The last two years have been stressful and challenging, so we are all looking forward to a fun holiday season. While South Florida’s weather may seem contrary to holiday decorating, there are many fun ways to turn your home into a tropical holiday oasis. Adding festive flair to your house is a great way to raise spirits and bring joy to the neighborhood – but can a Sarasota home look like a Currier and Ives Christmas card? While a winter wonderland may not be possible, a Gulf Coast holiday has a beauty all its own. Here are some tips to get your imagination started with holiday decorating ideas.
A classic holiday decorating principle keeps things simple. A great first step in creating a traditional holiday scene is decluttering your existing landscape, front porch, and yard decorations. A few well-placed holiday decorations can transform your yard and curb appeal.
Spruce up Your Beds: If you switch out your flower beds for the winter, add potted poinsettias for the month of December. These plants can be placed in plant beds, along walkways, or around your porch. They add festive and vibrant color to your landscape and can be removed after the holiday. Remember, poinsettia leaves can be toxic to pets. Therefore if you have a dog or cat that wanders your yard, be sure to keep them away from these plants.
Recreate the Snow: Let’s face it, the chance of snowfall in Sarasota or Manatee County is rather slim. But if you love the look of the white stuff covering plants and trees, purchase (or make) some fake snow. Try a snow machine to simulate flurries over your house, flock some juniper bushes, or decorate your entranceway with some fake snow or DIY icicle decorations.
Jazz Up the Doorway: Swags are a great way to decorate a doorway, and you can use pine branches, pine cones, or even festive material to create a beautiful swag. (Check out craft stores if you’d like to use faux pine cones or branches to save your decor for next year. ) Don’t forget a big red bow to center your creation. Of course, a wreath is a classic way to adorn the doorway – but it is also a great way to showcase your creativity. Make a wreath of festive flip flops or palm fronds, and you’ve got holiday decorations that celebrate the beauty and fun of South Florida.
Decorate Your Palm Trees: As most of us don’t have pine trees in our yards, we are left decorating our palm trees. But this is hardly a concession – have you ever seen a beautifully lit-up palm tree? It’s gorgeous! Get a ladder and spend the time to weave the lights through the fronds, but be careful of thorns!
Make it a Beach Christmas: Animatronics and inflatables make fun additions to any front year – do a little online searching and see if you can find holiday scenes from the beach or Santa doing a little fishing!
Holiday Safety
On a more serious note, holiday decorations can be dangerous if not installed correctly. You’ll want to make sure that you utilize extension cords and wiring rated for outdoor use; be careful not to overload your circuits, and keep wires and outlets away from children and pets. Click this link for more details on keeping your home safe during the holiday season.
Anderson & Associates Insurance Group are home insurance experts based in Palmetto, Florida. We wish you and your family and safe and happy holiday season.
