As Gilbert homeowners eagerly decorate for the changing seasons, it’s easy to get carried away in the excitement. While unleashing your creativity is part of the fun, certain missteps can quickly take your display from delightful to disastrous. To ensure your seasonal decor enhances your home’s charm, watch out for these common faux pas.
Overloading Your Outlets
Safety should always be priority number one when setting up outdoor lighting and animated decor. One of the most frequent mistakes is plugging too many strands or inflatables into a single outlet. This puts a major strain on the circuit, potentially tripping breakers or even sparking an electrical fire.
To avoid overloading, carefully map out your power needs and spread the load across multiple outlets. Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use, and never daisy-chain multiple cords together. If you’re unsure about the capacity of your outlets, consult a licensed electrician for guidance.
Remember, no amount of holiday cheer is worth risking your family’s safety. Take the time to set up your electrical components properly, even if it means scaling back your plans a bit. Your home will still look merry and bright without maxing out every outlet.
Clashing Color Schemes
In the world of seasonal decor, more isn’t always merrier. Resist the temptation to incorporate every color of the rainbow into your scheme. Too many clashing hues will create visual chaos rather than a cohesive, inviting look.
Instead, choose a focused color palette of 2-3 complementary shades. Classic combinations like red and green or blue and white are popular for a reason – they just work. For a fresh twist, consider trendy pairings like plum and gold or turquoise and silver.
Once you’ve settled on a palette, carry it through your entire display, from the wreath on your door to the lights on your roofline. Consistency will give your decor a polished, intentional appearance that impresses passersby and fills you with pride.
Forgetting the Backyard
Your front yard may be the public face of your holiday style, but don’t neglect the backyard. After all, that’s where you’ll be spending quality time with loved ones around the fire pit or patio. Give your outdoor living spaces a seasonal refresh to keep the festive vibes flowing.
String café lights overhead for a cozy glow, and hang wreaths or garlands along your fence. Set out lanterns or battery-operated candles on tabletops for a soft, inviting ambiance. And don’t forget to swap out throw pillows and blankets with plush, holiday-hued versions.
By extending your seasonal decor to the backyard, you’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for making memories with friends and family. Plus, you’ll get double the enjoyment from your hard decorating work.
Neglecting the Daytime View
It’s easy to get caught up perfecting how your lighting and decor will dazzle after dark. However, don’t forget that your display is also on view during the day. Ensure it looks just as polished in the sunshine as it does when lit up at night.
Take a critical look at your decorations from the street during daylight hours. Are cords and wires neatly secured and hidden, or haphazardly snaking through the yard? Are your inflatables properly tethered and standing tall, or slouching sadly to the side? Small details like this can make a big impact.
For a display that delights 24/7, choose decor that looks great unlit too, like wreaths, garlands, and high-quality figurines. Opt for lighting and inflatables with a tasteful daytime presence, not just a nighttime glow. With a little extra TLC, your decor will be the talk of the neighborhood from sunrise to sunset.
Leaving Decor Up Too Long
We get it – taking down your seasonal decor is never as fun as putting it up. But leaving your lighting and inflatables out well past the holiday is a major no-no. Not only does it look sloppy, it can also damage the longevity of your decor.
To stay classy, aim to have your decor down within two weeks of the holiday. Mark the task on your calendar in advance so you’re not scrambling. Recruit family members to help, cranking up the music and serving hot cocoa to make it more festive.
As you take down strands and pack up figurines, give them a quick inspection for any damage or burned out bulbs. Make a list of what needs to be repaired or replaced so you can be ahead of the game next year. Store everything neatly in labeled bins to make next season’s decorating a breeze.
By avoiding these common mistakes and staying intentional with your choices, your Gilbert home’s seasonal decor will be the crown jewel of the neighborhood. Now, get out there and let your holiday spirit shine – tastefully, of course!
