How to Create Year-round Deck Decoration

Small decorative touches can offer a fun way toyard.
provide a deck with unique appeal that isHanging strings of small decorative mini lights over
aesthetically pleasing. Deck decoration can bea dining area, under an arbor or in the branches of
temporary in nature or permanent.a tree can create a wonderful, festive
A still life made up of pumpkins and gourdsatmosphere.
combined with container grown mums can easilyTable decorations outdoors are effective
celebrate the arrival of fall. A simple snowdecorative touches. Dress up an outdoor table
sculpture on the deck could be a fantastic focalwith a simple all-weather centerpiece. A collection
point for a few weeks in winter.of cacti and succulents can be grouped together
Because decks are often visible from indoors it isfor a summer display. A shallow bowl planted with
important to keep in mind that deck decorationsannuals or bulbs can be another great choice.
are wonderful design ideas to strengthen theAvoid leaving wet pots on wrought iron tables
connection between indoor rooms and outdoorbecause of the potential problem of rust.
living spaces. Look for different ways to repeatFor party occasions make extensive use of
materials or colors indoors and out.candles. Lanterns designed for boats are
Consider using similar objects in both places forwonderful because they are safe on wooden
dramatic effect. Something as simple as a vasedecks and usually do not blow out on windy
placed on a shelf in the living room and othersevenings.
that sit out on the deck can connect these roomsBlown glass rings designed to hold 1 or 2 flowers
inside and out.can be floated in a dish of water. Combine them
Wreaths and decorations are easy to hang onwith floating holders for votive candles to create
deck railings to send holiday grettings to the wholean enchanting nighttime centerpiece.
neighborhood. Make sure that some are positionedA deck is an ideal place to display objects that
to point toward the house so that they can beare reminders of special people or places. Tuck a
enjoyed from indoors.piece of driftwood from a favorite vacation spot
When making a selection of decorative objects oror a garden sculpture from a close friend next to
ornaments, keep in mind that they must be ablea container and a daily reminder of a special
to withstand the harsh conditions of certain typesmemory will be the result.
of weather. They should also be heavy enough soConsider displaying collections of items that can
as not to be blown around in windy conditions orwithstand the weather. Place these items among
be securely fastened down. Metals such asplant containers, along the base of railings, beside
aluminum, stainless steel and bronze have thebench seating, at the base of stairs off to the
advantage of being rustproof. Other metals doside and on side tables.
not possess this characteritic and may not be aWalls that surround a deck cry out for some
wise choice for display on or around the deck.type of decoration. Experiment with hanging
However, some metal pieces look great whenall-weather versions of paintings, metal wall
they rust and can become wonderful displayornaments and stone plaques. An antique metal
objects on the outdoor living space. The optionssection of fence or old iron gate may be just the
for decorative ideas in decorating a deckright thing to hang on a wall.
year-round are almost endless and limited only byOrnamental latticework is also a very effective
a homeowner's imagination and creativity.wall decoration possibility. Any number of
Basic lighting is an essential ingredient with deckscollections can be used to decorate walls including
for safe lighting to illuminate steps and walkways.old garden tools, birdhouses or floats from crab
Lights can also easily bcome wonderful decorativeor lobster pots.
elements all their own. Shining 1 or more smallDecks can easily become wonderful, aesthetically
spotlights up into a nearby tree or shrub canappealing outdoor spaces year-round by simply
easily add drama to a deck at night. Ensure thatadding deck decoration that reflects the
the spotlight does not shine into the neighbor'spersonalies and creative energies of their owners.