Outdoor Decorating 2016

My husband and I were talking about outdoor decorating this morning when we were out searching for the pine garland we love for the outside of our house.  We both agreed that while it is ok to do the decorating for the outside of the house before Thanksgiving, it is not ok to turn your lights on.  So when we came home tonight after dinner and saw all the lights that were on in our neighborhood, we were aghast. (secretly though, I was thrilled!)

2015 Outside House Decorations

Where do you stand on this question:  Is it ok to have your Christmas outside lights on before Thanksgiving?

We plan for two scenes:  The nighttime scene, where there are lights and candles on the porch or in windows and the daytime scene, where you can enjoy a charming porch of beautiful decorations.

Theme or no theme?  We do not use a theme but we always enjoy those clever people who can make a Santa's workshop on their front lawn!  We have collected a number of decorations over time and the best I do is to mix up where they go and maybe add a new decoration or two each year, and "retire" those decorations who have lived out their Christmas life.

Working lights?  We check each set of lights before adding them on the columns, fence or doorway. NO ONE wants to have to take down the lights after they have been put up!  We also check for extension cords and timers, too.

Wreaths?  Check your wreaths to see if they are fluffy and ready to sparkle on your porch.  I usually remake the bows each year, but if the bows just need a little fluffing after being stored all year, that's a great time savings!

Outdoor miscellaneous?  Make sure your decorations are anchored if you live in a windy area like we do.  You will want to make sure that your decorations are heavy enough to withstand some winter winds!  We have chased down enough pillows to last a lifetime!  We love using the hooks that stay on strong but can be taken off easily.  We use the clear ones and leave them up all year.

Enough help?  We've learned that it is ok to ask for help with decorating.  Our son-in-law helps with the roping around the columns and we hire a high school kid to help us bring trees and crates up the stairs.  We'll do the same when it is time to take it all down, too.

Stay tuned to see pictures of our neighborhood in both the night time and day time scenes.  We have a lot of  homes who do both very well!