Celebrate Home Improvement Projects This Holiday

December may be the season for Ho, Ho, Ho, but as Maryland’s number one choice for home improvement projects, we like to think of it as a time to show of your home, home, home.   And apparently, we’re not the only ones. Decorations alone account for around $200 of a consumer’s holiday spending. From ribbon and wreaths to tinsel and trees, consumers spare no expense when it comes to decorating their houses and lawns for the holidays. But with all that seasonal bling, how do you make your home stand out? Here are some ideas to make your place Santa’s favorite this year.

Deck-orate Porches and Patios

If you want to greet guests with good cheer, let your front door do the talking. Wreaths, pine cones, and garland are traditional favorites, but don’t be afraid to try something bold. Enhancing the entrance with door-sized wrapping paper sets the stage for holiday fun. Another idea is to wrap it with over-sized ribbon and tie it like a bow. Complete the porch scene with mini-evergreens or topiaries draped in silver tinsel or red ribbons.

Don’t forget to deck out the backyard, too, especially if the winter is mild and you’ll be doing any holiday entertaining outdoors. String garland, lights, and candy canes along deck railings and bring color to your deck by dressing furniture with plaid blankets and red and green throw pillows. Marking your patio’s perimeter will never look better than when using planters filled with poinsettias.

Make Your Fence Fancy

This is a great opportunity to highlight your new fence installation from Excel Fencing & Decking. Traditional classics like twinkle lights, garland, holly, and red bows are the perfect accompaniments for picket fences and post-and-rail fences. Weave white and red ribbon through the rails of your aluminum fence or accentuate it with icicle lights. Lattice lets you dangle ornaments, stockings, and tinsel, while wrought-iron gates offer ideal space to hang over-sized wreaths.

Light It Up

Of course, no holiday set-up would be complete without a light display. From twinkling lights to chasing lights to even color-changing lights, these little bulbs really brighten a property. And hanging is a breeze thanks to light clips that easily attach to gutters, shingles, and vinyl siding. Icicle lights and string lights work well along the roof line, around windows, and even wrapped around trees and shrubs. To really make it sparkle, though, try hanging shiny all-weather ornaments in silver and gold just below the lights. And don’t be shy to illuminate the back yard. Gazebos, pergolas, and deck railings all look fabulous when properly decked out.

Whether you are stringing lights around the awning or hanging garland around a privacy fence, we urge everyone to be careful. Only use durable ladders and always have a helper to hold it in place. Avoid hanging in wet weather when surfaces are slippery. Keep extension cords away from walking areas, and tape them down or cover with mats when possible. Never put lights in trees that are touching power lines, and only use waterproof lights specifically designed for outdoor use.

If you’re like us, you take a lot of pride in your property, so don’t be afraid to let it shine this season. The holidays only come once a year, so celebrate it by spotlighting your latest home remodeling or construction project. And if there’s still work to be done, Excel Fencing & Decking is here to help. Our professionals can wrap up all your projects, and we’ll even bring the bow.