Outdoor Decorating Ideas For Christmas

Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas

Enchanting ideas for a festive outdoor space

When it comes to Christmas decorating, don't forget to give your outside space a little festive attention too. Whether you prefer subtle twinkling lights teamed with a simple door wreath or a bold festive tableau that'll brighten up the neighbourhood, these seasonal outdoor decorating ideas will up your home's festive kerb appeal in a flash.

Get log cabin style

Layer up a Scandi inspired Christmas porch with a pared back look filled with natural greenery. Set a unified scene with simple green garlands, potted trees and industrial look lanterns. Finish with a berry-filled Christmas wreath on the door for a pop of festive colour.

Build a balloon arch

Introduce a jolly look to your entrance with an incredible, novelty balloon arch filled with candy canes and party colours. This impressive arch comes as a kit that looks so much fun to create. Make sure you have plenty of festive puff or a pump as the arch takes 240 balloons to complete.

Swap out the doormat

Welcome the holidays into your home with a fun festive doormat that both kids and adults will enjoy wiping their snowy boots on. For an extra decorative flourish, you could leave a dusting of faux snow and stockings or wellies nearby stuffed with small gift boxes.

String up festoon lights

Simple festoon lights will complement most spaces and give off a cosy festive vibe with a retro twist. Finish the pretty vintage-style look with a frosted garland and a blush coloured Eucyaptus wreath. If you want add snow shovels and log piles for a charming country feel.

Set out a festive sign

Give guests and visitors the ultimate seasonal welcome with colourful hanging banners or leaning signs that ooze Christmas cheer. Place them beside your front door and finish with a matching wreath and colourful lanterns.

Create a light show

Be the envy of your neighbours by adorning every outdoor surface with a coordinated light display of soft winter wonderland fairy lights. Frame your porch with icicle lights, wrap light garlands around porch pillars, hang twinkling wreaths and swags from windows and pop pretty tree cones on the lawn.

Upcycle old treasures

Look out for antique items in flea markets and junk shops you can upcycle into a charming and unique vintage display. This ornamental sleigh is the perfect addition to this festive tableau, alongside chopped logs and retro-style Christmas festoon lights.

Splash out on a special wreath

A luxurious door wreath complete with pine cones, willow, silver lavender and rosemary makes an incredibly opulent first impression that wows. Adorned with a plush velvet bow and potent herbs, the heavenly scent will offer guests an aromatic welcome this festive season.

Add kerbside sparkle

A large front garden offers so many possibilities when it comes to outdoor Christmas décor. For a show-stopping festive display, light up the pathway with pretty starburst fixtures that resemble large glowing snowflakes. Stagger multiple lights at different heights to create a stunning snowfall effect.

Sparkle with baubles

Punctuate a neutral doorway with outdoor decorations in silver and white .Against a pale background, the shimmering metallics will take on a frosty feel that's luxurious yet subtle. Lastly, mint green trees add a touch of depth that won't overpower the frosty scene.

Call on festive characters

Add an element of fun to your outdoor Christmas decorating scheme with novel character lights. These cutes characters have been arranged to seem as though they having a fun-filled festive race that springs to life after nightfall.

Pretty up with poinsettias

For a classic Christmas scheme, get inspired by the traditional festive flower the poinsettia. With cheerful red colouring and deep green leaves, they're an ideal choice to use across wreaths and garlands around your front door. Being Mexican in origin, they're more suited to the indoors, so if your location has particularly harsh winters, opt for faux versions outside that won't wilt in a frost.

Dust decorations with faux snow

If your location isn't blessed with regular snowfall, it's easy to fake it. Scatter artificial snow on porch steps, leave a sleigh outside, place durable ornaments by the doorstep and fill a basket with logs to immediately evoke the feeling of being by a cosy fireplace.

Set up silhouetted scenes

Enjoy classic Christmas shapes highlighted in ice white tones. This en'deer'ing little couple will dazzle any passers-by especially when placed before a dark backdrop where they are sure to glisten and stand out.

Hang up gorgeous garlands

Door wreaths are a common decorating choice but don't forget about your doorways too. Frame entrances with scented foliage for a fragrant welcome and adorn the greenery with a sprinkling of artificial snow, a few baubles and some subtle string lights.

Snuggle in a woodland wonderland

There's no reason to push your patio set to the back of the garage come Christmas time. Instead, create a cosy terrace just like Zevy Joy by dressing up your outdoor space with fairy lights and festive ornaments. Add a waterproof outdoor rug underfoot and drape plenty of fleecy throws over chairbacks for a final snug finish.

Light the firepit

There's nothing like a roaring fire in the dead of winter, but you don't have to stay cooped up indoors to get that cosy fireside feeling. A firepit is a great way to enjoy your garden when the temperature takes a tumble. Place in a safe spot outdoors and add thick throws to a few garden chairs. Then, skewer some marshmallows and you're good to go.

Pimp up the mailbox

Make your post-person smile every time he delivers Christmas cards by adding festive cheer to the mail box. Affix a pretty garland to the outside with battery powered lights. Then, don't forget to pop in a little gift on Christmas Eve to spread the cheer.

Create a starry night

Ensure your outdoor Christmas decor is twinkling even on cloudy nights with a string of stylish star lights. These simple wire stars will make a shining addition to rustic looks and create a fabulous focal point that is simple, stylish and timeless.

Hang a swag

Stand out from all the other houses with wreaths on their front door with a festive swag instead. Not just for the mantelpiece, a front door swag is an elongated arrangement tied with a bow at the top (rather than a ring-shaped wreath). The foliage then falls downwards to form a teardrop shape that makes a refreshing and pretty change.

DIY a ready-made wreath

Do you love the idea of unique decorations but wouldn't know where to start? Cheat just a little by pimping up a budget decoration to your own taste. Jazz up a plain wreath with colourful festive flowers snowy baubles and pinecones to create a bright woodland scene.

Light up greenery

Can't fit a tree indoors? Take all green wreaths and garlands to the next level by adding twinkling lights. Whether they are shop-bought, faux foliage or real, the festive sparkle is subtle and stylish weaved in amongst them.

Frame a festive greeting

A great way to add festive charm to your front door, this simple chalkboard idea is sure to be a hit. Jolie of Farm Fresh Homestead has created a charming chalkboard set inside a white frame. Prop it on an easel or stool and then simply chalk on your festive greeting. Complete the display with seasonal props, a mini potted fir tree, a colourful lantern and Christmas doormat.

Keep it real

If vibrant red hues and flashing lights aren't quite your style, go for a more organic approach. Real potted Christmas trees with just a few fairy lights are all you need to create a beautiful festive arrangement for your home's entrance. Team with clusters of lanterns for an elegant finish.

Pop presents in the porch

For a laid back look, hang back on the glitz and glitter in favour of an elegant scheme worthy of a country house. Hang real greenery from the guttering and pop a simple wreath on the door. Then build up the Christmas scene will a pile of gifts (wrapped empty boxes) that will make your guests feel positively filled with festivity.

Wrap up the front door

A popular Christmas trend, don't just stop at presents when it comes to festive wrapping. Add an oversized bow to your front door for a playful alternative to a traditional Christmas wreath. Red is an obvious seasonal choice, but don't be afraid to mix things up a bit – jewel tones such as plum and forest green will be equally as impactful.

Make it child-friendly

Inflatable outdoor Christmas decorations are becoming more popular with all ages, with a huge range of larger-than-life characters who can inject colour and humour into your yard. Also, the good news is that once the air is released they pack right down into tiny boxes to store easily for next year.

Add DIY lights

If you love to craft why not make a play on outdoor Christmas lighting with oversized retro lights. This fun and colourful garland has a colour palette matched to the vibrant front door to create an incredible, wow-factor effect. Take a look at the Sugar & Cloth tutorial to make your own using wooden cut-outs, rings and spray paint.

Invite a snowman onto your yard

What says Christmas more clearly than Frosty the Snowman? This happy chap is filled with warm LED lights will be sure to make your garden sparkle and – best of all – he won't melt away if the sun comes out.

Call on some cute creatures

As well as decorating your main entrance, you might want to think about making the back door festive too. Frame the doorway with potted trees and highlight the path with storm lanterns. For maximum impact, a friendly outdoor wicker polar bear makes a fun addition and adds a touch of magic to your everyday comings and goings.

Dress up a bench

What's the point of all this outdoor Christmas decorating if you can't appreciate it? Create a cosy spot to sit back and admire your work by setting up a simple rustic bench. Dress it up in true Scandi style with thick-pile textured throws and cushions to keep you warm in the crisp winter air.

Drape icicle lights from the roof

Compose an authentic winter look by framing your porch or roof edges with lights that resemble frosty icicles. Whether you choose bulbs that are true ice white or want to create a more colourful scene with a rainbow display, they will create a festive glow that is timeless.

Work in majestic wicker

Created from natural materials, these endearing animal sculptures form an enchanting display on the front lawn. Rattan and wicker are classic garden staples built to endure the great outdoors, making them a great investment for years to come. Set by a window, this charming reindeer pair brings the spirit of Christmas to life.

Spruce up windowsills with festive foliage

If you have window boxes or window sills, don't leave them out of the festive fun. Charlotte of At Charlotte's House has used fresh sprigs of fir and eucalyptus to style up her crisp white ledges. For an extra festive touch and a welcome pop of colour, add a few pine cones and berried holly leaves into the mix.

Plump for penguins

Bring the Arctic into your front garden this Christmas with a group of endearing festive penguins. Adorable during the day and dazzling at night, this cheeky trio is sure to put a smile on your face.

Use real greenery

Keep your outdoor decorating ultra-natural with a doorway filled with fragrant greenery. Use branches of Fir, Eucapltus and any other evergreen favourites you fancy to create a freestyle arch over your front door. Complement the look with a natural wreath made from the same foliage and then weave yellow fairy lights throughout the display for a warm and rustic glow.

Embrace rustic wooden decorations

If your Christmas style is more handmade and natural, opt for festive wooden shapes to add three-dimensional drama to your outdoor space. Hang characterful wooden trees, arrange wooden gift boxes and pile snow-dusted firewood for a warm welcome. Complete the look with Highland-inspired door wreath tied with a tartan bow.

Style up steps

To increase your home's festive appeal this Christmas, don't forget to dress up your steps. Gather pine cones, logs and fronds of Douglas fir and display them in vintage-style metal buckets and wooden crates. Lucy of Craftberry Bush has lined her steps with black lanterns and popped some co-ordinated red baubles inside for a cheery festive welcome.

Make it minimal

A simple star wreath will create a timeless and sophisticated look on your front door. This one has faux frosted eucalyptus leaves, gold stars and pine cones – we suggest adding a few sprigs of real eucalyptus to create a refreshingly fragrant aroma to welcome guests. If you like to dress up your home for fall, you can also make it work as an autumnal wreath with dried leaves, berries and pine cones.

Create a candy cane forest

Stake out the path that leads to your front door by securing giant light-up candy canes into your lawn. Sweet and playful, these supersized classic stocking fillers will be a big hit with the little ones!

Go for pale and interesting

Melana Lettering / Shutterstock

Red may be traditionally synonymous with the festive season but pastel shades can be equally as enchanting. This tableau, featuring frosted Christmas trees and garlands, feels like a whimsical winter wonderland. Warm up the chilly hues with plenty of warm white twinkling fairy lights and flickering battery-operated lanterns.

Illuminate an outdoor light gallery

Gallery walls are a favourite decor feature indoors, so why not recreate the look by mounting an array of festive lights on your home's facade? Opt for seasonal shapes such as snowflakes, stars and reindeers in a plethora of different colours.

Light up the guttering

Don't just leave the Christmas decorating for the porch and front door. Rope lighting attached with gutter hooks will frame an exterior roofline with classic understated style and draw the eye upwards. Finish the stunning scheme by lighting up outdoor pots and shrubs with simple fairy lights in the same warm glow.

Layer up your lighting

Create an atmospheric display that's truly showstopping by layering up festive garden lighting. Cluster hurricane lanterns together for a beautiful feature that'll light the way for guests. Accessorise with mason jars filled with fairy lights and frame the doorway with a garland of illuminated lanterns for the final festive flourish.

Put up a festive sign for Santa

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For a touch that will delight the youngsters, place a fun sign in front of your door or in your front garden. You could make a sign yourself using fabric or cardboard or opt for a shop-bought LED sign that will catch the eyes of passersby and, hopefully, Santa himself!

Happy howlidays

Dog lovers rejoice – what a cute little Christmas pooch for your porch! His bright colours will add an element of fun to your outdoor Christmas decorating scheme. This little fellow will look 'pawfect' alone or as part of a festive outdoor tableau.

Light the way with lanterns

As the nights draw in, consider outdoor decorations that are practical as well as pretty. Lucy of Craftberry Bush has selected a few statement storm lanterns and filled them with strings of twinkling fairy lights. Flanking the steps up to her front door, not only do they look magical, but they guide the way after nightfall.

Project a light show

Impress your neighbours and create a laser show on your doorstep with a light projector that throws a magical constellation of warm white stars across the facade of your house. Simply stake the lights into the ground in front of your house and away you go!

Give way to grand gestures

Create a grand entrance with life-size character sculptures. This jolly and festive soldier will certainly make heads turn. If only he answered the door when guests arrived as well! Tie him into the scheme using similar coloured embellishments dotted in outdoor wreaths and garlands such as orange slices and gold baubles.

Play with props

Delicate pink decorations with a spot of lustre can create a pretty whimsical feel to your outdoor space. Pair silver-hued trees and delicate ornaments with a silvery star-studded wreath. For an extra dose of Christmas charm, bring in quirky props. This fuchsia-coloured bicycle looks the part with, especially with its basket of presents.

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