Bring Festive Curb Appeal to Your New England Home
There’s something magical about holiday decorations that glow on a crisp winter night. The gentle gleam of a decorated lamppost welcoming guests down the driveway or lighting up a walkway can turn any yard into a charming, storybook scene straight out of a holiday postcard. Whether your style leans timeless and traditional or bright and whimsical, decorating your outdoor lamppost is one of the easiest ways to add instant cheer to your home exterior. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a festive lamppost display that stands out—and lasts all season long.
Step 1: Start with a Clean, Safe Foundation
Before hanging a single light or bow, take a moment to clean and inspect your lamppost. Dirt, cobwebs, and rust can dull the glow of your decorations, and it’s always smart to double-check that your light fixture is working properly. A quick wipe-down with mild soap and water can make a surprising difference. If your lamppost has an electrical outlet for holiday lights, test it now. If not, plan to string lights using an outdoor-rated extension cord and weatherproof connection. Avoid overloading circuits and for a snowy area like New England, double-check that cords are safely tucked away from pathways and snow blowers. 
Step 2: Choose a Holiday Theme or Color Palette
Holiday decorating is a lot more fun with a theme in mind. Some homeowners stick with classic red, green, and gold for a nostalgic New England look. Others go for a natural woodland feel with pinecones, burlap ribbon, and warm white lights. Still others embrace the sparkle of silver, icy blue, and white twinkle lights for a snow-kissed touch.
Here are a few ideas to get inspired:
- Classic country charm: Red velvet bows, plaid ribbon, evergreen garland, and warm white lights.
- Winter wonderland: Silver ornaments, white lights, frosted greenery, and crystal accents.
- Rustic forest: Pinecones, cedar boughs, and burlap ribbon for a natural look.
- Contemporary glow: Sleek LED rope lights and metallic ornaments for a modern twist.
The key is balance—pick a few repeating elements so the lamppost feels polished rather than cluttered.
Step 3: Wrap the Lamppost with Greenery
Garland is the foundation of almost every great lamppost display. Whether you go with real pine or durable PVC greenery, wrapping garland upward from the base gives your post texture, shape, and unmistakable holiday charm. Start at the bottom and wind the garland in a gentle spiral, securing it every few feet with floral wire, weather-safe zip ties, or ribbon. If you’re using live greenery, spritz it with an anti-desiccant spray to help retain moisture throughout the season—especially helpful during cold, dry winter air. Want to take it up a notch? Add small sprigs of cedar or holly for variety, or tuck pinecones and berries into the garland for extra color. Many homeowners also use garland with integrated lights for a sparkling touch that’s simple to plug in and go.
Step 4: Add Lighting for a Warm Glow
Lighting is what makes your lamppost shine—literally! You have several creative options:
- String lights: Wrap a strand of LED string lights around the lamppost, weaving them through the garland for even coverage. Choose lights that match your color theme—warm white for cozy glow, cool white for icy elegance, or multicolor for a playful look.
- Spotlight accent: For a professional finish, place a small spotlight at the base of your lamppost, pointed upward. This highlights both the decorations and the soft snowfall that collects on branches and ribbons.
- Solar options: If electrical outlets are limited, solar-powered light strands or decorative lanterns can add twinkle without cords or worry.
Remember to use outdoor-rated lighting only, and always secure cords away from where snow clearing or foot traffic could snag them.
Step 5: Finish with a Festive Bow or Centerpiece
Every good holiday display needs a “wow” element. For lampposts, that’s often a large bow or arrangement at the top or center. A classic look is a big red bow tied just below the lantern. If you prefer a softer palette, burlap, gold mesh, or plaid ribbons all add texture and warmth. Consider layering ribbons of different widths or materials for a more custom designer feel. For extra impact, add a few sprigs of faux holly, glittered twigs, or even dangling ornaments in the center of the bow. You can also top your lamppost with a small wreath to create a perfectly coordinated finish.
Step 6: Extend the Theme Around Your Yard
Echo your lamppost theme across your yard for a unified look by repeating similar materials or colors elsewhere. Tie matching ribbons to your mailbox, porch railing, or fence posts. Drape garlands over gates, or thread through the openings in your fence, or hand small wreaths along the panels. Colorful, coordinated details create a welcoming, joyful entrance guests will remember.
Step 7: Keep It Secure and Weatherproof
A few weatherproofing tips go a long way with New England winters that are nothing, if not, unpredictable. Use high-quality outdoor-rated fasteners, and when securing bows or ornaments, make sure they’re tightly anchored to withstand wind or heavy snow. Avoid materials that can easily fade or fray, such as paper ribbon or untreated fabric. If you’re using real greens, check periodically to remove any brown or brittle branches. And always unplug lights before handling or adjusting decorations.
Step 8: Add Little Details for a Personal Touch
Once the basics are up, step back and look for places to add small, charming details. Maybe it’s a few jingle bells tied into the bow, a miniature sled at the base, or a cluster of ornaments hanging from an arm of the lamppost. Personal touches like these make your holiday display special and will show off your personality to guests or anyone who passes by.
Step 9: Enjoy the Glow
The best part about a decorated lamppost is how it transforms your space without much effort. It’s a small focal point with big impact—something that greets guests with a warm, welcoming glow during the darkest days of winter. When the season’s over, remove your decorations carefully, inspect your garland for reuse next year, and store materials in sealed containers to protect from moisture.
Decorating your outdoor lamppost for the holidays is all about creating a warm welcome—something AVO Fence & Supply loves helping homeowners achieve. With a little creativity and a handful of materials, your yard can be the brightest spot on the block all season long.
AVO Fence & Supply’s personalized service, custom designs, and unbeatable quality make us stand out among other local fence companies. We are the leading supplier of cedar in New England with locations in Stoughton, Hingham and Plymouth, MA. Contact us at (781) 341-2963 today!