Home for the Holidays: 10 Genius Hacks for Festive Curb Appeal

‘Tis not the season to repaint the front door or replace the fence. But a well-placed garland over an entryway or the golden glow from a candle in the window can add instant curb appeal (and make guests feel welcome). Here are 11 ways to spruce up for the holiday season:

Outdoor Ornaments

Above: See more of these coppery outdoor ornaments in DIY: Christmas Windowboxes. Photograph by Liesa Johannssen.

You also can hang baubles on a tree or shrub near the front door.

Red Ribbons

Above: One red bow is all it takes to make visitors feel welcome at an entryway. Laurent Franchini of The Cook’s Atelier delivers an armload of  firewood at home in Burgundy.

See more at Christmas in Burgundy: At Home with the Expat Family Behind the Cook’s Atelier on Remodelista. Photograph (and the featured image at the top of the post) by Anson Smart, courtesy of The Cook’s Atelier.

Light the Way

Above: Botanical ice lanterns; for step-by-step instructions, see DIY: Botanical Ice Lanterns.

Place candles, lanterns, or luminarias on stoops or alongside paths.

Swag Swagger

Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.

For step-by-step directions to make tiny holiday swags to hang outdoors or in, see

DIY: Holiday Decor for Small Spaces.

Tiny Trees

Above: Photograph via Terrain.

Put a miniature holiday tree on the front porch.

White Lights

Above: Photograph by John Merkl.

If your house is painted white, add a snowy touch in any climate with more tiny white string lights.

Wintry Window Boxes

Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.

Add evergreen boughs, small birch logs, and twinkly lights to create a woodland vignette in a window box.

Fire Escapes

Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.

Garlands and a strand of little white lights goes a long way in the city.

Candles in the Window

Above: See more at Christmas in Burgundy: At Home with the Expat Family Behind the Cook’s Atelier on Remodelista. Photograph by Anson Smart, courtesy of The Cook’s Atelier.

Put a candle in the window–or even better, several candles in several windows–to welcome guests with golden light.

Show the Way

Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.

Even before it stops snowing, shovel a narrow path on the stairs or front walkway to make it look like you’re ready for company–and to make easier for the mail carrier to deliver holiday cards.

For more holiday curb appeal inspiration, see:

• House Call: Christmas Decor by Loppelilla in Norway
• Curb Appeal: 11 Ways to Make Your House Look Welcoming in Winter
• Garden Visit: At Home at Juniper Hill Farm in New Hampshire