Festive outdoor Christmas décor is a wonderful way to welcome family and friends into your home. You’re also sharing Christmas cheer not just with guests, but neighbours and passers-by. Here, we share a few ideas for outdoor Christmas decorations you can try this year.
Create a Décor Plan
Decorating for Christmas can be both fun and overwhelming. Before you start, we recommend creating a plan to help you organise the process. Make a timeline, jot down a few outdoor Christmas decoration ideas and consider the following:
Home Style
Keep your home’s architectural style, colour scheme, landscaping and pathways in mind. Decide which outdoor areas you want to decorate – these might include the front verandah, deck, lawn, backyard or garden.
Pick a Theme
Outdoor Christmas themes can range from a festive summer wonderland to an enchanted forest. Once you’ve chosen a theme, identify the key pieces that will bring it together. A simple way to create a cohesive look is to carry the same motif from indoors to outdoors.
Placement
When planning outdoor Christmas decorations, keep in mind that lawn ornaments vary in size and are often larger so they can be seen from a distance. Consider the scale of your garden or yard when deciding on placement. Ensure decorations don’t block walkways or obstruct views of the driveway or road.
Greet Guests With Festive Foliage
Christmas greenery is an effortless way to refresh your home’s exterior for the festive season. Here are a few outdoor Christmas decorating ideas for your verandah:
- Hang an outdoor Christmas wreath, garland or both on your doors and window frames.
- Echo the look with the same type of foliage arranged in pots or baskets.
- Attach window boxes to sills and on top of handrails or a bench.
- Wind outdoor garlands around columns or drape them along railings and fences.
- Add colour to your mailbox with a decorative swag.
Set Up a Christmas Tree
There’s nothing quite like the magic and joy that Christmas trees bring. Why not share it with others, including passers-by? Most artificial trees are safe to use in covered outdoor areas. They make elegant Christmas décor outside your home and are perfect for the front verandah.
If you’re short on space for a full-sized tree, consider small or potted Christmas trees. Flank the steps with clusters of trees or arrange them symmetrically to frame the doorway. Leave them undecorated to showcase their natural beauty or decorate them to match your main Christmas tree.
Add Warm and Homey Accents
Add warmth and glow to your entertaining spaces with plush textiles and lights. Try these Christmas decorating ideas for your deck or verandah:
- String up lights around the area to create an inviting atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
- Group candles of varying heights and place them on the coffee table for extra lighting.
- Make outdoor seating cosy and comfortable with pillows and throws.
- Style a bar or drinks cart and stock it with fixings for coffee, hot cocoa and tea.
Design an Inviting Christmas Tablescape
If the weather permits, the back deck is a lovely spot for entertaining family and friends. Create an elegant Christmas outdoor tablescape with these simple layering techniques:
- Instead of a standard runner, use a decorated Christmas garland that spans the length of your table.
- Add taper or pillar candles of varying heights within the foliage to bring dimension to your setting and create a calming ambience.
- If you’re concerned about the flame going out in the breeze, opt for LED flameless candles or place them inside glass hurricanes, cloches or small lanterns.
- Layer your tableware – start with a charger, then a dinner plate, salad plate and napkin. Complete the look with a special touch like a handwritten place card or personalised party favour.
Make It Dazzle at Night
Draw attention to your outdoor Christmas décor in the evenings by keeping exterior spaces well-lit. For the verandah and deck, use outdoor Christmas lights to frame doors, windows and ceilings. You can even use them to decorate nearby trees. Create a welcoming sight at night with pre-lit Christmas trees, greenery or potted plants.
Another beautiful way to illuminate your outdoor areas is with lanterns and LED candles. They’re versatile and safe to use outside. Place them on the ground as pathway Christmas lights, use them to frame doorways or add them as charming décor on outdoor tables.
Insider's Tip
Make sure wires are properly covered to avoid safety risks. For added convenience and decorating flexibility, choose battery-operated foliage. This eliminates the hassle of stringing lights yourself, as well as the need for long power cords and nearby outlets.
The 10 Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Here are some of Balsam Hill’s most popular outdoor Christmas décor:
1. Outdoor Boxwood Foliage
Our manicured boxwood foliage blends modern and traditional styles, effortlessly elevating any space. Pre-lit with warm white LED lights, each piece in this collection features realistic boxwood leaves with UV protection. Display them year-round and simply add festive accents when the Christmas season comes around again.
2. Outdoor Berry Burst Foliage
With its classic Christmas hues, our Outdoor Berry Burst Foliage brings cheer to your outdoor spaces. Available as a wreath, garland and potted tree, this collection completes your decorating theme. Paired with lanterns and cone trees, this vibrant greenery creates a joyful welcome for family, friends and neighbours.
3. Outdoor Magnolia Ridge Foliage
Featuring lifelike magnolia leaves, faux succulents, red berries and natural pinecones, the Outdoor Magnolia Ridge Foliage adds charm to your outdoor décor. Hang the wreath and garland on your front door and place the potted arrangements on either side. Use the matching window box to style windows or verandah railings.
4. Greenwich Estates® Pine Trees
Timeless and versatile, our Greenwich Estates Pine Trees can be staked into the lawn or placed in decorative planters for a sophisticated look. Their lush foliage is decorated with mini pinecones and pre-lit with clear LED lights to give that classic Christmas glow. Display them in clusters on your verandah or deck for a mini grove effect.
5. Outdoor Merry Christmas Ornaments Set
This oversized ornament duo makes a bold festive statement on your lawn, verandah or front door. Coated with a UV-resistant finish to preserve colour vibrancy across seasons, each ornament features a flat base for stability. Place them on your steps or garden for a fun and festive holiday scene.
6. Outdoor Festive Antiqued Deer
Create a woodland scene with our Outdoor Festive Antiqued Deer. Available in two styles, each deer includes removable foliage featuring cedar, buxus, red berries and eucalyptus leaves. Removable antlers offer added flexibility in your display.
7. Outdoor Lit Wire Sculptures Set
Handcrafted from all-weather wicker, our Outdoor Lit Wire Sculptures come in sets of cone trees or orbs. Each piece is pre-lit with LED fairy lights to create a magical holiday glow. Whether grouped together or styled individually, these decorations lend elegance to any outdoor space.
8. Holiday Lantern with LED Candles
Each lantern is fitted with three flameless candles for a warm holiday glow. Choose the Holiday Classic Lantern with black finish, pinecones, red bow, bells, berries and mixed foliage, or the Red Berry Pinecone Lantern featuring a red finish and festive botanical accents.
9. Solar Merry Metallics Pathway Lights
Light the way with our Solar Merry Metallics Pathway Lights. Ideal for the front lawn or garden, they come in red or gold and are sold in sets of four. A six-hour charge gives you up to 18 hours of light. Each set includes 100-centimetre metal stakes and one rechargeable AA battery.
10. Outdoor Cascading Micro LED Lights
Whether for an intimate gathering or lively party, our Outdoor Cascading Micro LED Lights create an inviting mood. Hang them from ceilings, tree branches or window bays to set the scene. Choose from various lighting modes – flashing, cascading strobe, steady or dim – to match your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer common questions about outdoor Christmas décor ideas:
How Do I Decorate My Verandah for Christmas?
Start with wreaths, garlands and other festive greenery, like poinsettias in planters. Add warm, cosy furnishings such as throw pillows and blankets on your verandah swing. Hang string lights to cast a welcoming glow over your verandah. Consider themed décor pieces like giant ornaments, Santa Claus figurines and reindeer to complete the look.
How Do I Protect My Outdoor Christmas Decorations?
Ensure your decorations are all constructed from weatherproof materials and rated for outdoor use. Secure decorations with stakes, zip ties or heavy-duty clips to keep them in place during high winds.
Spread the festive warmth and cheer all season long. With these outdoor Christmas decoration ideas for your home, you’re well on your way to having the most inviting house in the neighbourhood.
Learn More About Outdoor Decorations
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