DIY outdoor christmas decoration ideas
Outdoor christmas decor
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My project 16.
Waiting for Christmas – in classic style
Christmas cracker
Christmas cracker is a popular tradition in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Commonwealth countries. The happy and playful gift was adopted by many countries already, but it is frequently used on other festive or even birthday parties also.
Its base is a zig-zag segmented cardboard tube which is wrapped in color paper, just like a huge fondant. Commonly red, green and gold colors are dominant. When it is pulled apart by two people at its two ends, it has a mild bang sound. As to the tradition, it is a part of the Christmas table set, there is one of it on every plates of the guests. There are small objects inside the cracker: a paper crown (which is worn during the dinner), a quote or riddle, a small toy, for adults another small thing instead of toy (for example bijou).
Its origin dates back to the 1840s. It was invented by a sweets-seller in London, to wrap bonbons in a similar tube. When the sales began to decline, he did a trick and inserted love messages on papers near the sweets. The idea of adding the crackle element came when he heard the crackle of logs on the fire. The variation with presents was introduced and made popular by his son.
Christmas cracker set commonly of 3, 6 or 12 pieces are sold in several places in the Anglo-Saxon countries. It can be purchased in several sizes and all colors of the rainbow. The sets for children and adults are separated. However, it can be made easily by DIY with a toilet paper roll and a Christmas wrapping paper.
Let’s try this funny present this year if you would like to surprise your family at the festive table.
Other christmas shades
Choose not the common shades of red and green for a fresher look of traditional christmas decoration
Pines for Christmas tree
Horticultures begin to select pine trees for Christmas at the beginning of November. We have to decide in every year, what kind of species to buy which fits for our taste and purse.
Spruce is the most common species. Needles are short and dark green. Its characteristic resin smell immediately evokes the feeling of Christmas. Its price is very favorable. Disadvantages: It drops the needles soon in the warm air, it can go bust even in a couple of days in the room.
Needles of Nordmann fir are lighter in color and the ends are blunt, so not spiky. Its shape is neat, it is very durable, doesn’t drop its needles even in the warm room. Its smell is not so strong but the branches are well decorated. It has higher price.
Black pine is harder to decorate because of its long, dark, spiky needles. Its branches are quite resinous. It is durable also and tolerates warm well. Its shape is more irregular, but the price is also favorable.
Blue spruce or silver fir – as its name indicates – is different in color. The needles are green but with silver tone and have a wax layer on them. Because of this it stores water better, loses its needles in a longer time. Branches are denser than the other species. It is a perfect choice for vintage and shabby chic styles.
Douglas fir is rare in Christmas tree markets, not available everywhere. It has slender shape and loose structure, can be decorated easily. It lasts long even in the room. Needles are soft and have citrus-like smell. The price is moderately high.
When choosing a suitable Christmas tree, consider durability beyond the size and price.
Gift tags
Unique and smart christmas gift tags
My project 12.
In full christmas feather
Yule log
The origin of Yule Log as a symbol of Christmas is unknown. in the first written record is in the 17th century. Commonly the German folklore is thought to be its cradle. This tradition is popular firstly in Western Europe, in the USA and in Canada.
In old days, this huge hardwood log was carefully selected in the forest. The log was blessed with oil or holy water before the youngest member of the family lit it. Quenching it or lit it again meant misfortune. It had to burn at whole Christmas night to provide light and warmth. Candles were lit with its flame also. The ash of the burnt yule log was gathered and kept because it was believed to keep the devil away and protect the house from stroke of lightning.
However, huge open house stoves have been replaced by much smaller and closed ovens, so the tradition transformed. The smaller logs were decorated and placed on the center of the set table. Instead of burning it, candles were placed on it and lit.
The first yule log cake was made by a Parisian confectioner at the end of the 19th century which spread soon instead of real logs. This roll was filled with butter cream and covered with chocolate or coffee cream and was patterned outside to be similar to a log. It is sprinkled with powdered sugar which reminds us to snow. It is frequently decorated with mushrooms made of marzipan and holly branch. It will be a showy and delicious table centerpiece.
Ask for advice of an interior designer for implementing special Christmas traditions also.
Floral christmas tree
Unusual solution decorate a christmas tree with flowers but it shows a traditional mood
Unusual finials
Decorating the Christmas tree is always a joyful activity. Placing the finial means the end of the job and crowning the tree. Commonly this is a star, an angel or a glass finial. There are of course other solutions complying to the style of the decoration and the colors of the room.
A large, richly tied bow is a good supplemental of the Christmas tree’s ornaments. If its two cords are long enough, they can be even led around the tree. The total effect will be like the tree itself belonged to the gifts waiting for opening.
Winter animal figures could be finials also, e.g. owl, northern cardinal, reindeer, polar bear. Fix it with a wire. Pay attention to its weight, it shouldn’t be too heavy not to pull down the center twig.
The initial of the family name makes the Christmas tree even more intimate. Let’s have the letter cut out of foam, polystyrene or plywood. Decorate it with paint, wrapping paper, ribbons, glitter etc., as we wish. It will be a true family-made surprise.
Let’s decorate a black top-hat with glittering ribbon, holly berry twig or even small globe ornaments. Fix it to the top of the tree, a bit aslope. The tree will remind us to a snowman built in the garden.
Similar to that before, a Santa Claus hat is perfectly suitable also. Sprinkle it with golden glitter after fixing it to the top. If we want to raise the similarity with Santa Claus, place a pair of black boots under the tree, the twigs of the tree should cover the bootlegs.
Ask for help of an interior designer for more ideas.
