It’s amazing how a few yards of cloth and some colorful glass ornaments can transform a plain interior into a winter wonderland. Christmas decorations are a visual celebration of the joy we feel during the holiday season. Sprigs of mistletoe and vivid poinsettias are lovely all the time, but they take on a special significance during Christmas. Candles and twinkling lights give holiday motifs a dreamy quality. And no Christmas would be complete without a multitude of glittery ornaments dangling from the tree.

If you’re entertaining guests this year, make sure your home is as festive as can be. From their first glimpse of your festive lawn decorations to the Christmas tree itself, every decoration you choose lends a little more joy to your guests and loved ones. Dress up your tree, your home, and even your yard with these fanciful decoration ideas.

Outdoor Decorations

When your guests arrive, the first thing they’ll see is your yard and front door. Don’t disappoint them with a bland and colorless landscape. Your yard can be an integral part of your holiday decorating scheme. To enhance its natural beauty, try adding some flowering plants in the colors of the season. These can be real plants that flower in the winter time, or evergreen shrubs with colorful berries and ornaments. Even silk flowers will do. Place them along the edges of your front porch and walk way. You can even put them in festive planters painted with seasonal designs and sit them on either side of your front door. Evergreen swags tied with red ribbons make a good accent for your porch rails.

Maybe you’d rather have something a little more elaborate in your yard. Snowmen are traditional and fun for kids to assemble. Inflatable lawn ornaments are also very popular. These decorations come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some reflect the season in a sober fashion, such as cross-shaped lawn decorations and inflatable Nativities. Others have a more comical slant. It’s not uncommon to find inflatable Santas on motorcycles, or inflatable reindeer playing poker. In the country, Santas on tractors are popular lawn decorations. Tropical locales might sport a set of pink flamingos pulling Santa’s sleigh. Inflatable lawn decorations provide instant cheer to those who see them.

Perhaps your family emphasizes the religious significance of the holiday. In that case, a classic Nativity scene would be a good choice for outdoor decoration. Nativities are available in all sorts of materials. You can find very expensive Nativities made from wood and resin, or more affordable plastic varieties. Some light up for a soft luminescence after nightfall.

The trees in your yard can also sport lovely ornaments. To be kind to the local wildlife, don’t use anything that would be harmful if ingested. Opt for natural ornaments made from fruits, nuts, and seeds. Orange slices are popular because they catch the sunlight light like tiny sheets of stained glass. Dry them out and suspend them from bits of yarn. Squirrels will probably make off with the ornaments while birds will use the yarn to pad their nests, but at least you’ll know they’ve gone to a good cause.

And while you’re decorating your outdoors, don’t forget the outdoor Christmas lights. Think of some of the most beautifully decorated lawns you’ve seen. Chances are, they were lit by countless twinkling lights. Weave strands of light through your fence and dangle icicle lights from your roof. Use luminaries, little bags that glow from within, to light the edges of your sidewalk and driveway. Leave electric candles on your porch to greet visitors with warmth and light.

When guests arrive at your front door, be sure that you’ve given them an eye-catching wreath to admire. Wreaths come in all colors and styles. Choose evergreen needles for a classic look, or a pine cone wreath that’s reminiscent of Fall and the harvest. You can find wreaths that come pre-lit, tinsel wreaths in designer colors, and even cartoon wreaths that feature popular animated characters. Wreath hangers can also be used to add an extra splash of color. Choose one that contrasts nicely with the colors on your door wreath.

Indoor Decorations

Once inside, your visitors will enjoy gazing upon your lovely decorations. Pine swags, red ribbons, and candles can be combined to create a down-home feel. Use table runners and throw blankets as colorful accents. Depending on the theme you chose for your decorations, there’s really no limit to what you can do. Garlands are a fun and inexpensive way to add some flair to any room. Drape them from light fixtures, shower rods, and mirrors. Wrap them around stair railings and lay them across mantles. You can even enlist the help of your kids; they love making garlands from cereal, popcorn, or dried cranberries, and they’ll have endless ideas about where to string them up.

Christmas table centerpieces are a charming addition to your spread. They can be simple affairs with a personal touch made from a few personal ornaments placed on the centerpiece, or they can be lavish displays of jeweled fruits and fine silver candlesticks. Bake Christmas cookies and lay them out on the perimeter of a huge circular plate. Your guests will love nibbling at the cookie “wreath” while they visit. If you’ve got a light fixture that hangs over your dinner table, hang some Christmas ornaments from it. Find ways to fit in a little bit of holiday color in every room.

The Christmas tree itself will likely be the central focus of your decorations. Whether you choose a artificial Christmas tree or a real evergreen, dazzle your guests with the lights and ornaments you select to trim its branches. Fiber optic trees provide a very dramatic, kaleidoscope effect as they shift colors. Flocked trees are full of snowy charm. Upside-down trees are a modern invention; they leave a lot of room for gifts below.

Your Christmas decorations shouldn’t be limited to one tree and one wreath. Spread holiday cheer throughout your house and yard. Find great Chrismas decorations with ease on the internet. Soon you’ll have a house full of admiring guests, and a reputation for the best holiday decorations on the block.