Outdoor Christmas Decorations

I have always been jealous of homes that have magnificent outdoor lights and decorations. When I look up at my own pathetic window display, I know I should be grateful to have any lights, but to me it just seems barren. Throughout the years I have been concocting the perfect Christmas look for my future (re: imaginary) house--and each year, the decorations get more elaborate. Lately, I have been pondering a way to transform my visions into Christmas reality, and today I saw the light(bulb)--and it illuminated the ShopWiki web page. At this moment, I thought maybe someone else can benefit from my Christmas decorating obsession--because I don't think my niece is going to let me near Barbie's Dream House  this year. 

Lights

Even with all the modern advancements in our decorating world, nothing ever beats the magic of Christmas lights. Plain, simple lights on a string can give you the fuzziest feeling inside. Just make sure to check the box for safety approval (by a reputable laboratory). 

Fairy Lights White/Clear : Classic. Coloured : Fun, yet classic.  Blinking : Wait, are those things moving?! LED Low Voltage : Uses less electricity!	Large Bulbed Lights Like Fairy Lights, these come in either coloured  or clear,  but be wary because these are more flammable. I would recommend using LED low voltage  versions if you opt for larger bulbs.	Icicle Lights Blue : Personally, I like these a lot. White/Clear  icicle lights use hanging threads of light to create the illusion of icicles.  LED Low Voltage : At this point you should know that these save electricity. Large Icicle Lights : Lights that are shaped like actual icicles!	Curtain Lights Net Lights : No hassle--just throw it over whatever bush, tree, rubbish pile you wish to decorate. Doorway, window, or outdoor curtain lights.  (These are cool, they dangle from the doorway to create a "door").  LED Low Voltage  Personally, I don't like these because they are too perfect.	Novelty Lights Stars  Snowflakes  Bell Shaped lights  Parcel Shaped Lights  Poinsettia Shaped Lights  Ice Shaped Lights  Bead Lights

Displays

A yard display can be the focus of attention (and take away from your shoddy light-man-ship), or it can be that kick that really makes things look perfect. 

Moulded Festive Figures  Make everyone jealous when Father Christmas hangs out on your lawn--or roof, if you're brazen enough to help him up there.	Animated Figures  Moulded and lighted figures that move mechanically and may even play music--unless you're naughty, in which case, they pellet you with coal.	Inflatable Displays   For the past few years, these inflatables have won the decoration popularity contest. They are an easy way to decorate the yard--but they are pretty expensive and, in my opinion, not worth it.	Giant Baubles  These can be either bauble shaped giant lights or actual baubles enlarged to fit your outdoor trees.	Yard Stakes  These are cute and can be stuck into the ground anywhere. It looks nice to create a walk way with them.

Yard Accessories

All these little extras are what really turns heads to say "wow!"

Christmas Postbox  If your child does not shoot his/her Christmas list into the chimney, you may want a special postbox for the letters to Father Christmas.	Flags  and Flagpoles  Adds a nice touch without too much effort.	Evergreen Garland  Garland always looks clean and nice. It can come pre-lit  or you can wrap some lights around it yourself. Even when plain, it makes things look festive.	Wreaths  Just tie a red bow  and you're all set. These can also be bought pre-lit,  with bows, and with other decorations--such as holly berries --attached.	Wooden Sledges  Wooden sledges are a good piece to put by the door, staircase, or as part of a display. They give that old world Christmas feel.

 Related Guides

• Indoor Christmas Decorations
• Christmas Tree Ornaments and Lights
• Holiday Safety
• Holiday Toy Guide