guests will notice when arriving for holiday gatherings, and the last thing they’ll see as they drive away. Instead of the expected red-and-green decorations, this year try using natural materials and neutral colors! Combining rattan baskets with white lights and natural wreaths and garlands creates an earthy, warm feeling.
But don’t waste beautiful decorations on a tired door. If it’s not in great shape, why not you paint your old door or replace it with a new, energy-efficient entry door? It’s a great way to elevate your curb appeal the whole year through. Quality Built Exteriors has entry doors for every budget, and some even come pre-colored in your choice of a gorgeous hue from their line.
#5 Make your fence festive
If your fence can be seen from the front of your home, then it makes a blank canvas for added holiday cheer. Traditional greenery, swags and garlands add a touch of class and elegance to any fence, even more so when paired with white lights and red bows. Gates can also get the holiday treatment with the simple addition of a wreath or holiday sign. Like your front door, if your fence is looking woebegone, hire a fence contractor like Quality Built Exteriors for repairs or replacement.
#6 Ornament your outdoor trees
Why should your temporary indoor tree get all the love? Spruce up your landscaped trees by adding ornaments. No need to go subtle here… a bigger tree can handle bigger ornaments, so buy some shiny, oversize baubles to hang. Or if buying new ornaments isn’t in the budget, why not grab some inexpensive supplies at the dollar store and make some yourself? This article by Smart School House shows you how.
#7 Take a tree outside
You aren’t just limited to the natural trees growing in your yard. Lighted artificial trees aren’t just for indoors, and you can find them in every shape, size and type this time of year. A lighted tree looks charming on your front porch or decks (likely needs to be a covered area since the tree and lights might not be rated for full outdoor exposure).
#8 Repurpose your pinecones
Holiday decorations don’t have to break the bank. There are many items found right in your own back yard that can be easily repurposed into breathtaking décor. From pinecones to holly, herbs to branches and cypress to driftwood, Mother Nature knows how to decorate for the season. You can even take inspiration from Colonial Williamsburg’s decorating traditions and incorporate a wild variety of natural materials going as far as yarrow, dried orange slices and cotton bolls! I previously worked for Colonial Williamsburg’s products/décor division, and always came home from work with ideas for natural holiday designs.
#9 Make Christmas from July
Go big this holiday season. No, not with extravagant gifts… I mean with oversize décor! If you prefer a more whimsical style, you can’t go wrong with enormous ornaments, larger-than-life lollipops, and colossal candy canes! Check out this decorating article full of the zaniest and biggest DIY yard displays imaginable… all repurposed from common summer items, such as beach balls and pool noodles. This easy project is fun for the whole family, and your kids will delight in seeing the amazing transformations.
#10 Fake a lighted topiary for less
Topiaries are some of the most popular and beautiful items used to decorate front porches for the holidays. Sadly, the eye-popping price of upscale greenery makes them out of reach for many homeowners. What to do when you can’t wait for the after-Christmas clearance sales? Fake it till you make it! Turn that old tomato cage upside down, cover it in pine garland from a discount store, and add lights and ornaments for a top-notch topiary that won’t cost a mint.
#11 Faux gifts make fab topiaries
Another fun and eco-friendly topiary idea is to repurpose those shipping boxes arriving each day into beautiful “giftiaries”! Simply wrap empty boxes with festive holiday paper, finish them off with pretty bows, and secure them into a pot with a garden stake or metal pole. Obviously you need a covered area if you’re working with a cardboard base, or if you want to make them weather-proof, first wrap the cardboard in cellophane, and go with a glossy paper that will repel water better. OR use cheap, waterproof contact paper from the dollar store instead of wrapping paper. Decorating done!
#12 Create a life-size gingerbread house
If you’re one of those overachievers like me, then this all-out decorating idea may just be the one for you! For a show-stopping, snow globe-worthy display, turn your home (or shed or playhouse!) into a life-size gingerbread house! To get this look, you can use budget-friendly items, such as painted paper plates and pool noodles, or you can purchase high-end décor that will last for years. Either way, you’ll delight the neighborhood kids with this over-the-top décor.
Well, that’s my list—what fun and unique holiday decorations do YOU display each year? Feel free to share them with us!
Still looking for that perfect present for your special someone? Home improvement projects make great gifts for your spouse or grown children—and Quality Built Exteriors even offers financing. Call them today for a free estimate.