Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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How To Hang Wreaths On Your Windows

“Can we make it like the Home Alone house?” That was Clara’s quote about decorating the outside of our house for Christmas. She loves “Kevin and Bros” as she calls them (yes, Buzz = Bros to her), and has even picked up that they have a similar type of house to ours – albeit a ton bigger and fancier. So we did some family brainstorming (listened to Clara tell us what we should do) and came up with the following plan:

  • wreaths hung in every window with gold ribbon (no other colors were even close to being right according to Miss Clara)
  • some lighted garland around the front portico
  • plug-in candles in every windowsill like we had in our last house (Clara has always loved those, and we had exactly the right amount, so we just reused ’em)
  • our three little red lanterns full o’ twinkle lights from Ikea a few years ago
  • real seals with red Santa hats on the roof (this one was Clara’s most imaginative suggestion, but I’m afraid we had to nix it for animal rights reasons)

Here’s where we ended up.

House Lit

I think my favorite things are the wreaths in every window (they look just as fun from the inside looking out). Or the lighted garland around the portico railing.

Portico Lit

Or the red lanterns full of lights with our blue door nearby.

Exterior Portico

Or catching a glimpse of our still-to-be-decorated Christmas tree through the bay window on the side. Sidenote: I’ve wanted to repaint those white trim pieces that hang down like a sabre tooth tiger for months. Just making those dangly bits the same color as the siding and leaving the trim around the window white will look so much better I think.

Exterior Bay Window

The wreaths ended up being an awesome deal, thanks to stacking a few sales, so this, my friends, is how you get eleven 24″ outdoor wreaths that would have been $88, for $53 instead. First of all, they had been marked down to $5.99 (from $7.99) at Michael’s, which meant I couldn’t use any Michael’s coupons that I had (their coupons are usually for full-price merchandise only).

Michaels Coupon

But knowing they match competitor coupons, I quickly googled “JoAnn coupon” while standing in line on my iPhone and they were running a “20% off your entire purchase of holiday decor (including on-sale merchandise)” sale with a coupon that I could get right on my phone. So the sweet lady at the register honored the coupon, and that’s how we got eleven 24″ outdoor wreaths for $4.81 a pop instead of $8.

Coupon Joann1

She also said it was cool to use the coupon towards holiday ribbon, so for another $12 I grabbed three big spools of gold and returned home with everything we’d need to hang these suckers in every window. Or so I thought…

The upstairs windows were pretty simple, it just took a little finagling with the storm window and the screen to get them out of the way so we could crack the window open enough (from the top) to slide the wreath out with the ribbon wrapped around it to hold it up. One tip is to clutch that ribbon like it’s a hundred dolla bill, because it’s annoying to keep dropping wreaths out the window and having to run downstairs to get them.

Once I had said wreath out the window and was holding the end of the ribbon, John just closed the window right on the ribbon (we could pulling it up if we wanted to raise it or let more ribbon hang out the window if we wanted to lower it). Locking the window held it pretty securely, but just in case we also used a thumb tack stuck into the ribbon and the very top of our wooden windowsill for good measure, since we’d seen that mentioned here (it only makes a tiny pinhole at the top of the window where our blinds cover it anyway).

Thumbtack

The downstairs windows were a different story (both literally and figuratively). Somehow their extra long storm window panes on top (these windows are taller than the ones upstairs ) didn’t allow for us to stick the wreaths out the top of the window unless we completely removed all of the storm windows, which defeats the purpose of them since it’s cold out these days. So we opted to hang the wreaths from the outside of the house on a ladder for the lower level, instead of using the window to hold them in place.

Trapeze Thing3

We didn’t want the ribbon getting pinched or gathered around a plant hook screwed into the top of the window, because the ribbon for the upstairs wreaths looks nice and flat, so we devised these handy little “trapeze things” as we called them, to keep the downstairs ribbon flat like the upstairs stuff.

Trapeze Thing1

They were just wooden dowels with two very small holes drilled in each side and some wire strung through them to create a flat little plane for the ribbon to be wrapped around.

Trapeze Thing2

Then John could hang that trapeze hook over a plant hook that we had screwed into the side of the window, but the ribbon would still stay flat. To keep everything secure, he stapled the ribbon together to make a loop around the hanging trapeze thing while up on his ladder (that way I could stand back and make sure they were all the same height before he stapled).

Trapeze Thing4

See the two subtle staples in the picture above that are holding the ribbon? So far they’ve been up about 4 days without any breakage or ripping, so we think they should hopefully hold up for the season and we have high hopes of reusing them future years too. You know we’ll keep you posted if they all jump off the house or something though (and now I’ll go knock on some wood).

Next up was the garland around the portico. We just swagged it a few ways to see what we liked, and eventually used a few cable ties to keep it all in place once we pinned down our favorite look. We tried going up the peak in the portico, going around each of the pillars, and finally ended up liking it this way the best. Something about the light already coming from the top of the portico (our little porch light) made the garland lights going up that high look like too much upper-action, so keeping them low felt more balanced. And we thought it was nice for them to drape down the steps like this.

Exterior Railing2

Oh and I bought these three strands of lighted garland from Joss & Main for $18 each I think. Not a bad deal, and they all can be plugged into each other to make one long strand, which is nice and convenient.

Exterior Garland

Then we broke out the candle lights for each window from our old house (we used to have three of them in the side windows since you saw the side of the house a lot from the street) and were so glad to have the right number for this house. Well, not enough for the garage, but the idea of going in and out of the garage to turn them on and off each night sounded annoying, so we opted not to add any more to our count, and just stuck with 9 of them inside.

Finally, out came the old red lanterns from Ikea a few years back, which we filled with lights (one strand per lantern) and just connected them all to each other. Placing them on every other step ended up being our favorite spot for them (we tried them down on the walkway and on either side of the door, but this was the winning placement) and thankfully we had an outlet right on the porch for the garland and the strand of connected lantern string lights, so no blackouts were caused in the making of this holiday scene.

Exterior Rail3

We certainly have seen fancier holiday lighting displays (there are some gorgeous ones in our neighborhood) and we have some pretty elaborate dreams of adding to ours over the years (like decorating that Chirstmas-tree-esque holly on the right corner of the house, and getting a big lighted wreath for the front door), but for now, we’re pretty proud of our first attempt at a holiday display here in this house. One of our neighbors even stopped by to asked me all about the garland and where we got the red lanterns, so that was nice. I might have been a little too into the conversation, but what can I say, I loves me some holiday glow.

Exterior Portico

I worried it would be kind of ugly during the day without the magic of the lights, but I’m happy to report that it’s not too bad that way either. Sidenote numero dos: Oh how I wish I had pulled that weird doormat at the bottom of the stairs out of the way – I’ve been meaning to put it in the garage after we finally found a wider one for the front door, but somehow it ended up down there. 

Portico Light

Are you guys decorating the outside of your house? Who goes all out and follows the roof-line with lights? What about those awesome draped trees that look like weeping willows but they’re just a mass-o-lights. Love that so much.

Psst- To see how we decorated the outside of our house last year and the year before, click here and here.

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

Comments

  1. Nina says

    I live down the street from the Home Alone house! :) I have a four year old, she’d love to watch that movie. It’s weird seeing my neighborhood like that.

    Reply

  2. Danielle Purtle says

    Good job Clara girl! She needs to start her own little blog. Could be called Keeping the House Young. :)

    Also AAHHHH! Baby bun gender reveal!? And we have to wait until Friday!? Can’t you just mass text us all or something??? So excited for y’all. Enjoy the special day!

    Reply

  4. Alicia says

    So pretty! I like the inspiration, when I was growing up we always wanted to make our house look like the Griswold (Christmas Vacation) house. We never came close! I do think you should add some lights at the top of the house…time to send John up to the roof! :)

    Reply

  5. Marianne in Mo. says

    Such a classy look, my fave! When we built our house 7 tears ago, we had outlets installed under the doctor just for lights, and a switch at the front door inside controls them. Every Thanksgiving, my son in law comes and hangs the lights on the gutters. Hubby and I hang a big lighted wreath over the garage ( extension cord goes thru the vent and is left all year, but not visible ), wreaths on the coach lights and Windows with red bows. Front porch gets lighted garland around the door, a 2ft. lighted tree in a French Clay pot sits atop an upside down pot, and two different felt-dressed snow people stand in front of the tree. Just off the porch is a wire, lighted snowman 3ft. tall. The porch decor are on timers, as is the wreath over the garage. We flip the switch for the roof lights each evening and turn on the tree inside. I plan on getting timers for the roof lights soon, so I don’t have to remember to flip the switch. Love timers!!

    Best wishes on your ultrasound! I’m so old, they only did those if they were worried! Had to wait to see what colors to use!!

    Reply

  6. Bethany says

    I am SO excited to read this post today! Seriously you have no idea how much you just made my day! I hold you two up on a pedestal as the authority on home decoration. I have raved about you two and your blog to EVERY friend I have who buys a new home or remodels. I gifted your book to several people last year for Christmas and it has become my go-to housewarming gift this year.

    So, why did this post make me so happy? Because my home looks very similar to yours from the front and last weekend I hung wreaths and put candles in all our front windows. I even used the EXACT website you did as a resource! I also bought 2 garlands for our front porch (I just haven’t gotten those up yet). I realize that wreaths in the front windows is a common Christmas decoration, but I still feel proud knowing I chose the same decorating idea as you two… like your design ideas are rubbing off on me. Okay, silly I know. But it made me happy! You can check mine out on my instagram feed, http://instagram.com/bethanyjadams (just ignore the dead plants in the front).

    Tell Miss Clara that she had some wonderful decorating ideas and the house looks great!

    Reply

  7. Jaime says

    There are phone apps for both Micheal’s and Jo-Ann’s that give out coupons too, if you ever need more than one!

    I love the idea of doing a Home Alone House, that house always looked amazing to me as a kid, so the wreaths in every window look fantastic to me.

    Reply

  8. Lauren says

    Looks really good! I saw that Joss and Main had a Home Alone themed shop yesterday and thought of you ;) That is my favorite Christmas movie after National Lampoons Christmas Vacation!

    Reply

  9. karen says

    looks so lovely! now you need snow and it’s perfect!
    may i suggest what i think would be a fun post…i would love to see a tour of the beautifully decorated homes in your neighborhood.
    over here in the burbs outside of toronto…their is little to no CHARM in houses. they are all cookie cutter :(
    next year we are building and i can honestly say, that i will ADD some much needed charm!!

    Reply

  12. Ellen says

    Where did you find your plug-in window candles? Mine are so old, I’m afraid to use them. Haven’t seen them at Michaels or HL.

    Reply

  13. Karen says

    Looks gorgeous!

    Praying everything looks great with your little one!

    As I approach my own repeat cesarean (one week to go!) I was thinking of you and realizing they might end up deciding it would be safer to get your little one out a few weeks sooner than your due date as a precaution based on your previous pregnancy. In case that is true, I am stepping up my prayers for you and the bun for a safe delivery and a healthy, breathing-well-on-his/her own, feeding perfectly little one who doesn’t need even a day of NICU time. <3 Your family is being bathed in prayer by so many readers, I am sure of it. :)

    Reply

  14. Erin B says

    Your house looks great, so warm and inviting! Not sure if you guys already know about this, but there is a Christmas house tour this weekend in the Fan (details at fandistrict.org) my Dad’s house is on it and it should be a good time.

    Reply

  15. bella says

    I was going to say the same thing about timers, but someone beat me to it, of course. I can’t do without timers on all my lit windows.

    Also, if someone doesn’t have an outlet on the side of their house, they do make green outdoor extension cords that could be plugged in to the garage and snaked outside. Also, they have outdoor timers you can hook up to the outdoor extension cords to set ALL your “future” outdoor Christmas lighting. John, get on that for next year. ;)

    Reply

  17. Jenny says

    Oh–you need to post a photo of the Home Alone house for comparison! It’s been so long since I saw the movie and I keep scrolling down expecting it.
    And PS–it looks wonderful! Very festive!

    Reply

  19. Christy says

    I love the classic look of a wreath on every window!

    We use flat head tacks on the top of the window or door frame, with just a smidgeon of a gap between the tack and the wood, and just leave them there year round. That way you can just make a little hole in the ribbon (or if you are using fishing wire for an invisible hang, a little loop on the end), and just pop the hole onto (and off of) the tack every year. So you don’t have to measure and try to hang everything at just the right level, year after year after year. Once you do it the first time, it’s set for life!

    Reply

  20. Victoria says

    So lovely! Miss Clara is quite the designer.
    We have only a large lighted star, lighted star garland on the fireplace, and a silver colored jingle bell wreath on the door. Since a tree is impossible with our cat, we took some of our most interesting ornaments, made a mobile with them, and hung them from the ceiling in our stairwell entry hall. Looks better than I expected and I won’t be cleaning up broken ornaments several times a day.
    Good luck today!

    Reply

  21. Tania says

    It’s beautiful!! I love it! And boo for wayward doormats! I took a ton of photos yesterday and realized the doormat was in the wrong place in every. Single. One. Ugh. Bless my own heart. :)

    Reply

  22. erh says

    I find it curious that you were able to use the Joanns coupon. I tried to do the same thing at our Michael’s last week, and they would not accept it (I even talked to the manager). I would normally attribute this to our local store; but, when I researched it online, I found that Michaels only honors coupons that are percentages off ONE item (not off an entire purchases). I didn’t find this exactly on their website (does anyone else have an official word?), but a lot of professional bloggers who keep up with deals and discounts verified the fact that Michaels indeed doesn’t take percentages off an entire purchase. Actually, Michaels (from all the forums I’ve read seems to be inconsistent with their coupon policy). I guess you lucked out? Happy you could score the deals!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      No way! I didn’t know that! I thought they just matched their competitors (my JoAnn does it back with Michael’s ones too). The girl at the register was somewhat young so maybe she didn’t know that rule about bulk purchases? I’ve never heard it either, but those coupons are hard to come by, so I don’t think I’ve done it many times.

      xo
      s

  23. julianne says

    Just stunning! That Clara has great taste, I tell ya…. The “Home Alone” house is one of my favourites, too. That and the David Wallis house from “The Office”. Both gorgeous. Anyhoooo, I love what you’ve done. Very warm and welcoming. :O) Oh, and can’t wait to hear your news! Looking forward to your update!!!

    Reply

  24. Margret Helga Gudmundsdottir says

    Hi!
    Read your blog every day and always enjoy it as much :) First time I comment, though. Just had to this time because I love everything about Christmas and your house looks awesome! I live in Iceland and it´s far too much wind here to hang up wreaths and stuff outside. At least I haven´t risked it yet :)

    Thanks for your blog, congratulations on your pregnancy and hopefully all goes well today! Look forward to reading more!

    Reply

  25. Beks says

    There’s a lady at my church who designed a nativity with the Peanuts characters, so we’ll be buying pieces every year to add to it. It’s replacing an old inflatable natavity that I never really cared for. Hopefully it’ll be a great natavitiy collection in the next few years. :-)

    Reply

  26. Jamie J says

    The outside looks beautiful! Love the wreaths and thankful for the tutorial, I’m looking to do something similar on a huge mirror over our mantel. Oh – and gotta love the competitor coupons…. I just scored an $80 Melissa and Doug wood block set for $29 for my 3 year old son at AC Moore with coupons from Jo-Anns!!!

    Reply

  27. Leila says

    Clara is becoming quite the decorator!! I love it. And I really, really wish there was a way to get real seals with Santa hats on your roof.

    Good luck with your ultrasound today!

    Reply

  31. Anna says

    Clara sounds like QUITE the comedienne! Real seals with red hats? Classic! I hope she holds tight to that comedic timing and imagination as she grows up! I love the wreath in every window look.

    Good luck with the baking bean today :)

    Reply

  33. Cathy says

    Me MIL uses pencils for the upstairs windows and just closes the window on the ribbon with the pencil inside. Works great.

    Reply

  34. susan says

    Where did you get the wooden dowels to hang the wreaths? Sorry if someone has already asked that question. I didn’t have time to read all the comments. Good luck today!!!!

    Reply

  35. Barbara says

    Sherry! Huge fan of you guys – and you and I BOTH are finding out the sex of our babies today, which of course makes my day that much more exciting! Happy for y’all!

    Reply

  36. stacey says

    Best of luck today at the ultrasound – hoping the baby cooperates for you!
    We found out our little bun is a little girl last week and she was so curled up and cozy that i had to get up and jump around to get her moving! sleep baby :)
    cant wait to hear the news!

    Reply

  37. Karen DeRosa says

    I love that you put the Christmas tree in the same window as in “Home Alone”! Now I’d just love to see cut-outs of people dancing in your house from every window, too. :-)

    Reply

  38. Jennie says

    Lookin’ good! I love the Christmas wreaths in all the windows. Good luck today! You have so many people thinking of you guys!!

    Reply

  40. Tanisha says

    Looks great! I love the wreaths in each window too!! We just bought our first house and put up lights/outdoor decor for the very first time. It’s so nice when neighbors stop by to give compliments– really makes you feel a part of the neighborhood :-)

    Reply

  41. M says

    Looks great! I have a nosy Nellie question… Since you 100% of the time use your garage door as an entryway have you ever decorated , painted from the outside or thought if it.

    Reply

  42. Haley says

    First off- Clara has great taste, I’ve always wanted to live in the Home Alone house-still do at the age of 28! Secondly, so funny- yesterday the email from Joss & Main was for decorations for your house to look like the Home Alone house!

    Reply

  44. Wendy says

    I bought those same wreaths the day after Thanksgiving and still haven’t hung them because I’ve been at a loss as to how I should do it – but there you are – you’ve saved the day! Thanks for the great tip, at the perfect time. And your house looks beautiful!

    Reply

  45. Meghan says

    I love the decorations! My mom uses fishing line to secure the wreathes to the window from the top and bottom. It helps keep them nice and straight even if it gets really windy out. (Not sure if this would work with your storm windows – but it’s an idea)

    Reply

  46. Sarah says

    Hi guys! I hope that the bun turns out to be super healthy and cooperates, I really want to know is Clara is going to have a little brother (which I think is going to happen) or sister! :) I’ll definitely be happy either way!

    I absolutely love the garland. I am going to do sort of something like that and hopefully will have pictures up on my blog later this week! Can’t wait to see all of the ornaments on your tree.

    xo,
    Sarah

    Reply

  50. Amber says

    Will the Moravian Stars be making an appearance this year? I heart them.

    I bet they would look so nice in the sunroom-turned-veranda! :)

    Reply

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