December is here, and it’s time to bring the holiday spirit to our outdoor spaces! At Artcapes, holiday decor should never clash with your beautiful landscape design. Instead, I show my clients how to use natural materials and existing structure to create an elegant, sustainable display.
Use Your Yard’s Greenery
Forget the store garlands. I want you to look right outside first! Real Virginia greenery looks and smells better, and using your own clippings saves waste.
I make garlands look full and professional by layering. Start with sturdy pieces like Pine or Cedar, then add softer Boxwood and bright red Winterberry Holly. This mix keeps your greens looking great for weeks.
Decorate Using What You Already Have
The secret to a sharp holiday look is using your home’s fixed features (hardscaping) as your guide. Use your columns and railings as anchors:
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Frame Your Space: Use columns and porch railings to hold your decor. Drape garlands here, or wrap simple, warm white lights around posts to show off clean lines.
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Smart Containers: Keep your best outdoor pots out! I replace flowers with hardy plants like dwarf Alberta Spruce or Holly. Then add pinecones or birch logs on top for a natural, easy style.
Better Lights: Easy and Bright
Great lighting is smart, not overwhelming. A good lighting plan makes your home and plants look great, even in winter.
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Choose Warm White: I recommend warm white LED lights. They save energy and give off a nice, soft glow that looks very classy.
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Light Up the Shape: Instead of wrapping every branch, I focus on lighting the trunks and big branches of a few key trees. This makes your trees look like sophisticated, lighted sculptures.
By focusing on natural materials and decorating with your existing design, your holiday display will be elegant, smart, and truly Artscapes Living.
Ready to plan a thoughtful landscape that truly shines during every season? Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation!
Pragya Mishra is the Founder and Principal of Artscapes, LLC, a Northern Virginia-based landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing outdoor transformations that bring you joy. With 22 years of professional experience, she works closely with each client and her network of top-tier contractors to make each project vision a reality. Follow Artscapes on Instagram @artscapes_living and see examples of past projects on her website, www.artscapesliving.com.
