This blog post about outdoor Christmas decorations was updated September 2024.
An inviting home starts on the porch with outdoor Christmas decorations. Yet somehow in the mix of the holiday season, lining the exterior of the house with lights gets all the glory. There’s something so festive to dressing up your front door with outdoor decor for ultimate curb appeal.
We decorated 10 front doors to showcase all of our best outdoor Christmas decorating ideas, so read on for a little festive inspiration:
1. Tie It with Ribbon
If there’s anything ribbon cannot be used for we have yet to find it. It’s saved us on more than one hair mishap, outfit disaster, and decorating occasion so we aren’t too surprised at how much interest it adds to otherwise plain columns.
Wrap your favorite ribbon up a pair of columns to create a festive peppermint vibe, and tie a little bow on your light fixture for an extra touch of whimsy. Simple but effective!
2. Trio of Tassels
We’re wild about tassels, so we tied a trio of tassels at the corners of our garland and even to our wreath. It’s a little unexpected but adds layers of interest. We love how something traditional like tassels contrasts with a sleek set of globes (our Suzanne Kasler Monde Volcanic Ash Sphere) to make a dramatic statement in your outdoor Christmas decorations.
3. Metallic Accents
In addition to loving tassels, we’re merry for metallic holiday decor. There’s not a more striking color combination than gold and green at Christmas. Add a few seasonal elements like a faux reindeer and you’re all set. You can cross off simple and festive from your list.
4. Tree-Topped
In our opinion, Christmas trees should not just be relegated to the living room. We love the idea of decorating a tree outside and whimsical touches like a sled give a wink and a nod to the fun realities of the snowy season.
Mix classic and frosted trees together, add a bin of firewood and a few red accents to create a wonderland inspired porch.
5. Curb Appeal in Color
Blue is a classic color combination during the holidays. Here, we took it one step further by adding turquoise, gold, and silver to our outdoor Christmas decorations. Work in accents of blue however you can, whether it’s including your collection of chinoiserie, or simply using colored ornaments and ribbon. Topping an outdoor plant is a great way to dip your toe into the frosty color combo in your outdoor holiday decor.
6. Incorporate Outdoor Planters
Add festive accents to your existing outdoor plants. Battery-operated lights, ornaments, and ribbon are a great way to give your front porch greenery a holiday touch.
In the space above, we added a trio of wreaths to the front door, and add ornaments to small trees. Finish it with a green door mat, and your outdoor decor is done!
7. Natural State
Greenery works best by using the architectural structure of your home. Using its lines, follow it with garland and a matching wreath for a stoop that is a statement.
Natural elements like pine cones, birch wood, and realistic evergreen branches are a decorator’s best friend when it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations. These elements coordinate beautifully with a nostalgic plaid ribbon and a few large red ornaments in the corner.
We also love pieces that can be used beyond winter – our Legare Lantern isn’t limited to use in December. We keep ours on our front porch all year-round.
8. Ornament Overload in Outdoor Christmas Decorations
One way to spruce up greenery is the use of ornaments. A ball ornament wreath fits the bill.
We love to use wreaths in creative ways. They don’t always have to go on your front door. Top a beautiful arched doorway with a metallic wreath to draw attention to your door, then add a swag of ornaments on the door instead of your wreath.
9. Frosted and Festive
Just because your weather forecast doesn’t include snow doesn’t mean you can’t have a white Christmas. We used frosted garland and trees and a frosted wreath on the front door to complement our light green door color and to pop off of a red brick home.
10. Double the Door, Double the Holiday Spirit!
Working with a double door entryway? We’re jealous!
A double door entry is a unique opportunity to double the holiday decor without doubling the tackiness. As you can see in the entryway above, using two wreaths, a little bit of garland, and a few pretty ribbon bows can go a LONG way. We also encourage you to experiment with both symmetrical and asymmetrical decor placement until you find something you absolutely love.
Want even more holiday decorating ideas from Ballard Designs? Check out our other holiday decorating blog posts to find the perfect inspiration for your own home:
- 15 Holiday Mantle Ideas (2024)
- 13 Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas
- How to Get Ready for Holiday Guests
- Fall and Winter 2024 Paint Colors
Browse all of our holiday accents online, or find more holiday inspiration on our blog.
Karen h
I just put in a new kitchen and bathroom. Always going to the Ballard catolog and website for inspiration. Purchased pictures, kitchen table and chairs towels and shams and more. I couldn’t of done without Ballard. Waiting for another picture to be sent. Always reading the decorative ideas on line. Happy holidays karen h of Huntington