5 tips for holiday decor

Curb appeal takes on a new meaning during the holidays. Wreaths, lights and other holiday decor add a festive look to the front of your home, whether it’s a new purchase, a longtime residence or on the market.

“There’s a little bit of an unexpected pleasure when you see a house that’s lit up,” said Danielle Rollins, author of “Soiree: Entertaining With Style.”

Local experts shared tips for decorating outdoors for the holidays. Backyards, decks and patios shouldn’t be ignored either, especially if you plan to entertain.

Light up the entryway

Place lanterns or hurricane globes with flame less LED and battery-operated candles around walkways and steps to the front door. “That’s so inviting and so Southern,” said Su Hodges, owner of Su Hodges Interiors in Marietta. “It just draws you to the home.”

Add a spotlight to bring attention to a wreath on the door, said Tony Whitlock, owner of Acorn Home & Garden in Marietta. Rollins added that spotlights shine on giant nutcrackers she displays at the front of her Buckhead home.

During the recession, Pinnacle Lighting Group noticed fewer people using outdoor lights, but if you want to continue or get back into that tradition, both white and color lights are being used. If the spouses can’t agree on white and color lights, they can compromise by having color lights on the shrubbery and white lights on the house, said Nick Burks, operations manager and owner of the Atlanta lighting firm.

Bring in burlap

Creating bows and

Don’t forget about outdoor living areas, which also can be lit up for the holidays.