Environmental holiday decorating for your exterior entrance—the green way to deck the halls

This time of year brings a notorious problem: overconsumption and an impulse to buy things you don’t necessarily need (decorations, we’re looking at you!). If you, like everyone else, are committed to reducing your environmental footprint, why not use some of our eco-friendly advice and ideas when you decorate your exterior entrance this year? The planet will thank you!

 

Shine bright

Aren’t lights the best way to create an enchanting atmosphere? We love to string them up all over! If you want to reduce your energy use, go for LED lights. They use up to 90% less electricity than conventional bulbs, and last 20 times longer to boot! You can also find sets of solar-powered LED lights. They cost a bit more, but they’re a great choice for decorating parts of the property with no power outlet. Save even more energy with a timer that activates your lights when the sun goes down and turns them off at your usual bedtime.

 

Don’t buy, reuse

Reusing decorations from previous years instead of buying new ones is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. And if you really need some novelty, try checking out some Christmas bazaars! You can find some fresh decorations without spending money on more new things. Another option is organizing an exchange with your friends who are tired of their Christmas decorations. Make it a real happening event for an activity that’s as functional as it is fun!

 

Make use of the bounty of nature

 

Branches of pine, spruce and fir: Deck the halls with these boughs to make wreaths, adorn the columns on your porch, decorate planters or to put in large ceramic pots on either side of your door.

Dried orange slices: Hang them from your wreath or tie them to a pine garland with jute twine. It’s easy! Just thinly slice some oranges, place them on a perforated baking sheet and bake in the oven at 150℉. The amount of time it takes to dehydrate them may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices. Generally, they need 2 hours on each side. Check occasionally to prevent browning. Keep them someplace dry and you’ll be using them for years!

 

Pinecones: Use them to spruce up your wreaths or decorate planters or other ornamental items near your exterior entrance. You can also string them up to decorate your doorway.

 

Choose minimalist decor

All you need to make decoration magic is a few well-thought-out ornaments. Quality over quantity isn’t just more environmentally friendly; the results are often much prettier!

 

Salvage the antiques in your possession

Vintage and rustic styles are very in fashion right now! Try these ideas out and you’ll be sure to cause a stir!

• Stick some pine branches in that old galvanized steel watering can that’s lying around in the garden shed. 
• Lean up your father’s sled or wooden toboggan against the wall of your house near the entryway. Do the same with the wooden skis you found in your aunt’s attic!
• Hang up your pair of old white skates by the side of the door, adorned with some pine cuttings and vintage Christmas baubles.

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Love Christmas decorations, but find that your entryway can get real chaotic real fast? Read our article about year-round functional entryways right here.