When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas, the outside is the first impression everyone receives. Make a seasonal, cheery statement with carefully placed decorations. Don’t feel the need to cover every last inch of space with a decoration. A few carefully placed items will leave a warm, inviting impression on everyone who passes by.

Quality Products

Your home will only look polished and finished if you use quality products. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should look nice. Lay out all your lights along the floor and plug them in. Check for broken lights and missing pieces. Replace and fix them as necessary before you even take them outside. Look at all your other decorations, from wreaths to urns. Clean them and perk them up. With just a dusting and fluffing, you can turn those pieces into fresh decorations.

Foundation

The key to good decorating is to highlight and accessorize the interesting and striking features of your home. It should be about making your home inviting. Before you start adding decorations, clear out any old leaves, cobwebs and dying plants that will simply detract from your decorations. Give your porch and sidewalk a sweep. Clear out your gutters. Start with a clean slate.

Centerpiece

Choose one piece to be your centerpiece. One item that you really love should set the stage for the rest of the decorations. It may be your wreath or a yard decoration. Choose a wreath or other item with the theme you want for your yard. If you want a traditional look, choose a simple garland or pine wreath with some berries or small bulbs. If you are using bows as your theme, or even gifts, create a stunningly large bow and hang that on your door instead.

Accessories

Once your main piece is in place, it’s time to accessorize. Hang lights that fit your theme. Plain white or icicle lights for a traditional look or multicolored lights for something more whimsical. Remember to highlight your house, so trace them along the door frame or along the gutter. Keep a balanced look. Don’t just place them in one small area; distribute them evenly. If you are putting them around the windows, for instance, put them around all the windows along the front of the house. Set little trees or urns on each side of the door. Add any other accessories, such as lights or ornaments on the trees, according to your theme.