Inspiration
Holiday Decorating Tips for your Patio or Deck
Whether you're incorporating your outdoor living space into your holiday gatherings or you simply want to see something festive when you look out your back windows, our tips will help you to create a beautiful holiday scene on your patio, deck, or porch.
Tip #1
Light it Up!
Just like the front yard, do not hesitate to light up the backyard as well! Whether or not you decide to go full Clark Griswold, your patio and deck would certainly benefit from holiday lighting.
Tip #2
You can never have enough greens
Just like with our diets, you can never have too many greens in your holiday decor. Consider using clippings from your Christmas tree, garland, and landscape. Even a simple container full of clippings can add to the holiday feel.
Tip #3
Speaking of greens...Garland works anywhere and everywhere.
Pavilion, Porch, or Pergola Posts
Deck or Porch Railings
Draping a Fireplace Mantel
Around the base of a Fire Pit
Framing Doors and Entryways
Draped Over Patio Furniture
Tip #4
Hang a Wreath (or 6)
Along with garland, wreaths are incredibly versatile and belong in more places than just your front door. As illustrated below, patios and decks provide many opportunities to display wreaths.
Wreaths on the Patio Doors
Wreath on an Outdoor Fireplace
Wreath on a Fence or Gate
Wreath on a Chair
Wreath on a Patio Pillar
Wreath on Deck or Porch Railings
Tip #5
Setup an Outdoor Tree
Whether you have a deck, porch, or patio, every outdoor space has the perfect spot for a Christmas tree. An outdoor tree will provide a focal point for your display as well as offer you a creative and fun option for Christmas morning.
Tip #6
Fake a Fire
When you're not burning a fire, make a beautiful lighted display out of your fire pit or fireplace. The popular "Fairy" lights work best because they lack the unsightly wires of traditional string lights.
Tips #7 & #8
Make use of items on hand...
Make use of your landscape
Your landscape is likely full of plants that are perfect for creating and accenting your holiday decor. For greenery, consider clipping your pines, arborvitae, cypress, juniper, hollies, boxwood, and cryptomeria. If you're looking for berries, consider hollies, nandina, juniper (unique blue), pyracantha, and beautyberry. Clipping stems from a redtwig dogwood or coral bark maple can provide bright pops of color. And, of course, don't forget to collect your pinecones (pictured) and gumballs.
Make use of your pots and hanging baskets
If you're like many homeowners, your patio and deck are accented with pots, planters, and hanging baskets. With vegetables and annual flowers dying back for the year, your container gardens are sitting empty. These pots, planters, and hanging baskets are perfect for creating holiday arrangements.
Tip #9
Lock the Elf out!
These little devils have been causing havoc and creating messes ever since they came on the scene. It's time to kick the elves out of the house and let them create messes outside, where the cleanup is easier.
Tip #10
Fill a Lantern
Lanterns have been a staple of home decor for years. If it isn't already, consider outfitting your patio, deck, or porch with lanterns. To give them a holiday touch, fill your lanterns with ornaments, candles, lights, greenery, pinecones, or your favorite unique combination.
Tip #11
Display vintage winter sporting equipment
Make use of the old winter sporting equipment that's been collecting dust for years. Create a winter scene using a vintage sled, skates, or skies.
Tip #12
Incorporate Vintage Tools
Along with vintage winter sporting equipment, consider incorporating vintage outdoor tools. As pictured, a simple saw at the base of tree, gives the look of a "fresh cut." An axe with a splitting wedge near a pile of firewood can also enhance a rustic, winter vibe.
tip #13
Bring the indoors out
If you're hosting a holiday party, be sure to incorporate your patio, deck, or porch. Help to enhance the holiday scene by using indoor decor throughout your outdoor space. Just don't forget to bring everything back inside when the party is over!
Additional Inspiration
Click through photos from our Christmas photoshoots to help inspire your holiday decor
It's a Wonderful (Outdoor) Life!
This 2020 photoshoot was themed after the popular movie "It's a Wonderful Life." Throughout the space, you will find numerous references to this quintessential holiday film.
Home for the Holidays
This 2019 photoshoot aimed to inspire homeowners to incorporate their outdoor living spaces into their holiday traditions.
Chestnuts Roasting on an Outdoor Fire
Our 2021 Holiday photoshoot delivers all of the holiday feels! From roasting chestnuts to sleigh bells to milk and cookies for Santa, we have set the scene for holiday magic and memories. The project features a Techo-Bloc paver patio, raised terrace, outdoor fireplace, and complementing landscaping and lighting.
The photo staging was done by AGG Redesigns and features a table centerpiece from Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds as well as greenery from Tom Leonard's Market, and Strange's Florist.
Campfire Christmas
With a wooded backdrop, the 2022 Holiday Photoshoot features rustic elements and encourages holiday fun around the fire. Our holiday décor emphasizes vintage items and highlights everyday outdoor tools. Unlike years passed, all of the decor in these photos is outdoor rated. The rustic and vintage decor is meant to compliment the outdoor space that features stunning cedar woodworking, fieldstone boulders and veneer, irregular bluestone flagstone, and Unilock pavers.
A special thank you to Summer Classics for providing the beautiful chairs and to Sarah Mattozzi Wright for the stunning photography.
Gas vs. Wood Fire Features
Gas vs. Wood Fire Features
When planning Outdoor Living Spaces, one of the most difficult decisions for clients is choosing between a gas or wood-burning fire feature. Though very similar in some ways, gas and wood-burning fire features are also very different. Each has its distinct pros as well as its cons. In this article, we compare the two styles using 8 defining characteristics, including convenience, warmth, smoke, and cost.