Tips for Decorating Outdoors with Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations have the ability to lift your spirits and share your joy of the occasion with others. Decorating the inside of your home is something that you may not be able to share with everyone, but you can take your decorating ideas outside and spruce up the outdoors. The fact is that there are many Christmas outdoor decorations that can be either purchased or constructed easily and inexpensively. All you need is a little time and some imagination. The following are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming holiday season:
Exterior Lighting
christmas light(Photo credit: paparutzi)
Your Christmas outdoor decorations should always start with lights, whether you choose to go with one color or many. Surrounding your home with bright lights is going to get the attention on your home and provide those passing through your neighborhood with some enjoyment. Just be sure that you purchase lighting that is appropriate for outdoor use and take all the safety precautions to prevent problems.
Rope lighting is also a great way to form your own Christmas outdoor decorations, as they can easily be formed into a wide variety of shapes. A profile of Santa or his reindeer will look great when the lights are turned on. Success with rope lighting is all about taking your time and seeing how it looks from a distance.
Pick Your Theme
For a more elegant creation, consider simpler Christmas outdoor decorations. Cedar garland or a sophisticated wreath is also appropriate for outdoor use and can give your home the elegance you prefer. The key is to pick a theme, whether it is rustic or Victorian, as it can help prepare you for the tasks ahead. The fact is that it does not matter which theme you choose, as you will find there are many different decorating ideas for all and each one will be appreciated by your neighborhood.
Use Your Landscape in Your Holiday Decorations
Next, consider what you already have outdoors. If you have trees and shrubs on your front lawn, you have many options for your holiday decorations. From stringing them with lights to decorating with bulbs, you can bring your holiday theme outside. If you do not have a tree to decorate, consider purchasing a pre-lit tree to place on your lawn. Finishing touches could include bulbs, garland, and a few, neatly wrapped presents placed underneath.
DIY Projects
If you have a lot of children in the neighborhood, you may want to include a life-size Santa or reindeer in the décor. Many of these larger-than-life ornaments can be purchased at department stores, but do not give up on the idea of a do-it-yourself project. All you need to get started is a large piece of plywood and a little bit of paint. Simply enlarge a stencil of the decoration you want and transfer it to the plywood. After cutting it out and painting it, use 2 x 4s to build a small stand for it.
Simply put, you have a lot of options when it comes to holiday decorations. The key is to make sure that you are true to yourself when decorating your outdoor space. Whether you have chosen a children’s theme or a more elegant rustic look, your décor will be appreciated by anyone that drives by your home.
Tracy Reed is a freelance writer for Collections.
Further Reading
1 Comment
Joaquin
September 23, 2012The average stnard of Christmas lights pulls about 1 amp, which is roughly the same as a 100 watt light bulb. It’s hard to say how much it is costing you without knowing exactly how many lights you have and the exact wattage. But, most people wouldn’t leave a light on all day . just as you probably wouldn’t want to leave your Christmas lights on all day. Hope this helps.