Deck Your Outdoors in Style: Festive Winter Decor Tips

The holiday season invites us to spread some seasonal cheer -- indoors and out. As you deck the halls inside your home, don't forget about your exterior spaces. Outdoor Christmas decorations like wreaths, garlands, and lights infuse joyful energy into the chillier months. They also make thoughtful gifts for family or friends. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right pieces to decorate your home?

We'll explore how to select weather-resistant pieces tailored for your home, properly install them, and keep them looking pristine all season long. Follow our pro tips so you can sit back and enjoy the dazzling holiday decor display.

Selecting the Perfect Pieces

The variety of pre-lit greenery available today suits any style. As you browse suppliers for your perfect matches, narrow your selection by considering these factors:

Choosing Wreath and Garland Styles

The style options for outdoor wreaths and garlands are seemingly endless. But ultimately, they fall into two camps: traditional or modern. Evergreen, noble fir, eucalyptus and holly berry designs embody the classic Christmas aesthetic. Their natural-looking faux foliage comes dotted with pinecones or festive red berries. Contemporary looks skew more abstract -- think bursting pom poms in trendy tones, abstract shapes, or ultra-slim silhouettes. Whether you want an elegant organic look or eye-catching geometric vibe, there's an option out there for you.

Some key features may also guide your decision making process:

• Pre-strung warm white or multi-colored lights
• Battery or plugin powered
• Remote control capabilities
• Number of lights: 25, 50, 100 bulbs or more
• Weatherproof construction

Take measurements of your space ahead of time so you can select the appropriate dimensions. An oversized wreath could look oddly out of place. For ample glow, aim for at least 50 mini lights.

Durability Factors

Any decorations displayed outdoors face far harsher conditions than their indoor counterparts. From dealing with rain, wind, sleet and snow to enduring UV rays from sunlight, outdoor holiday accents need durability. Search for products specifically made for exterior use with weatherproof and UV-resistant materials. Inspect any lighting to ensure moisture can't penetrate wires or bulbs. Top-notch, commercial-grade pieces made by experts -- not mass retailers -- will best withstand the elements.

For longevity, LED mini lights beat incandescent bulbs which burn out quicker. LEDs last up to 10 times longer plus they remain cool to the touch for safety. Opt for high strand counts to prevent annoying gaps if a few lights stop working properly.

Equally vital? Durable wreath frames that won't crack or suffer damage when rehung year after year. Though expensive initially, sturdy brass or steel rings make wise investments. For garlands, tightly woven strands of decorative greenery prevent weather-related wear.

Displaying for Maximum Visual Impact

Careful planning and strategic positioning spotlights your holiday finery beautifully against your home's exterior. Following fundamental design guidelines ensures proper proportions for a polished end result.

Determining Optimal Placement

Determining optimal placement requires assessing your home's architecture. Note focal points -- doors and windows attract the most attention. Accessorize these areas accordingly with your largest, most dramatic pieces. Allow ample breathing room around doors to open freely. Then supplement with complementary wreaths or garlands atop columns or railings in harmonizing sizes. For multi-story houses, adorning striking second floor windows proves effective. Those lacking doors or columns on upper levels might festoon garlands along roof edges instead. You can also incorporate outdoor spiral trees on either side of doorways or topiaries on porch walls.

Remember when calculating dimensions that standard doorway height spans around 80". Size wreaths at 32" for pleasing proportions. To properly frame windows or accent columns, select pieces spanning about 2/3 of each element's width. Always stand back periodically and evaluate sight lines to ensure everything looks balanced.

Pairing Wreaths and Garlands

The most coherent presentations coordinate wreath and garland colors and style. But the pairing possibilities prove plentiful. For uniformity, display identical 24" versions upon doors then wrap front columns in corresponding garlands. Or perhaps try an entryway focal point wreath with an embellished evergreen garland along the porch railing. If differentiating indoor vs. outdoor decorations, vary textures and hues. For example, complement classic noble fir and pinecone door wreaths with frosted berry porch garlands.

Feeling creative? Don't hesitate trying unique mixes like pairing pink pom wreaths with red and white candy cane garlands. The "anything goes" mindset opens imaginative options limited solely by your personal taste.

Enhancing the Surroundings

Once you determine placement of anchor pieces, identify ways to inject extra personality into adjacent areas. Strategically aim adjustable spotlights at install locations to highlight your statement-making wreaths and garlands once darkness falls. Use lighting gels for colored special effects. Outlining shapes with mini string lights boosts dimension and brilliance after sunset too.

For additional oomph, embellish blank spaces with brightly colored picks and clusters of coordinating floral stems or berries. Wrap plain pillars in wide ribbon with polka dot or buffalo check patterns. Weave strands through garland as well. You can also intersperse battery-powered candles along steps or edges for ambience. Always keep the overall composition in mind so as not to dilute your fabulous featured ornaments.

Get the Lighting Just Right

One significant advantage pre-lit options hold? They eliminate fumbling with separate strands of lights and cords. But powering and adjusting illumination levels still requires attention.

Ambiance and Brightness Tips

Some wreaths and garlands offer adjustable settings from bright and dazzling to soft and subtle. During daytime, keep levels lower for that lit-from-within look. Dial it up a notch at dusk for maximum nighttime sparkle. Just take care that lights don't overpower or wash out intricately designed elements. For many homeowners, a balanced glow proves ideal both day and night.

Note that wreaths with lighter foliage colors like white, silver or pink show illumination better than those featuring darker pine tones. Position those paler pieces where night visibility matters most. For style diversity, hang an effervescent frosted eucalyptus wreath next to a traditional deep green selection.

When showcasing multiple lighted pieces, synchronize all to the same setting or manually control each via remote access. Avoid chaotic mixing of brightnesses for visual clarity.

Connecting and Powering

Outdoor outlets may not exist in prime installation areas. Measure cord lengths ahead of purchasing to anticipate needing heavy-duty extension cords. For garlands, connect multiple strands with specialized linking cords to extend coverage distance. Use clips and hooks to run wires inconspicuously along architectural elements towards the nearest power source.

Newer wreaths and garlands with built-in batteries free you from electrical constraints altogether. Most rechargeable options last up to 6-8 hours before needing a power boost. For occasional brief outages, non-rechargeable models work well. Just stock up on plenty of replacement batteries.

Solar wreaths with small discrete panels absorb sunlight during the day then provide illumination at night. Place these in areas with maximum sun exposure for optimal brightness. Creative homeowners might also consider portable power stations to safely energize holiday lighting displays.

Troubleshooting Issues

Despite quality manufacturing, snags in light strands sometimes arise. Have replacements bulbs handy to quickly swap out any outages. For pieces suddenly dimming or going dark altogether, check for loose plugs or broken wires. Call the manufacturer promptly while under warranty should more serious hardware problems develop. Keep receipts and record model numbers to facilitate exchanges if unresolvable defects occur.

Maintaining Flawless Condition

Follow proper maintenance and storage procedures so your outdoor greenery sparkles season after season. A few simple habits make all the difference in longevity and performance.

Weatherproofing and Storage Best Practices

Vigilant homeowners stay alert to weather forecasts once their decor makes its annual appearance outside. If high winds or ice storms roll in, take wreaths and garlands down temporarily. Wrap them carefully then stash somewhere dry until the tempest passes. Before packing up post-holiday, give all pieces a thorough inspection. Scrutinize for broken foliage, lights in need of replacement or frame damage from uber-gusty conditions. Set problem ones aside for repair to prevent worsening while boxed up. Next comes proper storage prep. Fastidiously untangle all strands and wires, smoothing out knots or kinks. Roll up long garlands loosely without tight creases then slip fabric sleeves over for protection. Return any pieces utilizing non-rechargeable batteries to storage mode. Finally, pack decorations flat in lidded bins with acid-free tissue between layers. Choose containers sturdy enough to prevent crushing but easy to access later. Label contents plus jot down model names/numbers. Place rubbermaid bins in climate controlled environments like attics, basements or closets until next season's debut.

Checking Lights and Remounting Each Season

Every time you unbox those holiday heirlooms, plug them in to test lights before hanging. Replace individual burnt out bulbs promptly -- elaborately decorated wreaths make this tedious. Also scrutinize wires for damage missed upon previous storage. Refresh rechargeable batteries in solar pieces after assessing stored energy levels. Survey battery-powered options as well, inserting new ones if needed based on product specs. When remounting, reuse hooks already positioned in optimal spots. For fresh installs, follow included directions for proper hardware and placement recalculating ideal height/dimensions. Recheck visibility from a distance and adjust until satisfied. Now bask in the magical glow welcoming guests for winter gatherings ahead!

Care for Wreath Frame, Garland Strands, Etc.

In addition to inspecting and replacing lights, well-made wreaths and garlands deserve ongoing care too. Scrutinize ring frames and wire garland cores annually. Refasten loose parts for longevity of use. Touch up color if needed on metal pieces with festive spray paint. Evaluate foliage fullness and element security across all decorations. Plump flat sections by adjusting picks and stems. Reattach loose greenery pieces or replace completely with lush brighter bunches if excessive bareness exists. Keep everything looking fresh so curb appeal always delights.

Inspiring Display Ideas for Every Home

Home exteriors differ drastically yet creative solutions make most deck-able for the holidays. Explore ideas beyond doors and first-floor windows tailored to your unique architecture.

Porches, Patios, Balconies and Entryways

Welcome guests via the front door with a coordinating wreath and lit garland interwoven atop railings on either side. Enhance covered side entrances similarly for balanced brilliance. Build a focal point on apartment patios or condo balconies using a pole wreath holder for deck railings. Weave matching garland around the pole's base. Line walkways to house or yard with mini spotlit metal frames supporting rows of lush Christmas balls. Stake little trees with ribbon along the trail for whimsical directional flair.

Trees, Columns, Fences and Rooflines

Lace fences or landscaping structures with micro dot lights then play up dimension with cheerful garlands. Wrap substantial front columns in bountiful 24" wreaths or frame breezeway entries between properties in mega 60" showstoppers. Brighten large trees by decorating branches in oversized candy canes. Adorn mailbox posts with mini wreaths using plant stake hooks for support. Construct cheerful displays along roof edges by mounting elongated evergreen garlands interspersed with clusters of outsized ornaments.

Windows, Railings, Bushes and Other Creative Spots

Drape lit pine roping along stair banisters or wrap lengths of it 'round outdoor planters. Hang whimsical wreaths on exterior sconces flanking doorways. Gather an assortment of picks and stems then display artfully in a galvanized bucket on the porch. Showcase a vibrant modern wreath within large picture windows for intriguing depth and dimension. Mount petite selections to accent functional elements like water spigots with sweet detailing. Let your imagination run wild and make things merry + bright all season long!

We hope our tips help you realize the full potential of outdoor Christmas decor magic at your home. Take the stress out of setup with lovely pre-lit wreaths and garlands ready to hang hassle-free. A few small adornments layered throughout completes the elegant composition sure to elicit joy and holiday spirit.

May your winter sparkle inside and out -- as you walk in a winter wonderland with friends and family this very special time of year. Let us know if you have any other questions on selecting, displaying or caring for festive outdoor greenery. We're always happy to spread more holiday cheer!