New Jerseyans know how to get festive for the holidays. Across the Garden State, families decorate their homes in dramatic fashion – first for Halloween, and then for the home stretch through the New Year. Take a drive through virtually any town and you’re bound to see at least one elaborate display, if not an entire block twinkling in harmony.
You don’t have to be a creative genius to show your holiday spirit. Here’s a quick walkthrough of where to put what, and how to tie it all together.
The Lights
Most people instantly associate holiday décor with lights, and they are indeed the main element to start with. You can string lights just about anywhere around your home, but it’s best to have at least some sort of plan going into it. The best light shows strike the perfect balance between contrast and coordination. Be mindful of how different brands, colors, sizes and shapes play off of each other.
The Entryway
A beautifully lit and decorated entryway is a sight to behold on a cold December night. This is the place to bring in natural elements like garland, pinecones, reclaimed accent pieces and wreaths. You might also consider a few miniature, potted trees or winter shrubs, and don’t forget a welcome mat themed for the season.
The Lawn
If you have larger props, such as inflatables, the lawn gives you plenty of space to work with. Mix things up by adding a few new items to your collection each year. The neighbors will find delight in noticing new surprises next door every November. Meanwhile, shrubs are great to drape, whether with lights, tinsel, ribbons or all of the above. Lastly, the mailbox is one of the lesser-known opportunities for creativity. See a few of examples of charmingly decorated mailboxes in HGTV’s outdoor Christmas decorating ideas.
The Pathways and Railings
You can string lights along your railings to serve the dual purpose of aesthetics and visibility. Garland is again a strong candidate, along with any other ornaments or accents you feel might fit the bill. That said, minimalism is the name of the game here. You don’t want to clutter these functional fixtures, but rather, simply add a touch of charm.
The Plants
Many people assume winter to be barren of colorful plant and shrub life, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. HGTV offers more than a dozen suggestions for finding the hidden colors of winter, including winterberry holly, ornamental kale, witch hazel and more.
Whether you’re looking to create a grand display from scratch, add to your current décor or take your first few subtle steps toward a festive home, High Tech Landscapes can help. Let us bring seasonal, natural beauty to your landscape this winter. Call us at 732-356-4975, or email us at info@hightechlandscapes.com
