Olioboard Inspiration: Creative Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations

Entry #3032, November 20, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Inspiring Contemporary Thanksgiving’ from Tabitha Loudon . Today, I feature Cari Murphy who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us creative outdoor ideas for Thanksgiving decorating. Whether you’re looking to add festive color, natural elements or festive cheer for the upcoming holidays, take a look at these creative outdoor additions.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

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Olioboard Inspiration #50

‘Creative Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations’ – Cari Murphy

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and nothing welcomes your family and friends more than a beautifully decorated yard and entry. Your neighbors and passers-by will also benefit from the visual delight you present them with. Make your yard and entry way a welcoming place that kicks off the holiday season and honors the time you will be spending with family and friends. This is a time of festivity, coming together and expressing gratitude for the blessings we have received.

Think ahead to the holiday season

Thinking ahead for the whole of the holiday season can also save you some valuable time and money. If you plan in advance you can go ahead and put out some decorations that with a few modifications can be used for the Christmas holiday too.

Go ahead and hang up some garlands with lighting or rope lighting which you can then spruce up when you are ready to decorate for Christmas. When hanging your lights make sure they are safe and working before putting into position, also purchase some spare bulbs just in case.

Autumn colors to your Thanksgiving outdoor home

Think of the colors of autumn when putting outdoor Thanksgiving decorations out and the time of year and place wreaths or swags on your doors and windows. Create little vignettes in your yard and on your porch that express your personality. Highlighting these with a spotlight can create a dramatic effect at night. Hay stacks, pumpkins, turkeys,cornucopias  and gourds are very popular decorative items. Hang a decorative flag from your front porch or put one in a planter in your yard. There is an abundance of decorative wooden signs too that you can add in to your décor and don’t forget to  place  a new seasonal door mat in front of your door.

For apartment and condo dwellers, just because you don’t have a yard doesn’t mean you to have miss out on getting into the holiday spirit. If you can’t paint your door, hang  pretty paper on it and place a sign, wreath or swag on it framed with led lighting or a garland. Place a door mat outside and create a little vignette with pumpkins, gourds, hay bales or cornstalks, be sure to include some of the beautifully colored mums that are available this time of year. Your only limitation is the extent of your imagination and maybe your pocket. There are many budget friendly decorations on the market today thus making a little bit of money go a long way in creating a festive atmosphere.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. It is a time to create new memories and to cherish old ones. What can be better than sitting around with family and friends and eating a fabulous meal. Enjoy the day and the kick off to the rest of the season. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “ As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

About Cari Murphy

I am a forty-something mother of three young men who has had a lifelong passion for interior design. I am currently studying Interior Design through the Interior Design Institute. I discovered Olioboard during this past year and spend time daily there between the site itself and the fan room. I currently sell gift baskets and you can also find me on Facebook.