Christmas curb appeal: 10 creative ideas for showstopping outdoor décor
Outdoor Christmas decorations are just the thing for adding festive magic to your home this holiday season. From lit trees to bright garlands on the porch, we’ve got 10 creative ideas to make your outdoor space a Christmas wonderland and bring all the excitement of the season to your neighbourhood.
New ways with lit garlands
Decorative lights are perfect for adding some sparkle to your roof and façade, your porch railing, and your trees, but you can also use them to make fun festive shapes. Get creative as you turn strings of white or coloured lights into stars, Christmas trees, or angels to decorate your yard and the outside of your home.
An entrance that’s all lit up
Create a magical Christmas path by lighting up the walkway to your house with lanterns or LED lights. Add a few reindeer and miniature Christmas trees and voilà—you’ve created a scene straight out of the North Pole! Your guests will soak up all the enchantment of the season even before they ring the doorbell.
Merry and bright windows
Hang glistening Christmas accessories, sparkly Christmas balls, or shining stars in your windows. These elegant and magical touches let everyone enjoy the display—from the inside or the outside!
Natural ornaments
Take your inspiration from the beauty of the forest and collect things like fir branches and pinecones to create rustic homemade decorations to place outside for Christmas. Bonus: take the kids along for a fun nature walk as they look for things to collect.
Animated projections
Looking for a spectacular outdoor decoration idea? Set up portable projectors and display giant snowflakes, dancing snowmen, and other festive scenes on the front of your home or on your garage door. Passers-by and the entire neighbourhood are sure to love the show!
Glistening ice sculptures
Grab the family for a fun time making Christmas-themed ice sculptures. For an extra touch of magic, add strings of outdoor lights to your creations. Good times and eye-catching results guaranteed!
Santa’s sleigh
Want to see the little ones’ eyes shine with excitement? Just bring Santa’s giant sleigh to your front yard. Fill it with gifts, add cardboard reindeer, and make it sparkle with strings of lights. Then stand back and admire your magical outdoor Christmas display!
A special outdoor Christmas tree
A lit Christmas tree is a must for your outdoor holiday theme, but why not branch out from tradition? You could build a wooden tree made of branches or small rectangular planks, or go for a minimalist approach by using metal cylinders and lit garlands to create the shape of a Christmas tree.
An inviting front door
This holiday season, welcome friends and family to your festive home with a decked out front door and porch. Hang a big Christmas wreath on your door, wrap ribbons around the railings at your front porch, hang big shiny Christmas balls on the wall, and create attractive holiday planters. Your guests will feel like kids again!
Festive trees
Who says a Christmas tree has to be the traditional fir tree? If you have apple trees, pine trees, willows, or maples in your yard, dress them up with outdoor Christmas decorations. Play around with colours and effects to create a look that will wow the neighbours. For even more magic, decorate your lawn with Christmas balls and big ribbons. And don’t forget the hedge!
Safety tips for outdoor decorating
Like other electrical appliances outside the home (article in French), outdoor Christmas decorations are a fire risk when improperly installed and used. It’s important to handle them carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are some safety tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without a home insurance claim or loss:
- Choose LED light garlands that emit little heat.
- Choose lighting sets certified by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or the ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada). If you shop online, be sure to purchase electrical equipment that is certified.
- Never use interior Christmas decorations outside. Always make sure that your decorations are suitable for how you plan to use them.
- Inspect the outdoor extension cords for your Christmas lights and the bulbs and strings on your garlands before you use them. If there are signs of wear or defects, replace them. Regularly check cords for damage throughout the holiday period.
- Use surge protection devices to limit the risk of short circuits.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets by plugging too many things into a single extension cord.
- To prevent a fire hazard, turn off all outdoor lights before you go to bed and whenever you leave the house.
- Do not leave electrical cords where they could cause injury or be damaged by a shovel, car, or snow blower.
- Do not affix lights using nails or thumbtacks. Instead, use plastic fasteners or ribbons.
- If your outdoor decorations use a lithium-ion battery, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Those types of batteries should never be charged at temperatures below freezing.
To enjoy the holidays with peace of mind, get great coverage and great benefits with our home insurance products. Request a quote online or contact one of our damage insurance representatives today.
And on that note, we wish you a happy (and bright) holiday season!
