Decorating your fence for Christmas is a fun way to spread holiday cheer to your neighborhood. With some creativity and festive decor, you can transform your ordinary fence into a beautiful Christmas display.
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Why Decorate Your Fence for Christmas?
There are many great reasons to decorate your fence for the holidays:
- It’s festive – Decorating your fence is an easy way to get your home looking festive for the season.
- It spreads joy – A decorative fence will brighten up your neighborhood and spread joy to those who pass by.
- It’s unique – Most people decorate just their homes. Decorating your fence makes your holiday decor stand out.
- It’s customizable – You can decorate your fence however you like to match your personal style.
- It welcomes visitors – A decorative fence makes a warm first impression for any visitors.
Planning Your Decor
The first step is to come up with a plan for how you want to decorate your fence. Here are some things to consider:
Theme
Do you want a cohesive theme or color scheme? Some popular options are:
- Classic red, green, and gold
- Wintery whites and blues
- Fun and whimsical with bright colors
- Elegant jewel tones
Picking a theme will help narrow down your decor choices.
Placement
Determine where you want to place decor items along your fence. Most people decorate just the front fence visible from the street. But you may also want to decorate fences along the sides or backyard if neighbors can see them.
Balance
Aim for balance in your decor. You don’t want some spots to look cluttered and others bare. Space out your decor evenly for the best look.
Focal Points
Add one or two focal points where the decor is concentrated. This could be around your front gate, mailbox, or front door. Draping garlands, wreaths, and ribbon bows can make pretty focal points.
What to Use to Decorate a Fence
Now comes the fun part – picking what types of decor to use! Here are some festive options:
Garlands
Garlands add festive color draped along your fence. Use garlands made of evergreen, ribbons, pine cones, beads, ornaments, or other materials. Opt for garlands that can withstand the outdoor elements.
Ribbons & Bows
Ribbons are an affordable and easy way to decorate a fence. Tie ribbons along the slats or posts. Adorn gates or focal points with large festive bows.
Wreaths
Wreaths make classic Christmas decor. Opt for large wreaths on gates or front doors. Add smaller wreaths along the fence slats. You can find artificial wreaths or make your own from fresh evergreen branches.
Greenery
Use clippings from pine, fir, spruce, holly, or other evergreen trees and bushes. Wire clippings along fence slats or tuck sprigs into ribbons.
Ornaments
Hang shiny ornament bulbs along your fence for pops of color. Opt for shatterproof plastic ornaments that can withstand wind, rain, and snow.
Lighting
Incorporate lighting into your fence for a magical glow. Use mini string lights, spotlights on focal decor, or illuminated wire frames in festive shapes. Make sure lights are rated for outdoor use.
Wood Cut-Outs
Painted wood cutouts like snowflakes, stars, trees, and other festive shapes make unique fence decor. Attach them with ties, hooks, or hangers.
DIY Decor
Get creative and make your own decorations! Ideas include painting wood signs with holiday greetings to affix to your fence or threading popcorn and cranberries on string for edible garlands. Let your imagination run wild!
Decorating Your Fence by Section
Here is a step-by-step guide to decorating different sections of your fence:
Front Gate
The front gate makes the perfect focal point. Decorate it with:
– A large wreath
– Ribbons tied through slats and adorned with bows
– Twinkling string lights
– Greenery and ornaments along the top
– A charming wood sign with your family name or holiday greeting
Front Fence
Decorate the entire front fence visible from the street:
– Drape garlands along the tops of fence slats
– Alternate wreaths, evergreen branches, and bows down the length
– Wrap string lights along top and bottom rails
– Use brightly colored ribbons and bows to tie onto pickets
– Hang ornaments and wood cutouts from ribbons
Mailbox
Don’t forget your mailbox!
– Tie a coordinating wreath, evergreen branches, or garland atop your mailbox
– Wrap the post with a ribbon spiral or string lights
– Lean a cutout or sign against the post
Front Posts
Decorate the posts on either side of your front gate:
– Wrap garlands around posts
– Affix wreaths or evergreen branches with floral wire
– Accent with oversized bows, ornaments, and string lights
Side and Back Fences
Decorate any fences along the sides or backyard areas visible to neighbors with:
– Garlands along the tops
– Wreaths on select posts
– Bushes of evergreen tucked into ribbon
– String lights lining the rails and posts
Finishing Touches
Add these accents as finishing touches to complete your display:
– Holiday figurines like carolers, snowmen, or Santa nestled into the decor
– A tree skirt around the base of trees along the fence
– Berry sprigs like holly or red winterberries woven into ribbons and bows
– Sparkling snowflake and crystal ornaments for wintery shimmer
– Weatherproof ribbon spiraled around railings and posts
– Candy canes hooked onto bows or lights for a tasty accent
Stepping back and taking it all in, make any adjustments needed to fill in bare spots or tone down busy areas. Then get ready to delight your neighborhood with your festive new fence!
Decorating Tips
Follow these tips as you decorate your fence for the best results:
- Choose durable materials that can withstand weather like rain, snow, and wind.
- Use pipe cleaners, zip ties, sturdy ribbon, and wreath hangers to securely attach decor.
- Make sure lighting is outdoor-rated and wiring is secured from elements.
- Fluff bows and garlands after hanging to give a fuller look.
- Replace any decor that begins looking worn over the season.
- Consider decor visibility at night and add lighting if needed.
- Use step stools, ladders, and extenders for hard-to-reach areas.
- Check local regulations if using spotlights or music in your display.
- Avoid blocking access to mailboxes, gates, or walkways.
When to Put Up and Take Down
Most people decorate their fence right after Thanksgiving. Have everything up by December 1st to get the most enjoyment. January 1st is the traditional time to take decorations down. But if yours are weather-resistant, feel free to leave them up through mid-January.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Decor blowing away in wind | Use durable materials secured tightly |
| Discoloration from sun/rain | Choose weather-resistant materials |
| Lights shorting out | Check for frayed cords, secure wires |
| Breakage/damage | Use unbreakable plastic, coat in sealant |
| Fading | Replace decor as needed to look fresh |
Safety Tips
Keep these safety tips in mind as you decorate:
- Use a step stool or ladder to put up decor safely, not standing on fences or furniture.
- Check for power lines near your fence and do not drape anything on or near them.
- Keep walkways clear to avoid tripping hazards.
- Use kid-friendly decor if little ones will be around.
- Properly store decor indoors between seasons.
- For extra security, only decorate fences facing your property.
Conclusion
Decking out your fence for Christmas is an easy and rewarding way to spread holiday spirit. With a plan and some festive supplies, you can create a decorative display for your neighborhood to enjoy. Getting a bit creative with your decor will make your home exterior stand out this season. So get ready to spread some serious holiday cheer with a jolly Christmas fence!