For her own tree, Mishler says, “My tree is pretty earthy. I use cardinals and chickadees, and at the top I have feathers sticking out.”

Beyond the tree, she wraps roping around her staircase and places it on top of her mantle. Mishler is the queen of bow making, so large bows are used throughout her displays. She also likes to add a variety of decorations — ranging from Santas to classic ornaments — to add festive interest.

Decorate a Railing with Bows – photo by Amy Grisak

Brighten the Season

What brings everything together is the lights. “I put them on everything,” she says. “Lights are what make it.”

Illuminating the home has evolved rapidly since electric lights came on the scene. Granted, there’s nothing more soothing than watching the flicker of a real candle, but artificial candles are beautiful and completely safe. A classic look is placing candle-looking lights in the windows, often with a little greenery or bows at the base, creating a peaceful look from the inside, as well as from out.

Sam with a Candle – photo by Amy Grisak

Mishler loves the LED lights that range from large, brightly colored bulbs to the daintiest white stars. LED lights can be used everywhere. That’s because they stay cool to the touch and are very energy efficient.

“It’s so beautiful to come home to Christmas lights,” she says.

Amy Grisak’s Christmas decorating tips: Take it Outdoors

Having a festive exterior puts you in a good mood before you even step into the door.

Everyone appreciates the Griswold-level light shows. But, even if you don’t wish to set your display to music, it’s possible to create an eye-catching display with a few simple features.

If an outlet isn’t within reach, or you simply prefer a more environmentally friendly option, there are a wide array of solar powered lights. Just as with the indoor options, exterior LED lights are bright even on the darkest December night. Beyond the traditional constant lights, or even the blinking options, there are lights with motion, such as the meteor shower lights that appear to be shooting stars. Drape them in trees, even if they aren’t evergreens, in shrubbery, or along railings. There are also features such as lit globes and large stars.

One of the newest, although they’ve been around for a few years, are the laser projectors that created moving images on the side of your house or barn, on the garage door, or in a large tree. From snowflakes, sparkles, or Christmas scenes, it adds another dimension. And, don’t forget that they can be placed on a timer to make it fuss-free.

Outdoor Lighting

When using electrical lights outdoors, be certain they are approved for exterior use. Use a GFCI outlet to protect yourself from electrical shock, particularly when working in the often wet or snowy conditions of December. Keep junctions, where you plug one string of lights into another, safe by using cord protectors. And to keep them dry, add Christmas light covers.

Even with all of the beautiful glitz, don’t forget the basics. There’s nothing classier then an evergreen wreath on the door or simply lit trees in the front yard. Luminaries, which are typically paper bags filled with sand to weight them down, can be lit with either a real or battery-operated candles. Lined along the drive, the luminaries  are particularly beautiful.

You can also aid your feathered friends in the decorating process. String popcorn and cranberries together and then drape on the trees. Make ornaments with peanut butter and bird seed, or stringing apples, pears, raisins, or orange slices to entice your local varieties. This also adds interest to your decor for the daylight, especially with your trees naturally adorned with wildlife.

Stringing Popcorn and Cranberries for the Birds – photo by Amy Grisak

Decorating for the Christmas season is a deeply personal endeavor. The basic themes of light, peace, and family — including those beyond mere blood relations — are what flow through them all. So, grab that huge roll of ribbon and string of lights and make your space shine for the season.