Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    This Is Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

    The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    Pantone Predicts the Bold, Happy Colors You'll See Everywhere in Spring 2021

    If these trendy hues are any indication, brighter days are coming. Here's how to use these stunning shades around your home.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Christmas
  3. Outdoor Christmas Decorations
  4. Holiday-Inspired Outdoor Decorating that Lasts

Holiday-Inspired Outdoor Decorating that Lasts

February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Dress up your front porch and yard with these holiday outdoor decorating ideas that last from the first days of fall through the New Year. They look great on a porch or just outside your door.
Start Slideshow

1 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beribboned Boxwood Wreath

A few bows and baubles add festive style to this modern, not-too-Christmassy wreath. Start with a purchased boxwood wreath, or make your own from fresh boxwood greenery by clicking below. To decorate, cut 8 strips of ribbon long enough to wrap around the wreath. Lay out 2 pieces of ribbon in an X-shape. Wrap a small length of floral wire around the middle of each X; twist ends together in back to secure. Nestle wire into the wreath as you wrap ribbon around wreath. Glue ribbons ends in back. Repeat with rest of ribbon strips to make three more bows. Finish the wreath by gluing on mini ornaments, bells, and sugar beads.

Editor's Tip: Post-Thanksgiving, swap blue ribbons for red for a quick holiday refresh.

  • Make your own boxwood wreath form

1 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glorious Garland Entry

Welcome holiday guests to your home in style with a grand entryway garland. String a garland with fresh evergreen boughs, and use oversize pine cones, vintage trophies and a huge plaid bow to form a magnificent focal point. Swag the door with more greenery for a wow-worthy first impression.

Editor's Tip: If your front door garland is weighty, hang it from screw-secured hooks mounted around your entryway. For lighter garlands, sticky-backed removable hooks provide a stable (and temporary!) solution.

2 of 42

3 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joyful Magnolia Wreath

It tends to cost quite a bit of green to add premade fresh greenery to your front door this time of year. That is, unless you can make do with materials from Mother Nature. Make your own magnolia wreath by wrapping bunches of magnolia leaves and berry branches with florist's wire and twisting them around a wire wreath form. The "Joy" banner is another DIY project. Make it by gluing berries inside hollow acorn hats. Next, push the pointy ends of the hats into florist's foam cut into letter shapes. Finish by gluing the foam letters to a length of ribbon and tie onto your wreath.

(image credit: Meredith Nguyen)

3 of 42

Advertisement

4 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Potted Berry and Branch Arrangement

All it takes to make a statement is an armload of dried berry branches, grapevines, and well-formed cut tree branches set inside a pretty aluminum bucket. Finish with Christmas lights around the edge of the bucket.(image credit: Barbara Bamber)

4 of 42

5 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Make a Rustic Porch Garland!

Brighten your porch or fence railing instantly with a handmade rope-and-pinecone garland. Not only does it transition beautifully from Thanksgiving through New Year's, it's also sturdy enough to store and reuse next year. Get all the steps here!

5 of 42

6 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Painted Joy Sign

More Super-Simple Holiday Decor

Welcome your holiday visitors with joy this season by hanging a painted sign. First, paint an inexpensive shelf board a solid color -- red or green are perfectly on point for Christmas. Next, use cardboard letters purchased from the crafts store to trace the word Joy, and fill in the lines with white paint. For a slightly distressed look, lightly rough up the face and edges of the sign with sandpaper.(image credit: Tonya Diehl)

6 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Yarn Tassel Garland

Tassels are a whimsical way to add a bit of color to your holiday decor. The good news? They're wildly easy to create! Wrap a length of yarn about 20 times around your fingers and then carefully slip it off so the form remains intact. Tie an extra piece of yarn tightly around one end and cut through the opposite edge to create the tassel strands. Repeat the steps to make a pile of tassels, and tie them onto long string or ribbon to create a garland.

(image credit: Francesca Stone)

7 of 42

8 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joy String Art

String art is a great project to make, no matter your comfort level with crafting. Start with a wood slice and, following the shape of your favorite holiday-theme word or phrase, lightly tap nails into the wood using a hammer, being careful not to hammer the nail all the way into the wood. Next, cut lengths of colored string and wrap around the nails several times to fill in the negative space.

(image credit: Tara Mihalech)

8 of 42

9 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Snowy Pinecone Wreath

More Easy Christmas Crafts

Give your doorway wintry good cheer with a faux-frosted pinecone wreath embellished with glimmering accessories. Start with an 18-inch wire wreath form. Gather plenty of pinecones, and spray them with white or silver paint. Cut an 8-inch length of floral wire to wrap around the base of a pinecone and then around the wreath form so the pinecone is securely attached. Continue adding pinecones, snuggling them close together until the form is full. To embellish, glue spray-painted walnuts and glittery ornaments onto the wreath, tucking them into any gaps.

9 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Birdbath Revamp

Instead of packing away all the warm-weather containers, keep them out and use them for your outdoor holiday decorating. This shallow birdbath is home to a lighted evergreen wreath, a few pinecones, and a dramatic lit orb. Rather than fussing with cords and switches, try a battery-operated version.

10 of 42

11 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Outdoor Building Accents

Don’t forget your home’s outbuildings -- garage or garden shed, for example -- when creating your outdoor decorating scheme. Try an oversize wreath above the garage or shed doors and some lit evergreens for symmetry. Even the car can get all dolled up when it's in park.

11 of 42

12 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candleholder Accent

Pretty outdoor accents instantly transform into holiday-appropriate decor with a few thoughtful touches. For example, a bit of ribbon, a shimmering faux bird, a few evergreen sprigs, and a small snowflake ornament add cheer to a candleholder on a front stoop.

12 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Decorated Ice Skates

In place of draped garland, you can use discarded seasonal items (like old skates) to dress up a front door or porch railings. Here, the skates are tied together; a handful of evergreen sprigs, berries, leaves, and ribbon are tucked into one of the skates, and the whole collection is tied to the porch railing. Other ideas: mini wreaths or sleigh bells.

13 of 42

14 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Festive Pinecone Wreath

Combine classically fall pinecones with a red-and-green color scheme to create the ultimate transitional wreath. To make, start with an 18-inch wire wreath frame. Gather plenty of pine cones (large and small), and coat them with red spray paint. Connect large spray-painted pinecones to the wire wreath form's front with 8-inch pieces of florists wire, and wire smaller pine cones around the outside of the wreath. Wire the interior of the wreath with sprays of nandina berries. Bunch holly berries with couple evergreen boughs and hot-glue the arrangement onto the wreath. Wrap it all up with a pretty red bow.

14 of 42

15 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Personalized Reindeer

It's easy to add personality to plain-Jane store-bought holiday accents. Hot glue and shiny ornaments transform ordinary wreaths; ribbon dresses up garland; and evergreen sprigs, flowers, oversize cinnamon sticks, and bright bows give this pair of reindeer unique charm.

15 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ornament Display

Outdoor holiday decorating often involves clever use of items you already have on hand. Take those extra Christmas ornaments: Place a bunch of them (a single color or a collection of bright hues) under a garden cloche or two, or gather in a pretty bowl. Arrange on a table with a few empty garden pots, oversize pinecones, twine, or other garden accents for your own holiday-theme still life.

16 of 42

17 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Globe Light Planter

It's never too early to put up lights, in our opinion -- especially when they're glowing in an entryway planter! Anchor evergreen boughs inside your planter to create a lush collar, and secure a centerpiece of magnolia leaves in the middle. Secure a tuteur around the centerpiece, and tie strands of bistro and mini lights to tuteur rails with zip ties. Tuck an extra strand of globe lights into the greenery for subtle radiance.

17 of 42

18 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Walkway-Light Embellishments

Add holiday flair to your walkway lights in just a few simple steps. Tie a small piece of greenery and ribbon around the top of the light, add a seasonal-hue candle, and use florist's wire to attach a faux cardinal.

18 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheap Outdoor Holiday Ornament

Opt for snowflakes -- a shape that bridges the holiday season with ease -- by making this $2 outdoor ornament!

19 of 42

20 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glimmering Planter

Bare winter branches offer a glowing opportunity to decorate boldly. Braid together several light strands, varying the colors and sizes of bulbs, then wrap the braid around your planter for a fun, modern look. Embellish your planter display with a sheer ribbon for extra sheen.

20 of 42

21 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Twigs and Lights

The basis for these easy-to-implement ideas on this charming front porch? Lights. Holiday lights (particularly battery-operated ones) are an inexpensive way to add pretty sparkle to any outdoor holiday decorating scheme. Here, a miniature tree and grapevine orb (set on a bed of evergreen branches) flank the front door, while a trio of grapevine wreaths (wrapped in lights and accented with evergreens and neutral ribbon) dress up the front windows. On the door, a basket filled with greens and lights takes the place of a traditional wreath.

21 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Exterior Lights with Ribbon

A clutch of evergreens tucked behind an outdoor sconce adds just the right amount of seasonal flair. For a pop of color, tie a bow with long tails and use florist's wire to add a few contrasting jingle bells or ornaments.

22 of 42

23 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Apple Decoration Accents

Pretty green Granny Smith apples -- piled in urns, tucked into trees, and wired into the wreath -- add a bit of brightness to an outdoor display. Best of all, they're cheap to buy in bulk at your local grocery store! (And if you're looking for long-lasting fruity beauty, go faux.)

23 of 42

24 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candle Collection

One of the best places to find outdoor decorating accents? Your kitchen. Take this silver serving tray: It offers the perfect receptacle for a collection of shimmery candleholders, evergreen sprigs, pinecones, and holiday ornaments. To create a similar setup, tuck in the big items first -- here, orbs and pinecones -- and then fill empty spaces with greenery.

24 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spray-Painted Wreath

What do you get when you combine an inexpensive can of spray paint, a grapevine wreath, and some shimmery accents? A front-door focal point that adds stylish impact. Here, pinecones and twig accents are attached before spray-painting; a few clusters of small holiday orbs and a ribbon serve as finishing touches.

25 of 42

26 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pinecone and Ornament Garland

Create a striking and festive look for your holiday front door with this pretty garland. Customize a purchased pinecone garland with ornaments that coordinate with your door color, using florist's wire to secure the ornaments. Position the garland outside the door frame, and secure at the top and along the sides with easy-to-remove self-adhesive hooks or brick clips. Finish the warm entry with white pillar candles set inside tall glass lanterns adorned with holiday berries.

26 of 42

27 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pinecone and Birch Winter Containers

White birch logs and evergreen branches add a festive touch to a tall garden container, an ideal holiday decoration for your front porch. A container of large pinecones offsets the tall decoration, and a small string of lights and a faux red bird finish the holiday display.

27 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pillows on a Covered Porch

If you're lucky enough to have a porch that's protected from the elements, bring the indoors out! Here, a few reindeer-adorned pillows add perfect punch to the existing black-and-white color scheme. Mini wreaths dress up the porch's chair backs, while a pair of old ice skates adorns an ordinary evergreen wreath.

28 of 42

29 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pretty Planter Display

Think outside the garland! Creating a dramatic rusty-red-and-green focal point for your entry or walkway takes just a few simple tools. Form a base for the planter by filling a pot with soil to within 4 inches of the rim. Top with a piece of 2- to 3-inch-thick floral foam, trimmed to snugly fit the opening. Cut a hole in the middle to install the centerpiece. For the centerpiece, zip-tie southern magnolia leaves and flame willow branches to a sturdy bamboo pole or metal stake. Form an evergreen collar for the arrangement by sharpening the ends of evergreen boughs and inserting them all the way through the foam and into the soil to anchor.

29 of 42

30 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Holiday Still Life

Wreaths and seasonal wall accents don't have to be hung in order to be used at holiday time. Here, a porch offers shelter for this pretty collection, including a boxwood wreath, concrete container with moss-covered orb, deer sculpture, and "joy" accent. To create your own collection, vary materials, shapes, and height as well as texture and color for visual interest.

30 of 42

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 42

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email