Like the grapevine wreath in this image diverges somewhat from the typical type for Christmas. For although it does have an evergreen base (namely, Eastern white pine), it is ornamented not with natural cones and berries (which could be gathered locally) but with artificial fruit. Because it suggests a table laid out for a feast (replete with the classic bowl of fruit -- real or otherwise), fruit is an effective element in Christmas decorations, lending itself easily to a festive mood.
Lovers of the "natural look" in Christmas decorations (using greenery, etc.) sometimes must compromise a bit. Most real fruit would deteriorate pretty quickly if left outdoors on a Christmas wreath in the freezing temperatures of a Northern climate. Thus the use of artificial fruit.
And even at that, you have to be careful. Not all artificial fruit is equally adept as withstanding the elements. When you set out to buy some, check carefully that what you are purchasing is classified as "weather-proof" or "weather-resistant" -- in other words, something designed specifically for outdoor use. A suitable product will have a coating that is lacking on much artificial fruit that you will find, say, in florists' arrangements, which are meant for indoor use only.
Below we give our top 3 Outdoor Christmas Decor that is natural and beautiful.
Double Door, Double Decor
A wreath is typically placed in the middle of a door. But what do you do if you have double doors? Which one gets the wreath? And won't it look odd to have such a Christmas decoration on one door and not the other?
Well, the answer is obviously to hang two wreaths, one on each door.
Speaking of colors, the black-and-gold doors, themselves contribute mightily to the classiness of this Christmas display.
Christmas Urns Decorated With Branches and Greenery
In addition to greenery, branches have been inserted. Those of a red color are red twig dogwood, a bush I find useful in the winter landscape. Like the related yellow twig dogwood, its display value in winter lies in the color of its bark. The red color is very much real. The same cannot be said for the color of the birch sticks: that white is painted on.
The red berries you see in the picture are winterberries. They won't hold up for long -- they deteriorate in cold temperatures -- but they last plenty long to serve as colorful elements of a Christmas arrangement, as here. The greenery in the window boxes behind the urns extends the lush feel. Window boxes give you another option for injecting Christmastime color into your front-door landscaping.
Natural Evergreen Garlands On A Fence
Natural evergreen garlands are simple decorations that are useful for spanning big lengths of space that you don't want to leave bare. Christmas garlands are also commonly hung:
Along deck railings
Across garden arbors
From the tops of lamp posts (allowing them to spiral down the post)
Have you ever avoided decorating with a garland because you weren't sure how to attach it to its support? Hanging garlands isn't as confusing as you might think.
Notice that sprigs of boxwood are weaved into the garland pictured above, pine being the predominant evergreen used here. Mixing different types of natural evergreens together like this gives a Christmas garland more character. Of course, you can also go artificial (if you truly must).
Fencing adds great value to your landscaping year-round, regardless of whether you decorate it or not.
If you would love help decorating for Christmas with some natural elements, the good news is you've still got time! Give us a ring, we'll answer with Christmas cheer. Let's get started!
Comments