Outdoor Christmas decors that will keep guests at your door

Christmas is at the doorway, the odor of this beautiful day is diffusing in the air and the final goodbye to 2018 is on its way.

Christmas is a merry-making time and the tradition of decorating a house is one of the most awaited occasions every year. It is never Christmas for a Christian family if there no decorations.

Most people focus on decorating the interior of their houses and leave out the exterior. The exterior of a house is equally important as the interior and deserves beautiful decorations too.

There is a lot that can be done to make the outdoor of your house, shop or even your street look beautiful.

According to Christine Nalubwama, an interior designer, there is nothing subtle about Christmas and Christmas décor. 

"Don't be shy to go all out this season. Whether it's indoor or outdoor, I like to keep the traditional colors red, green. Gold and silver," she says.

Nalubwama believes the decorations in and outside your house or workplace will help usher the Christmas spirit to the guests that pay you a visit.

I guess you are wondering what could be the perfect designs for your home to look like a Christmas castle! Here is what you can look out for.

Lighting: Warm Christmas lights will hit your home right away. If you are feeling adventurous, go white and multicolored. Wind these in the trees, get creative with them on your building, think about shapes that speak of Christmas like snowflakes, Santa, stars, let the lights take those shapes against the outside/ façade of your building. For public places, try to keep the lights in static form rather than the 'dancing' mode.

  Christmas décor in the gardens of Sheraton Hotel Kampala .Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

Christmas Garlands: They are perfect for staircases; wind these as well on rails, bars, the balcony, and yes, you can still add ornaments and lights to it. These simply add warmth to the usually bare rails and balconies.

Christmas garland on the staircase. These simply add warmth to the usually bare rails and balconies. Photo by Derrick Otim

Christmas Garlands on the edge of the door. Photo by Derrick Otim

 
Wreaths: You know those rings of green with 'Merry Christmas' in gold running across the center; they make a beautiful statement on doors, even on windows. 

Tip: Centre your wreath in proportion to door, window or even that interesting wall that is facing your guests.

You know those rings of green with 'Merry Christmas' in gold running across the center; they make a beautiful statement on doors, even on windows.

Wooden crates, logs, lanterns: These can be placed at your entrances. Rustic décor is trending now and it is easily accessible here in Uganda. Wooden crates and logs accessorized with Christmas garland and ornaments make for an artistic welcome for your guests. Add lanterns with candles or even that hurricane lamp and you will have the greatest conversations with your guests/ clients.

The Christmas tree: It could still work outdoors you know. People used to cut natural trees back in the 80s and 90s, today the artificial tree still says it's Christmas without the needles falling over the floor. You can get one from Aristoc or from Kikuubo.

People used to cut natural trees back in the 80s and 90s, today the artificial tree still says it's Christmas without the needles falling over the floor. Photo by Derrick Otim

 
Tip: Pinterest is your friend and so is Google, ask these friends or a trusted decorator to help you design your tree. There's an art to the process of fluffing, winding lights and placing those ornaments in an appealing manner.

For people who might not know where to get some of these décor items, you can pick your decor items, mix and match with downtown and uptown at Kikuubo, Supermarkets around town, Aristoc and Danube. 

Get excited, have fun and get creative as you set up for Christmas this season