10 Easy Ways to Add Christmas Curb Appeal

Whether you plan to wrap string lights around the house, hang illuminated icicles from the eaves, or install glowing blow-up figures in the front yard, it doesn’t take much to whip up some amazing holiday curb appeal at your entryway. Here are ten ways to decorate the outside of your house for the holidays. 

Bring the beauty and fresh scent of evergreens to the front hall by filling a planter with cut boughs and pine cones. Add a couple of ornaments, festive bows, or drape with a strand of miniature lights, and let your arrangement sparkle! 

Don’t let your mailbox hang out to dry while decorating the rest of the house. Wrap garland or tie a big red bow around it for some festive cheer. Just make sure it doesn’t impede your mail carrier from delivering your Christmas cards and packages. 

You can never have too many Christmas trees, right? If you have space on your front porch, consider adding an extra tree—whether it’s big or small that’s up to you! Add string lights and even ornaments, just make sure that they’re durable incase blustery wind or an animal topples it over. 

Lanterns and luminaries are both functional and beautiful either along walkways or on the porch, regardless of the season. Those that you buy now can be used year-round. Choose real candles or one of the new non-flame varieties. 

Nothing is simpler than hanging a festive wreath on the front door. You will find a wealth of options at your local garden centers and even more varieties online. Feeling crafty? Make your own using either traditional evergreen branches or something more unique, like wine corks!

Even if you already have a distinctive door mat, celebrate this season in every way possible—add a themed outdoor mat to your landing, like this holly berries one from Target. Not only does it add an instant dose of holiday cheer, but it’s practical for stomping the snow off your boots. 

Garland is another easy way to add some holiday flair to your front entry. Use it to wrap around columns, drape over railings, and frame in doorways. You’ll find fresh varieties at your local nursery and garden center, or you can go the DIY route.

You might not have an evergreen in the front yard, but don’t let that stop you from decorating the tree. Wrap lights and hang large baubles on whatever trees you do have as a part of your landscape.

Want to add some traditional color? You can’t do much better than a potted poinsettia—or two or three or more. Cluster a group next to the door, place them on steps, or line a walkway with the blooms. The bold red and green coloring makes them instant accents with a long holiday tradition.

Sometimes a simple string of white lights is all you need to make a bold statement. Use single strands to outline door and window frames, columns, or railings. Or get creative and suspend them like stars from the ceiling to provide a welcoming, magical glow.