10 Neat Things about Holiday Decor
Designing outdoor décor for frigid winters means choosing elements that embrace the beauty of snow, ice, and enduring evergreens – perfect for creating a festive vibe in the coldest conditions. Choose evergreen boughs, berries and colourful twigs, add some colourful decor and lights, and you’ll have a gorgeous winter wonderland to view every night!
1. Cold-weather greens.
Hardy evergreens like spruce, cedar, and pine are perfect for surviving sub-zero temperatures. These species retain their colour and shape even in the harshest Canadian winters, making them ideal for long-lasting displays.
2. Berry tough.
Real winter berries, such as those from winterberry holly, are incredibly cold-hardy and can remain vibrant even in temperatures as low as -30 Celsius. Faux berries are also a great option to ensure they maintain their look throughout the season.
3. Lights in the cold.
Standard alkaline batteries in outdoor lights can stop working below -20°C, as the chemical reactions slow in extreme cold. For better performance, use lithium batteries, which function well down to -40 Celsius, perfect for frigid Canadian winters. As well, solar-powered lights may struggle to store enough energy during shorter, overcast winter days. Consider rechargeable lights with a power bank or plug-in LED lights for guaranteed brightness through long winter nights.
4. More than the house.
You can light more than the outside of your house and a couple of trees with a twinkly string or two. Drape lights artfully in and amongst your planters and through garlands of greens along fences and railings. Have the kids built a snowman? or do you have some deer made of twisted branches? Light them up with spotlights.
5. Frozen fragrances.
Scent doesn’t carry well in freezing weather. When it’s below about -10 Celsius, people’s ability to detect smells diminishes because of reduced moisture in the air and decreased sensitivity in nasal passages. If you’re in a milder area, include things like cinnamon sticks in your planters. In colder areas, instead of scented accents, focus on visual impact with bold colours and textures.
6. Branches that shine.
Include branches like red osier dogwood or gold-tipped cedar to create striking colour contrasts against the snow. Lengths of paperbark birch are always a hit. These naturally bright branches can withstand even the coldest weather without fading.
7. Frostproof accents.
Opt for frost-resistant ornaments and materials, like plastic or metal, that won’t crack in freezing temperatures. Glass decorations are less durable in extreme cold and can shatter with temperature fluctuations.
8. Snow’s impact.
Embrace the natural effects of snow and ice. If snow piles up on your planter, it can create a frosted, festive effect. Add artificial snow spray (look for eco-friendly varieties) or glitter to branches beforehand displaying them, especially in areas without much snow.
9. Temperature-proof adhesives.
If you’re attaching ornaments or bows, use cold-weather outdoor adhesives or florist’s wire, as traditional glues can lose effectiveness in sub-zero temperatures. (I didn’t consider this last year when decorating the wreath that gets hung up high on my house; forgive me if it looks a little bare this year!)
10. Strategic placement.
Position planters in areas protected from harsh wind exposure. While hardy materials hold up well, shielding your display from icy blasts can prolong its appearance and prevent ornaments from blowing away.
