Top 10 Outdoor Christmas Decorating Ideas

1. Add a holiday wreath to your front door. For additional style, choose a theme such as all white lighting and white ribbons in the wreath. A few well placed holiday balls in complimentary colors can also add a punch of style to an ordinary wreath.

2. Add foil wrap and a ribbon to the front door. Nowadays you can get foil wrap that is resistant to outside elements in 36 to 40 inch wide rolls. Simply attach the wrapping to the front of the door and add a ribbon to give it some additional pizzazz.

3. Less can more - don't overdo the lighting. Your home does not need to look like an airport to show your holiday spirit.

4. Add electric candles to windows. Simple and timeless, candles have for many years set apart homes celebrating the holidays.

5. Drape garland around deck railings. Garland in green, silver or gold can add a touch of whimsy to a drab entry way.

6. Replace the door mat with something more festive. Your standard black mat for scraping boots is good for almost all of the year but during the holidays; try swapping it out for something more seasonal.

7. Use red bows as accents. Tie them to garland, wreaths, and even to lights to add charm and warmth to your home.

8. Add poinsettia plants in a holiday planting pot to each side of the door. Just adding a drab terracotta pot won't do during the holidays. Be sure that the planting pot compliments the other colors of your decorations.

9. Add fake icing to corners of windows to give the illusion of frost. This is always a child pleaser in my family. The kids love adding frost to the windows.

10. Stick to one theme. Don't try to please everyone, just please yourself. Remember that you don't need to compete with the neighbors. You want to decorate is a fashion that reflects your beliefs and style.

Regardless of your budget, you can always find special and unique ways to decorate your home for the holidays. When decorating, be sure to keep safety first on your priority list. Don't overreach when on a ladder and don't overload electrical receptacles. Also be sure to secure electrical extension cords so they are not a tripping hazard. Nothing ruins the holidays like a visit to the emergency room.