White Christmases are not customary here in Oklahoma, and that’s why they bring such great joy. Snow-covered streets and sidewalks, trees and bushes, businesses and homes … it’s all beautiful.
You can complement Nature’s beauty with festive decor that creates a classic look for your home, one that is elegant and full of color and flair.
These pro-tips for decorating this holiday season will have you saying goodbye to the ordinary and hello to colorful ribbons, bulbs, berries, and modern outdoor Christmas lighting.
Fanciful Colors That Radiate Warmth
Wreaths
Adorning your front door with an eye-catching Christmas wreath is a visual way to warmly invite family, friends, and neighbors into your home for the holidays. Wreaths symbolize victory, power, honor, and joy, feelings that are synonymous with seasonal celebrations.
It all starts with the greenery. Whether fresh or faux, evergreens are the main ingredients for Christmas wreaths because they retain their leaves or needles throughout the year. The crafted versions come in a variety of colors, including blue-green, yellow-gold, or even chartreuse.
Add an assortment of elements to add interest and visual weight to your wreath. This can be earthy pinecones, vivid red berries, or shiny magnolia leaves. You can also embellish your wreath with colored ribbons, ornaments, or bells for just the right personal touch.
No need to purchase many of these items, simply go outside for a supply hunt. Consider customizing your wreath with what you find in your own backyard, the result of which will be festive and personal holiday decor that you will cherish all season long.
Garlands
Similar to their wreath sibling, garlands are comprised of evergreen varieties, including cypress, pine, cedar, spruce, hemlock, and juniper. Each type of evergreen comes with inherent benefits, which should be considered before starting the decorating process. For instance, cedar and pine can stand up to the cold better than other evergreen types, but juniper has flexible branches, which can make it easier to rope around such items as outdoor columns.
Once you’ve considered the style and function of your greenery options and have subsequently chosen one as a base, make sure you have enough of it for your decorating needs. Always buy more than you think you will need as you must take into account garland draping. We suggest a generous garland that is about 50% longer than its intended space.
Arrangements
And now for the fun part. There is a multitude of garland arrangements at your disposal, each with a unique combination of natural and artificial decor items. Take your pick from this partial assortment:
- Fresh floral blooms
- Red pops of holly
- Wide colorful ribbon of various lengths
- Silver and gold ornament bulbs of various sizes
- Bright bows with long, whimsical tails
- Silvery juniper berries
- Colorful felt balls
- Wooden beads
- Brass shapes
- Multi-color leaf crepe paper
- Pine boughs
- Grapevines
From festive wreaths to striking garlands, your options for traditional Christmas decor are as limitless as the imagination from which they are created.
Classic Lighting That Brings Holiday Cheer
With the splashes of color that wreaths and garlands bring, you may want to opt for an understated lighting approach this holiday season.
Nothing showcases traditional elegance more than simple string lights, which can be used to spotlight the delicate curves of your front porch or the elegant architecture of large planters. The warm yellow glow of the string lights mimics the flickering of a winter’s fire, creating a truly charming ambiance for any visitor.
For a more modern take on elegance, try a mixture of red mini-lights with oversized white-light bulbs. What you cannot find you create. Try securing Christmas light strands around a cylinder of hardware cloth or chicken wire and adding your own bulbs. Hang these balls of glimmering light in your large, mature trees and watch them bring your property to seasonal life!
You can also use string lights in other unique ways, such as to light a marquee, a tomato-cage tree, or wooden stars. These simple, yet classic touches of holiday cheer give Christmastime the warmth and joy that makes it special.
Elegant Designs That Family and Friends Adore
Now that you have abundant holiday decorations to work with, be sure to strategically arrange your decor. Consider how you can create rhythm and flow throughout your spaces. Additionally, be sure to highlight and punctuate key areas of your indoor and outdoor environment.
From driveways to pathways, porches to stairs, natural foliage to potted planters, or to retaining walls, there are numerous features to consider when planning your decor placement.
If getting up on a ladder or the colder temperatures have given you the chills, consider calling on Proactive Landscaping for some holiday decor support.
We can assist with design, installation, and taking down your Christmas decorations so that you can enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Proactive Landscaping: The Christmas Decor Experts
Holiday decor is a Proactive Landscaping service that complements our award-winning Christmas lighting displays. We know the pride you take in your home like any true Sooner. Contact us today for a free consultation about your holiday decor desires and plans. Let’s deck the halls!
