Appropriate Outdoor Holiday Decor Guidelines to Adhere To
Appropriate Outdoor Holiday Decor Guidelines to Adhere To
Outdoor Christmas ornaments can be just as extravagant as indoor holiday decorations. This year, approximately 67% of house owners plan to adorn their homes with holiday lights, while 42% think about employing professionals to construct elaborate front yard exhibits.
However, there's a fine line between festive and overwhelming. Excessive lighting, oversized inflatables, and loud holiday music can make your neighborhood feel like a chaotic amusement park during this already bustling season. If you're uncertain about the unspoken rules of excessive lawn decor, Olivia Pollock, an etiquette and hosting specialist at Evite, offers her perspective on the issue. "Outdoor holiday decorations can be a fantastic way to spread holiday joy, but it's essential to consider your neighbors," she advises.
Here are Pollock's top six factors to think about while setting up your outside Christmas ornaments to ensure a bright and pleasant holiday season for everyone:
Give Your Neighbors a Warning
If you're planning a significant display such as synchronized lights or large inflatables, it's a good idea to inform your neighbors ahead of time. This provides them with notice of any additional traffic or planned activities, which they will appreciate and provides them with a feeling of inclusion. "It's always a good idea to communicate with your neighbors when planning an elaborate display, especially if you expect increased foot or vehicle traffic," Pollock says, emphasizing that it shows respect for their space and comfort. "A little coordination can go a long way in ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities together," she concludes.
Review Neighborhood Guidelines
According to a recent Opendoor survey, 26% of homeowners would consider selling their home if their homeowners association restricted holiday decorations. This statistic highlights the importance of considering neighborhood guidelines when it comes to outdoor Christmas ornament etiquette. Pollock advises, "Many neighborhoods have specific regulations around lights, noise, and timing, so it’s worth checking those out."
Consider Your Neighborhood's Character
"It's also helpful to consider the atmosphere of your community," Pollock says. Observe the Christmas ornaments you see in your neighborhood and the community as a whole. "Some areas adore large, extravagant displays, while others might prefer something more subtle," she explains. When it comes to the number of outdoor Christmas ornaments that's too much, follow the lead of your neighborhood and be mindful of the community to be respectful.
Be Aware of Your Neighbors' Routines
While Pollock says there's no hard-and-fast rule about Christmas lights, if you want to avoid the Clark Griswold reputation, she recommends being mindful of social cues. "Subtle twinkling lights that remain on overnight are generally acceptable, but flashing or moving lights can be disruptive," Pollock says. Be aware of your neighbors' routines, especially if you know they are early risers and go to bed early, or if they have small children. "You can consider having a casual conversation with your neighbors about your plans to avoid disturbing their sleep schedule," Pollock adds.
Consider a Tune-In Radio for Music
While Buddy the Elf may believe the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loudly for all to hear, most homeowners wouldn't appreciate their neighbors playing loud holiday music. "Music undoubtedly adds to the holiday magic, but outdoor speakers can sometimes be problematic, especially in quieter neighborhoods," Pollock explains. If you live in an area that's more tranquil, has an older population, or families with young children, Pollock recommends a tune-in radio for your outdoor display. "A tune-in radio option might be the better choice—it lets you share the festive soundtrack without disturbing anyone," she says. "Being mindful of the sound level helps everyone keep the holiday cheer without stepping on anyone's toes."
Avoid Putting Outdoor Decorations Up Too Early
Finally, how long is too long to keep holiday decorations up? Pollock says that timing is crucial, both in terms of putting outdoor decorations up and taking them down. "Many communities start decorating around the Friday after Thanksgiving, but every neighborhood has its own pace, so when you’re deciding when to put up your decorations, it's helpful to observe your neighbors' habits—there's a good chance they'll give you a sense of what's customary in your area," Pollock says. As for taking outdoor Christmas decorations down, she suggests, "I’d say a week or two after New Year's is a safe bet, but if your display brings you joy, there's no harm in leaving it up a bit longer—just make sure to pay attention to your neighbors' preferences."
- To ensure a harmonious holiday season with your neighbors, consider following the Seasonal Decorating tips provided by Olivia Pollock from BHG, such as giving them a warning about elaborate outdoor Christmas Decorations, reviewing neighborhood guidelines, and being mindful of your neighborhood's character.
- When deciding on Outdoor Christmas Decor, it's essential to consider your Holidays Entertaining impact on your neighbors. This includes being aware of their routines, choosing appropriate music levels, and avoiding putting decorations up too early.
- For a successful Christmas Planning Tips, utilize resources like BHG for seasonal decorating advice, but also don't forget the importance of respecting your neighbors' preferences when it comes to excessive lawn decorations. Employing considerate decorating measures will lead to a brighter and more pleasant holiday season for your whole community.