Pottery Barn
I love the look of a home that feels festive from the outside during the holidays. I’m not talking about over-the-top displays, but there’s something special about arriving home on a cold evening to twinkling lights and simple seasonal touches. Now is a great time to add curb appeal with a pre-holiday refresh—don’t wait until the last minute.
Better Homes & Gardens
Starting early makes holiday curb appeal manageable and enjoyable. If you wait until it’s dark, cold, and hectic, decorating can feel like a chore and easily get skipped. Preparing ahead means you’ll be able to enjoy the season from the moment it begins.
Better Homes & Gardens
How to start now for holiday curb appeal
1. Do a pre-holiday clean up first.
Clear away dead leaves, sweep porches, and winterize plants so you have a tidy foundation to decorate on.
2. Finish outdoor maintenance and touch up paint.
Complete any small repairs or repainting now so your exterior looks its best before you add decorations.
3. Use natural materials and seasonal greenery.
Branches tucked into pots look beautiful with string lights, lanterns, or hanging ornaments. Consider suspending chunkier branches with rope and dressing them with ornaments and lights for a rustic, elegant display.
4. Repurpose existing yard and garden features.
Your everyday outdoor items are perfect bases for holiday décor. Look at planters, potting benches, and garden hooks with fresh eyes before you store them away for winter.
Better Homes & Gardens
- A simple addition like red ball ornaments under glass on a potting bench can transform an ordinary space into a festive focal point.
- Window boxes make a great winter feature; use faux greenery for a long-lasting display.
- Metal garden hooks can hold oversized outdoor ornaments or wreaths in place of summer planters.
Better Homes & Gardens
- Hanging pots and baskets can be filled with ornaments or strung with twinkling lights.
- All-weather planters and birdbaths can display holiday spheres or glowing lights.
- Mailboxes become welcoming with a sprig of greenery or a small wreath.
- Outdoor benches and patio tables make great platforms for lanterns, greenery, or cloches with lights.
Better Homes & Gardens
A little pre-holiday effort now will have your home radiating curb appeal before the season is in full swing. Then you can relax indoors and enjoy the warmth and comforts of the holidays.
What are your outdoor holiday decorating plans this year?
More posts in the 31 Days series:
Day 6: Your Style: Get in the Holiday Groove
Day 7: Creative Memorable Holidays
Day 8: What Dessert to Make for Fall Parties!
Day 9: Things to Treasure List
Day 10: Tips for Mantels and Shelves
The rest of the 31 Day Participants!