We didn’t get any housework done this weekend because we went on a whirlwind trip to LA and SD – Chris was in LA for less than 24 hours and I was in SD for about 18. Chris went to the USC/Stanford game with his dad and I went down to SD with Zoe to visit my brother and sister in law (and also my dad and step mom who were down visiting at the same time). So there’s no house project news to share (what else is new), but last week I did get super excited about all of your suggestions about decorations for Christmas and I went out and bought some. Bah! I’m excited!
I’ve already got some decorations in the attic, but really not much. So it was necessary to get more. Here’s the plan.
I will use wrapping paper and a bow on our front door
I’m also going to use the wrapping paper on a diagonal in the turret windows – like a candy cane.
I’ll use these ornaments and garland to decorate the two maples in the front yard
I’ll use these more decorative ornaments and some fun ribbon and hang them from the center window in the front of the house
In our giant picture window on the right of the house…
…I’ll hang this cool red lantern in the center
And on the skinnier windows on the left and right of that giant one I’ll hang some red beaded garland and some simple silver ornaments (I already have)
And then in the two planter boxes that flank the entrance to our house…
…I’m going to make two wreaths and poke them into the dirt
I already have another wreath I made several years ago that I usually hang on our front door, but I’ll hang that from our gate this year.
Also, I’ll get some more twinkly lights and line our front windows with them from the inside.
So! What do you think?! I am so appreciative for all of your suggestions, they were so awesome and gave me so many great ideas. Now we’ll have a house that isn’t boring to look at when our street becomes a Christmas light destination starting in mid-December. Our neighborhood tree lighting ceremony is Saturday, December 7th, so we’ve got some work to do before then! Hooray!
RT_Boyce says
Oh my gosh, it is really exciting to think about decorations for your house. However! I think since you have so much going on, a color scheme would be helpful to tie it together. I’m seeing a lot of red, white, and gold. Can you keep it focused on that mix? Or maybe also add silver, I don’t know. When I look at your inspiration photos, I’m seeing very specific color palettes (green/red, silver/white/red, bright purple/pink/gold). So, for instance, I’m feeling tempted to suggest you nix the pink and purple wreath decorations in favor of more red and gold items. For your striped ornaments, will they “read” from the street, or do you want to swap in solid silver (to go with the ornaments you said you already have)? Do you want to use red ribbon (instead of the green and white) to color-coordinate with the red beads and keep everything visually unified in the windows?
Similarly, a design scheme may be helpful. For instance, all windows have either diagonal striped paper or alternating ribbons/beads with ornaments. All lights are white (exterior icicle lights at roofline, interior window-framing lights). All wreathes are green with red flowers (or all have red bows and gold berry bunches, or silver birds, or whatever strikes your fancy). All exterior trees are decorated in gold ornaments and tinsel.
Now of course I don’t live on your street and I am not sure how everyone’s house contributes stylistically. If everyone has really punchy, colorful displays, then just ignore the above as it could seem overly tidy or restrained – you are the best judge of what works on your own house!
P.S. I am coveting your red star. It looks like it’s from IKEA – what’s its diameter?
meryl rose says
Thanks for all of the advice! 🙂 You do make some excellent points, and I think I may switch out the multi-colored ornaments hanging in the window for silver. And yes, the lantern is from Ikea! This one is 27" I think, but they have an even bigger one that's 39" I think.