We have a few more days left before welcoming December. Are you planning to deck out your outdoor space to spread festive cheer this holiday season?
Achieving an appealing home exterior requires thoughtful planning, including a focus on safety.
Here are five outdoor decorating tips to help you achieve a festive yet safe Christmas display this season.
1. Plan the layout
In an interview with GMA News Online, True Value Visual Merchandising Manager Sharon Ramiscal shared that taking time to plan your layout before decorating will save you time and energy in the long run.
“You have to sketch a layout of your outdoor spaces, and then you decide where you want to place your decorations kasi from there, mapi-picture mo na kung ano ‘yung gusto mong gawin,” she said.
Walk around your property and assess which areas could benefit from holiday cheer, such as the front porch, windows, the driveway, and yard. Consider the flow of foot traffic and how people will move around your space.
2. Make use of trees and twigs
For a money-saving and eco-friendly tip, True Value Sales and Marketing Manager Abigail Tan said that nature offers an abundance of beautiful materials that can be incorporated into your holiday display, including tree branches, twigs, and leaves.
These natural elements can be used to form wreaths, garlands, or simple outdoor arrangements.
“Make use of the trees. ‘Yun pa lang, puwede mo na siyang i-decor sa bahay, maganda ‘yung effect no’n. Sila ‘yung low cost, high impact decor na mabilis makapuno,” Tan said.
3. Use inflatables
According to Ramiscal, using inflatables is a good idea for outdoor decorations because they add a “playful touch” to the whole look.
“Kahit na isang malaki lang siya, it would really fill up your outdoor,” she said.
Santa, reindeers, snowmen, and other holiday characters come in various sizes, making them perfect for front yards, lawns, and porches. They are also visually appealing, and an easy way to fill up large spaces.
4. Use lights safely
Christmas lights will make your decors look extra sparkly and festive, per Tan. However, we must always remember that they require extra safety precautions.
“Since outdoor siya, napaka-importante na mag-invest ka sa ilaw na high quality kasi hindi siya basta-basta. ‘Pag outdoor, mababasa ‘yan,” she said.
When buying Christmas lights in stores, don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson for advice. They can help you understand a product’s certain voltage and wattage requirements to prevent overloads.
“Consider electrical load ng bahay baka kasi hindi kaya ‘yung capacity ng ilaw, nung lighting,” Tan added.
It is also best to turn off the lights before going to bed to prevent overheating, as well as conserve energy.
Here are other lighting safety reminders to remember:
- Ensure that the lights and extension cords are approved for outdoor use by checking their labels
- Avoid overloading circuits
- Checking the number of strands of lights that can be safely connected together,
- Inspect wires for signs of wear and tear before plugging them in.
5. Be mindful of your neighbors
While it’s tempting to go all-out with your outdoor Christmas decorations, it is important to consider those around you.
Displays obstructing pathways, flashing lights, and decorations that create mess can be bothersome. Aim to create a display that’s festive but not overwhelming.
“Ang goal mo kasi is to create a festive community spirit. I decor my house sa labas para din ma-feel din ng kapitbahay mo na ‘Ah, pasko na,’” Ramiscal said.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
