Deck the halls inside and out with these easy decoration DIYs
Steven Sabados shared how to make unique holiday accents that happily break with tradition
Decorating this time of year can sometimes feel repetitive. The same wreath comes out of storage and onto the front door, or some past-its-prime garland makes its way back onto the banister. This year, Steven Sabados urges us all to break with tradition and make an extra-festive first impression, starting with the porch. Think plenty of greenery, and pretty vignettes to greet your guests. It doesn't have to be time-consuming or even expensive – here are some of Steven's fast, easy and foolproof ways to shake up your entryway and porch this holiday season.
Outdoor
Festive porch furniture facelift
Set the mood of the front door with a bright piece of furniture in a festive colour. Steven painted this old rocking chair red, and now it takes on a whole new appeal. Move your old pieces from the basement or garage to your porch and bring them up-to-date and ready for the holidays with just a coat of paint. Here's how.
What you'll need:
- Old furniture
- Outdoor paint or woodstain
- Paint brushes
- Blanket (optional)
- Pillow (optional)
Directions:
1. Paint or stain your furniture red. Two coats will leave a more durable finish. Let dry.
2. Pull a car blanket out from the back seat for some added cozy, and add matching outdoor pillows to help set the scene.
3. Attach everything to the chair with zip ties so that none of your items blow away or end up on someone else's porch.
Twist on the wreath
Wreaths are great, but the same one can get boring year after year. Instead, try an arrangement centred around an old sled. We found ours at a hobby store, and antique stores or craft stores might carry them as well. This DIY will be the first impression your house will make this holiday season, and it's a great one!
What you'll need:
- Sled
- Greenery
- Metal bucket
- Candy canes
- Ribbon
Directions:
1. Deck your sled out with greenery.
2. Attach a small bucket of candy canes to the outside.
3. Tie a note to offer a sweet treat to anyone who visits.
4. Adorn with ribbon and an oversized ornament.
5. Hang it all from the hook you normally use for the wreath.
DIY Planter
Make old rubber boots take on new life for the holidays by turning them into a great planter.
What you'll need:
- Rubber boots
- Gravel
- Spray paint
- Berries or branches
Directions:
1. Spray paint your rubber boots a shade that compliments your house.
2. Fill the boots with gravel so they don't blow over.
3. Add coordinating berries or branches.
Indoor
Banister
This is a twist on a traditional wrapped banister we all see every year.
What you'll need:
- Greenery
- Black burlap
- Coordinating ornaments and berries from outdoors
- String
Directions:
1. Tie bunches of greenery together, one bunch for each banister post you want the garland to rest on.
2. Attach one every 1½-2 feet, to get that traditional greenery look.
3. Adorn with coordinating ornaments and berries from outdoors.
4. Tie the floral bunches together by draping a long piece of black burlap between them.
Resource guide:
- Bench
- Baskets
- Burlap ribbon
- Sled
- Tin
- Boots
- Rocking chair