As we rapidly move from Thanksgiving to Christmas, bows, garlands, wreaths, and lots of lights are being installed into landscapes everywhere. Away with the pumpkins, corn, wheat, pilgrims, squash, and hay and make way for the splendor and wonder of Christmas decorations everywhere that we can think to put them!
And why not? Christmas is a magical time of year when all things seem possible, people seem more cheerful, and the cares of the world fade just a little bit as we indulge in making our homes festive and inviting.
One of the things I love so much about the outdoor decorations of the season is the ability to use so many natural items and incorporate all kinds of found things into the design of Christmas décor.
Sometimes adding just a little ribbon or a glittery something is all that is needed to transform the ordinary into the holiday worthy. The resulting unique creations leave me wondering why I didn’t think of it first.
Mittens, sleds, lanterns (always a personal favorite), bicycles, and even deer antlers wrapped with a sting of lights become holiday decorations that put a personal stamp on your Outdoorlicious! décor.
Wrapped packages can be placed anywhere. Fresh greens can be hung, swagged, draped, or strewn across a table. Add some holly from the bush outside the door and you are decorated. The addition of a simple bow to a pot, wreath, or greenery, elevates it to holiday décor and has people taking note to try the same thing at their home next year.
For me, you can NEVER have too many lights. So, any surface or container that you can wrap a string of lights around, or place inside, is fair game and will instantly go from everyday ordinary to holiday chic.
Take a walk around the outside of your home. Brainstorm ways to decorate differently this year, incorporating things that in years past sat unadorned.
Look around the house, garage, attic, and basement to search for unused items that can be called into service as holiday decorations.
Have the whole family join in the fun to see who can come up with the best idea and unite in a group activity. Then wait for the comments from neighbors and friends to start rolling in. There’s a little creativity in everybody but sometimes we just need a gentle push to find it and let it surface. Find your creative voice, ignite the spark, and see what happens.
Happy Outdoorlicious! holiday decorating!
