How do you hang Christmas decorations outside of brick?

The holiday season is a magical time of year when homes and yards are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights, wreaths, garland, and more. Decorating the outside of your home helps spread holiday cheer to your neighborhood. However, installing outdoor Christmas decorations can be tricky if your home is made of brick.

Challenges of Hanging Decorations on Brick

Brick is a difficult surface to decorate because:

• Brick is hard and can damage decorations.
• The rough texture provides little for decorations to grip onto.
• Brick walls offer no easy points to hang or attach decorations.

Without proper installation, attempts to decorate brick often result in snagging wires, slipping lights, and damaged decor. But with the right supplies and techniques, you can safely embellish your brick home for the holidays.

Best Practices for Hanging Outdoor Christmas Decorations on Brick

Use Adhesives

Adhesive products provide a secure hold on brick without damaging the surface. Try these adhesive solutions:

• Command hooks. These removable adhesive hooks easily hang lightweight decorations. Stick them to brick mortar lines.
• Sticky tack. Use sticky tack to affix decorations to bricks. It sticks well but peels off easily after the holidays.
• Magnet clips. Magnetic clips with adhesive pads or suction cups can attach decorations to metal gutters and pipes on brick facades.

Install Hardware

Some types of hardware can be safely installed on brick walls:

• Eye hooks. Screw eye hooks into brick mortar lines and hang decor from them.
• Wreath hangers. Adhesive or screw-in wreath hangers firmly attach holiday wreaths to brick.
• Decorative clips. Clips with nails or screws can be anchored into mortar lines to hang lightweight decorations.

Use Decorative Accents

Certain Christmas decorations are well-suited for brick surfaces:

• Garland. Adhere garland around windows, doors, and along roof and wall edges using brick-safe adhesives.
• Outdoor rug. A festive doormat or rug adds seasonal flair without attaching anything to brick.
• Porch plants. Line walkways and porch steps with poinsettias, evergreens, and other holiday plants.

Light Brick Strategically

Lights should be installed carefully on brick:

• Use clip-on spotlight covers to aim lights at the home.
• Adhere mini light strands with removable adhesive backing.
• Use solar-powered spotlights placed in ground surrounding brick walls.
• Project patterns and images onto brick with a holiday projector.

Decorating Brick Fireplaces, Chimneys, and Mantels

Fireplaces and chimneys built of brick are prime spots to add Christmas charm. Try these ideas:

• Hang stockings from removable adhesive hooks on the chimney or mantel.
• Wrap garland along the chimney and mantel edges using adhesive backing or command hooks.
• Arrange holiday figurines like nutcrackers, snowmen, or carolers on the mantel shelf.
• Affix battery-operated mini lights along the mantel using adhesive strips.

Safety Tips for Fireplace Decorations

• Only decorate when the fireplace is not in use to avoid flammable materials coming in contact with the flames.
• Avoid hanging dangling or loose decor above the fireplace where it could fall in.
• Never obstruct the chimney opening.
• Use flame-resistant decorations.

Hanging Decor on Brick Mailboxes, Columns, and Pathways

Other brick structures throughout your yard offer prime decorating opportunities:

Mailboxes

• Wrap brick mailboxes with ribbon secured by adhesive backing or magnets.
• Use holiday-themed vinyl wraps adhered to the sides.
• Affix wreaths, garland, or greenery to the sides with adhesive, clips, or magnets.

Columns and Posts

• Entwine faux greenery garland using zip ties or adhesion.
• Stick on bauble or floral embellishments with adhesive.
• Add wreaths or swags secured with decorative nails, hangers, or adhesive hooks.

Pathways and Steps

• Line walkways with luminaries, candles, or lanterns.
• Use mini spotlights to illuminate the ground around brick.
• Decorate stair railings with garland, lights, or red ribbons.

Creative Ideas for Decorating Brick Walls

Don’t let brick walls restrict your decor. Get creative with these unique techniques:

• Faux brick covers. Make flat canvas or plywood “bricks” covered with decorations to adhere over real brick.
• Removable paint. Use special removable festive chalk or spray paint to temporarily color the brick.
• Decorative props. Lean large freestanding decor pieces like nutcrackers, sleighs, or snowmen against brick walls.
• Projected decorations. Use a holiday projector to cast images of Christmas scenes onto brick surfaces.

Conclusion

With the right combination of adhesive products, strategic hardwire, and creative techniques, you can safely decorate your brick home for the holidays. Carefully affixing decorations into mortar lines is key to avoiding damage. Focus on easily removable or temporary decorations and props that spread cheer without permanently altering your brick. By decorating smart, you can adorn brick houses, fireplaces, walls, and more with beautiful Christmas embellishments.