Get ready for the holiday season with these decorating ideas

There’s nothing like some colourful and fun Christmas decorations to get in the holiday spirit. So, is this the year that you add to your regular light display with some extra touches? Why not welcome visitors and the season with some simple decorating ideas for your yard and porch.

The following are some fairly easy and inexpensive ways to capture a bit of the season with a smidgen of festive outdoor décor.

Start with a wreath: Wreaths are great because they offer so many variations. From greenery to tree decorations to pictures and other artifacts, there is a lot to choose from. Most wreaths start with a metal frame, that can be purchased or made from coat hangers, or the frames can be fashioned from cardboard or foam. You can even use branches or grapevines to form a circular base. Attaching things to the frame can be done with thin wire or a hot-glue gun. Metal frames tend to be sturdy, perfect for attaching greenery; foam frames are lighter and can be a little less awkward. From baubles and pinecones to photos, ribbons and painted leaves, a wreath adds spark and colour to any entryway. 

Front porch planter: Gather some greenery and red ribbons and berries and you’re halfway there. Pull the summer pots out of storage, fill with new dirt, give a little watering then poke twigs and branches in. Drape some little lights around or over the creation and you’re good to go!

Mason jar luminaries: Easy-peasy and so very pretty. Collect some jars and fill with strings of LED fairy lights. Or fill varying sizes with some with white sand, a sprig of holly and flickering LED tealights. If you’re feeling really crafty, paint some jars different colours, pop in a tealight and place them along your porch stairs or walkway. The only limit is your imagination.

Window decorations: Approach from inside or out and have some fun! Hang decorations from a string, attach stickers, decals or snowflake cut-outs, drape with boughs of cedar and holly. Why not hang a string of holiday cards for all to enjoy looking at?

Decorate your outdoor trees and shrubs: Who says ornaments need to stay on trees in the house – why not include your shrubs and bushes in the fun? But leave the tinsel inside in case birds mistake it for food!

A few other ideas: Use everyday items for colour and interest, such as a string of mittens and toques; old skis and sled. Wrap some empty boxes, and don’t forget to put ribbons on everything. You may even want to make some seasonal pillowcases for your outdoor summer cushions and toss them around the entryway.

Get creative, involve the kids and grandkids and have fun!

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