For some, the day after Thanksgiving means shopping Black Friday sales. While I love partaking in a good deal—who doesn’t?—for me, the fourth Friday in November is always the start of the Christmas season. You can catch me putting out my décor bright and early (following a slice of pecan pie for breakfast, of course). I’m busy swapping out my home’s autumnal color palette for something a bit more holiday-appropriate. We’re talking all the silvers, reds, golds, and greens.
Depending on the year too, I might make a day out of chopping down a tree. Or, if things feel a bit too busy, I’ll pull out the quick and easy artificial fir I keep just in case. But in the frenzy of making my space a winter wonderland, I get so caught up in decking the indoor halls that I forget about the all-important outdoor décor. Well, not this year. I’ve made 2021 all about spreading joy, and in an effort to bring holiday cheer to everyone, I’m putting as much time into my outdoor set-up as I am indoors. With that, I’ve rounded up the best outdoor Christmas decorations so you can join the festivities and fun.
Does anyone else associate the “keeping up with Joneses” idiom with holiday décor? While Martha May Whovier’s Christmas light gun immediately comes to mind, I’m also reminded of social media’s ability to bring out our natural tendency to compare. And honestly, that sentiment seems to be most prevalent during this time of year. If you come across a post that makes you feel even the tiniest bit inadequate, take this invitation. Embrace your holiday aesthetic and decorate in whatever way feels most true for you. Classic, relatively minimalist, and with a nod to tradition, the outdoor Christmas decorations I’ve rounded up below fit best in nearly any holiday home. Let the list inspire you, and try incorporating a few of the products into your own unique outdoor décor.
feature image by michelle nash
Christmas Trees
Wondershop™ Pre-lit Artificial Christmas Tree (Set of 2)
Let these small and charming, pre-lit trees add a warm glow to your walkway.
Wondershop™ Pre-lit Artificial Christmas Tree (Set of 2), $75
West Elm Potted Cashmere Pine Trees (Set of 2)
These holiday trees are the perfect blank canvas for all of your favorite ornaments and garlands. (Just be sure that whatever you decorate your trees with can handle the elements.)
Wondershop™ Pre-Lit Flocked Virginia Pine Potted Artificial Christmas Tree (Set of 2)
These artificial flocked pines illuminate and add a touch of ski chalet-chic to any outdoor space.
Wondershop™ Pre-Lit Flocked Virginia Pine Potted Artificial Christmas Tree (Set of 2), $100
Grandin Road Pre-lit Porch Tree
While the height adds drama (7 feet!), this tree’s slender tapered shape means that it won’t crowd your porch. If you live in a milder climate, you can even arrange a few wrapped gift boxes around the base to create a cozy feel.
Wreaths
West Elm Mixed Eucalyptus Wreath
No matter the season, you can always catch me weaving a little eucalyptus into my home’s décor. The fresh and bright scent is energizing in the best way possible, and I love the naturally vibrant color. This wreath uses freshly-cut plants for an outdoor accent that’ll offer a warm welcome to any guest.
While I love showing off a beautiful wreath, this hook’s refined finish is worthy of its own front door display.
Threshold™ Designed with Studio McGee Pine and Eucalyptus Wreath
This wreath’s faux construction makes it low-maintenance, while the mix of eucalyptus and pine invites the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
Threshold™ Designed with Studio McGee Pine and Eucalyptus Wreath, $35
Balsam Hill Mountain Meadow Foliage Wreath 26″
If you’re going for tradition, opt for this classic, wintry wreath. With a built-in timer, you can set the lights to illuminate your home all evening long.
Balsam Hill Mountain Meadow Foliage Wreath 26″, $129 (reg. $179)
Crate & Barrel Faux Red Berry Wreath 30″
Composed of twigs and faux red berries, this wreath will stand out beautifully when set against a white or black door.
Wondershop™ Matte Red Wreath Hanger
Nothing says Christmas cheer like a subtle accent of matte red. Made of solid metal and designed with a large hook, you won’t have any trouble hanging your wreath of choice.
Lanterns and Lights
Wondershop™ Decorative Metal Lantern
Functional, elegant, and elevated, these lanterns bring a modern and contemporary touch to the outside of your home.
Brighten up your stairway, porch railing, or anywhere that could use a touch of twinkly magic. Made with LED bulbs, this set of string lights will continue to shine night after night.
Wondershop™ Mercury Globe Dew Drop String Lights
More glamorous than gothic, these globe lights add a little drama to your décor without feeling too dark or dreary.
Wondershop™ Christmas Starburst Pure White (Set of 2)
Reflect the charming beauty of a starry winter night with this pair of white starburst lights. Hang them from the trees in your yard or off your front porch. Wherever you place them, get ready to enjoy their glittering and glistening effect.
Door Mats
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Merry Christmas Bordered Coir Doormat Tan/Red
Share some holiday cheer with guests to your home before they even step through the door when you set out this merry mat.
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Merry Christmas Bordered Coir Doormat Tan/Red, $12.99
Crate & Barrel Oh What Fun 22″x36″ Holiday Doormat
Keep it minimal but merry with this chic mat with a message that feels valid all year round. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of you and your visitors.
Frontgate Hit the Slopes Door Mat
Imagine you’re spending the holidays in a snow-capped cabin in Vermont. This hand-hooked mat is made with weather-resistant fibers, so you won’t have to feel bad about wiping off your boots before heading indoors.
Wondershop™ Holiday Truck Door Mat
Offer up a warm welcome to friends and family with this festive doormat. Charming and cheerful, it does double duty by keeping your space clean and free of muddy, snowy shoes.
Grandin Road Be Merry Coir Door Mat
Let this doormat be your reminder that there’s only a limited time to revel in the bright and merry month of December.
Yard Décor
Birch Lane LED Cone Tree Lighted Display (Set of 3)
This trio of trees can fit with nearly any Christmas décor. Whether you’re going for rustic elegance, cottage-chic, or trying to recreate the coziness of a cabin deep in the woods, these trees will do the trick. Just be sure to keep them on your porch—they won’t fare well out in the snow.
Birch Lane LED Cone Tree Lighted Display (Set of 3), $70 (reg. $85.99)
Wondershop™ Hello Winter and Merry Merry Christmas Reversible Standing Sign
A reversible sign means you get to choose which festive message you want to welcome your guests with.
Wondershop™ Hello Winter and Merry Merry Christmas Reversible Standing Sign, $20
Harlow Grey Rattan Leaping Doe & Fawn Outdoor Reindeer Figure
If you have the space, then this gorgeous leaping doe and fawn will light up your yard. Crafted from gray rattan and with 300 LED light bulbs (200 on the doe and 100 on the fawn) they will create a stunning display at night that is sure to wow your neighbors and guests this time of year.
Harlow Grey Rattan Leaping Doe & Fawn Outdoor Reindeer Figure, $349.99
Wondershop™Incandescent Tinsel Corgi Dog
If novelty is your thing, make dog lovers and all your canine guests happy with this Christmas corgi.
Pottery Barn Metal Santa Riding Sleigh And Reindeer Outdoor Yard Stake
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen! This classic yard stake evokes holiday excitement, year after year. Made with a durable metal frame, this display is easy to set up, just as soon as you’re ready to signal the season.
Pottery Barn Metal Santa Riding Sleigh And Reindeer Outdoor Yard Stake, $199
One and Done
West Elm Front Porch Holiday Tree, 4-Piece Set
If you’re looking for a one-and-done solution, then opt for this chic matching set from West Elm. Make your entry holiday ready in an instant—now, that’s the kind of solution we’re looking for during the busy season.
What outdoor decorations will you be decking the halls with this holiday season?
