winter decorating ideas Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

6 Ways to Create a Garden Winter Wonderland

Christmas is fast approaching, and soon enough there’ll be frost on the sidewalks and carols playing to sound Christmas cheer. If you’ve been nicer than naughty this year, I’m sure you have, there’ll be sleigh bells ringing and the pitter patter of reindeer on the roof one special night. Christmas isn’t just a magical time for the kids, but a magical time for the whole family. What better way to make it special than turning your garden into a Winter Wonderland! Check out ideas on how you can create the perfect winter wonderland in your yard:

1. Winter plants

First, a garden in full bloom isn’t only for the Springtime. In winter there are many beautiful flowering plants for your garden. So, you are guaranteed more foliage than just a Christmas tree! Both Heather and Japanese Quince bloom in winter. Their pink and red blossoms say Christmas. If you’re looking for a plant which flowers in spring but is still decorative at Christmas, check out the bare stems of a Red-Osier Dogwood. They turn a fiery red. Quite like the suit of a certain Mr. Claus!

2. Make it Snow

Second, not everyone is lucky enough to live in a place where it snows, and it naturally turns into a Winter Wonderland! But that shouldn’t stop you from having that perfect Christmas card snow scene. There are plenty of options for snow without the sky opening. You can buy or make artificial snow at home. Even a snow blanket that you simply roll across your lawn will do the trick. Your kids will be thankful to have a little slice of a winter wonderland in their own backyard. It will be a festive season they’ll never forget!

3. Lights

Additionally, with cold nights rolling in and the days getting shorter, it’s good to add some shine to your Christmas garden. We decorate our trees with lights and sometimes our houses, but lights in a garden can add Christmas magic. A good way to do it without breaking the bank is just to add lights on the trees and shrubbery. If the understated look isn’t your thing, go for a Santa, reindeer and little elves that light up. They’ll make the kids eager for the magic of Christmas morning.

4. Magic Touches

It’s nice to decorate the Christmas tree in front of a roaring fire, while you and the kids choose your favorite ornaments to hang on the tree while you’re listening ten to your favorite Christmas songs. Spending time with family is truly the best part of the Christmas season. It’s a great way to make memories you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Decorating your garden is another way to share the magic of the season with your loved ones. Kids will love to hang tinsel upon the plants outside. Helping to transform the garden into something like Santa’s Grotto will be something your kids will never forget! It’s nice to put Candy Canes along the footpath if you have one, or around the border of your lawn, as they are an easy and affordable way to make the garden all Christmassy. A Santa Please Stop Here! sign will remind your children of the joy of Christmas morning, and cut- outs of reindeer keep the magic of Santa alive.

5. Get Out and In it!

Next, winter plants are blooming in fantastic reds, the Christmas tree is up and sparkling in your garden and fake snow has made everything Christmas Card perfect. And, those special little touches truly add the famous seasonal magic. Looking at your garden through the window is nice, but it’s much better to get out and in it. Bundle up and go outside and enjoy your winter wonderland. Tell your children Christmas stories and sing Christmas songs. You’ve created the perfect setting, making it truly the a real live Winter Wonderland!

6. Make it Cozy It

It certainly gets cold outside this time of year. The best way to enjoy your Winter Wonderland is to use a patio heater like those from Best of Machinery. That way you’ll be cozy in the magical winter wonderland your family created. Finally, when the little ones go to bed, you and your husband can enjoy a glass of eggnog or two in the perfect seasonal setting!

Painted Pine Cones Crafts

First, I love using pinecones for crafts and decorating. I think they make the room festive during the holidays. Most importantly, they bring a touch of nature into your décor. I’m laughing as I’m writing this post, I’m remembering my grandson seeing the pine cone one day. He opened the back door and threw them out. In his mind, pine cones belonged outside. I think he may have been 3 or 4 at the time.

However, if you have pine trees on your property, gather a few to add your Christmas décor or to use them in other crafts. I love free, and I love recycling items.

So, I decided to paint a few of the pine cones to use as a center piece during the holidays. I needed to give my table a pop of color, and I thought they would be fun. And, I really love how the painted pine cones turned out. I displayed them on an antique milk glass cake plate. But, the possibilities are endless. So, find some inspiration and get creative. For example, you can fill a basket or glass container with the painted pine cones. Paint them in your favorite colors, and display them on the mantel for a fall or winter display. Or paint them in spring colors for Easter.

You will need the following items:

craft paint brushes
craft paints in your favorite colors
paper plate
newspaper to paint on
container for display

Next, I found it easier to just pour a dab of paint onto a paper plate. I painted the edges of the pine cone with a small paint brush. Use your favorite colors or you can paint the entire pine cone. Afterwards, allow the painted pine cones to dry. Drying time is quick for this project. Around 30 minutes should definitely be sufficient. Once dry, display in your favorite place.

Last, this is a fun project to do with the kids. You can expose them to nature by gathering the pine cones on a nature trip. Afterwards you can paint them as a family project.