Decorating the Great Outdoors
Author: Arleen M. Kaptur
If you have an old wooden planter or barrel
in your shed or garage, bring it out. Bend some heavy wire into a handle
and nail or staple it to the barrel. Wrap or staple garlands of
evergreens around the barrel and handle, and then tuck some holly,
clusters of pinecones, and assorted seasonal sprigs between the
garlands. Cover the dirt inside of the barrel with a very generous
amount of snow. Fill your basket with apples, Indian corn, or dried
oranges, dried cranberries, etc. - A gift basket on your front lawn for
nature's children to enjoy.
Animals and birds give us so much
during the entire year, a treat for the Holidays just seems
appropriate. Another treat
for your "outdoor" friends, besides the popcorn and
cranberry garlands - (birds and squirrels just love this) Spread
stale bagel halves with peanut butter or honey and then dip in
birdseed. Use twine strung through the hole in the bagel and use as
tree ornaments on your outdoor limbs. Brightly colored bows will
attract a myriad of birds to your "treat" tree and your
entire family will enjoy watching the "new arrivals" come
and join the festivities.
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Window boxes that were delightful in
the summer can be put to good use during the winter time as well.
Use sand, pea gravel or dit to hold greenery and berries in place.
Start with the taller and fuller items in the middle and work toward
the ends with the smaller and less full sprigs. Evergreen, boxwood
and pines are fantastic in outdoor arrangements. Don't be afraid to
blend colors and textures - its the Holiday season and just being
outdoors and working on your home is pure enjoyment.
Add a splash of color to outdoor
buildings can also be a fun way of decorating the outdoors. A
clementine wreath is just spectacular with its bright arrangements
of seasonal fruit. The wreath is heavy and does need to be securely
hung on doors and buildings. Using a plastic foam ring,
approximately 12" in diameter, use fine wire and punch through
the clementines (about 27 of them) to go around. The wire should go
completely through the fruit and be long enough to bend down again,
as a hairpin to attach to the wreath. Add assorted greens using the
same technique as well as bright dried berries and other touches.
Different, very bright, and colorful and a dramatic touch to your
outdoor area.
Decorating your home for the Holidays
does include the outdoors as well as the indoors. Its fun and a great
way to spend a week-end - enjoying the weather, being outside, and
having fun - the bonus - a beautiful home inside and out. ENJOY!
About the Author:
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November Wishing you and all your loved ones
a truly Memorable, Enchanting, and totally wonderful Holiday Season
Please subscribe to our free Holiday newsletters: e-mail : akaptur@centurytel.net
to subscribe or visit: http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
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