Yes, friends will argue that there's no such thing as classy holiday decorating when it comes to the outdoors, but I really can't resist. There won't be 8 foot blow up Santa snow globes anchored to our balcony or a fleet of reindeer scampering across the front yard, but there are going to be at least a few bits of holiday sparkle. My holiday favorites are usually the simplest:
• White lights in place of flowers. Empty flower urns and hanging baskets is one of my saddest tasks— I hate seeing them sit empty for six months. So I love the idea of filing them with something festive that doesn't require hardly any maintenance at all.
• Wreaths in natural materials. I have been eying Martha Stewart's moss wreath for a few years, and might just give it a shot this Christmas. To see a video tutorial, visit her website.
• Candles in each window. There are endless varieties of safe electric versions of the traditional holiday window tapers. My favorites are the battery operated varieties that have a way of adhering to the window sill.
And that's where my list runs out. What are your favorite ways to bring out a little holiday sparkle in style?
Images: 1-3: Better Homes & Gardens, 4: Martha Stewart, 5: Alien Spouse
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I get where you're coming from as far as wanting a classier aesthetic (my mom's a lot like that) but I also think the holiday season is one of those rare times where it's kind of cute to be a little tacky/kitchy because so much of it reminds us of our childhoods when brighter and bolder was better. Having said that though, I really like the look of those hanging baskets in that first pic. :)
Ice candle holders. You can make them using buckets for a nice pillar candle look, or by filling a balloon with water and emptying the water when there's only a bit left unfrozen in the center.
They're beautiful, especially when you cluster a few in a window (outside) or line them up the stairs.
The baskets full of stars are lovely!
For planters that can withstand winter weather without cracking, I fill with soil, add spruce tops and evergreen trimmings, add some dogwood branches, and maybe even a festive red ribbon. Water the planter, and let it sit out and freeze. Looks fantastic all winter long!
C'mon, really? Outdoor decorations tacky? Nope. And I'm not being snide here. I just love Christmas decorations - my own taste might run less-tacky (hopefully), but I'm not going to begrudge anyone their blow-up Santa. Christmas is a time for celebration, love, and not looking down noses at people who may enjoy the kitschy things in life.
I had to Google the ice candle holders - those are really cool. Would be lovely lining a walkway or front porch steps.
I personally like mixing a little kitsch in with a more "refined" look...a little new, a little nostalgia. Everyone's taste is different, right? Whatever makes you happy to pull up in front of your own house. :)
We live across from a family we have dubbed "Viva Las Vegas" . . . if it blinks, chases, blows up, or twinkles, they have it.
I have a spotlight on a wreath - classy and quiet.
One wo/man's tacky is another wo/man's festive holiday tradition.
I like my (faux) fine garland with colorful LED lights and bouquest of silk poinsettas and magnolias... your mileage may vary.
Last year, a neighbor of mine hung a small handful of red heart-shaped Christmas baubles on the tree in her front yard. For me, it struck a nice balance between festive and quiet. (I imagine the longevity of this would depend on the neighborhood, though.)
I am not a big fan of large plastic decorations in general, but I don't necessarily mind colored lights, depending on how they are done. I think that lights in the trees can be really classy, as can lights wrapped around porch columns.
I love tacky Christmas Decorations. I might not have a blow up Santa in my yard but I smile when I see one in someone else's yard. There aren't very many things that people get into lately... So if it's "tacky" Christmas decorating then so be it! Bring on the scattered light up reindeer displays!!
I live in a townhouse, and we have a strand of lights wrapped around our garage, a real Christmas Wreath with a red bow we bought from a boy scout, and shiny bulb ornaments hanging in our naked tree in the front. I kind of like the bulbs in outdoor trees better than lights because they look nice during the day too and you don't have to remember to turn them on or off.
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is drive through St. Paul and look at how people decorate their homes for Christmas. My favorite - and I have to say it - is simple strands of white lights along the eaves, windows and corners. It's so simple (and probably tough to do), but it reads so well from the road.
Another favorite is when the huge, Victorian homes along Summit Avenue do foot floods. They put big white lights at the base of the house, pointed up. It makes the house look imposing a little, but it really does highlight all of the detail and beauty of a Victorian.