Homeowners Club If you are one of the 15 million homeowners in the UK, the free to join online Homeowners Club is for you.
Related Articles
Christmas isn’t just for the inside of your home — the exterior can be just as magical. From twinkling lights to festive wreaths, decorating your home’s exterior spreads holiday cheer to neighbors and passersby, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here’s a guide to make your house shine this holiday season.
1. Plan Your Design and Theme
Before you start hanging lights or placing decorations, it’s helpful to plan your exterior design.
- Choose a theme: Classic red and green, cozy white lights, or even a winter wonderland with blue and silver accents.
- Consider scale and balance: Large homes can handle bigger displays; smaller homes benefit from simpler, elegant decorations.
- Sketch a layout: Mark areas for lights, wreaths, and lawn decor to avoid overcrowding or leaving gaps.
2. Illuminate with Christmas Lights
Lights are the foundation of any outdoor Christmas display.
- Rooflines and eaves: Outline your roof, gutters, and windows with LED string lights.
- Pathways and driveways: Use stake lights or rope lights to guide guests safely to your front door.
- Trees and shrubs: Wrap trunks and branches for a sparkling, layered effect.
- Tips for success:
- Use LED lights—they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Choose outdoor-rated lights for safety.
- Test all lights before hanging to avoid dead bulbs.
3. Decorate Doors and Windows
The front door and windows are focal points of your home’s exterior.
- Front door wreaths: Add a festive wreath with ribbons, ornaments, or pinecones.
- Garlands: Drape garlands along railings, porches, or around windows.
- Window accents: Consider string lights, hanging ornaments, or window clings to create visual interest.
4. Add Lawn and Porch Decorations
Bring the holiday spirit down to ground level.
- Inflatable figures: Santa, reindeer, or snowmen add playful charm.
- Nativity scenes: A traditional display that can anchor your outdoor decor.
- Planters and pots: Fill with evergreens, holly, or poinsettias for natural color.
- Path markers: Candy canes or LED stakes help guide guests along walkways.
5. Safety and Practical Tips
Decorating outdoors requires some extra care:
- Secure lights and decorations: Use clips or hooks, avoid nails that damage surfaces.
- Check electrical safety: Outdoor-rated extension cords and timers prevent overloads.
- Weatherproof materials: Ensure decorations can withstand wind, rain, or snow.
- Avoid trip hazards: Keep wires and stakes out of pathways.
6. Add Finishing Touches
Small details can make your display feel complete:
- Motion-activated lights or music: Adds excitement for visitors.
- Color coordination: Stick to a few colors for a polished look.
- Layering: Combine lights, wreaths, garlands, and lawn decor for depth and texture.
Decorating the exterior of your house for Christmas is a wonderful way to spread holiday joy and create lasting memories. By planning a theme, illuminating rooflines and pathways, dressing doors and windows, and adding lawn decorations, your home can become a festive beacon for friends, family, and neighbors. With attention to safety and detail, your Christmas exterior display can be both beautiful and magical, turning your home into a true winter wonderland.
