It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is a unique time in which we are constantly rushing around and spending money while simultaneously reconnecting with the wonder of childhood and the people we love. No other season is quite like it, and part of that wonder can be captured and enhanced by the way you decorate your gazebo and home. 

Gazebos and pavilions are already magical structures on their own. There is something innately picturesque about them. The holiday season provides an opportunity to accentuate that charm. With these four ideas, you can use your gazebo to create a winter wonderland in your backyard or in the park of your neighborhood or HOA. These ideas can also apply to decorating a pergola or deck. 

Ring in the Wreaths

Embrace the foliage of the season by including evergreen bows in the way you decorate your gazebo. While sprigs of spruce can be used in many ways, the most common are wreaths and  garlands. Wreaths can be hung over entryways while garlands look amazing wrapped around structural posts.

Wrap it in Ribbon

We love a burst of color during the holiday season, and a bit of ribbon is a great vehicle. You can add ribbon to wreaths or garlands or let it stand on its own in large bows. Wrapping ribbon around the support columns is a great way to add a bit of color, especially if your gazebo is as white as the surrounding snow. Make sure to only use ribbon that is waterproof in your decorations.

Let There Be Light

There is nothing more magical around the holiday season than lights. They evoke coziness and make the surrounding snow sparkle while mirroring the stars overhead. As you decorate your gazebo this year, you can incorporate lights in many different ways. Consider strings or curtains of white lights hanging from the windows or mirroring the framing of the structure. Lanterns are a seasonal favorite while icicle lighting embraces the winter weather. Some outdoor lights come in interesting shapes. Stars and snowflakes are especially appropriate for the season.

An Ornamental Touch

This is really a catch-all category for all the personalized touches you choose to include as you decorate your gazebo. The knick knacks you choose do not have be classics of the season, but if you do want your structure to be traditionally festive, here are some ideas:

• String up pinecones and holly berries. They embrace the natural setting, add color, and keep things subtle.
• Add ornaments, hanging them along openings. You can stick to one color palette or celebrate a variety of hues and textures.
• Place poinsettias strategically. These examples of natural flora of the season don’t require a lot of light, so they are great to include no matter where you choose to set them as you decorate your gazebo.
• If your gazebo has benches, consider adding festive pillows or throw blankets as accents, especially if your gazebo is enclosed.
• You don’t have to be a Scot to include red and green tartan in your palette. Buffalo plaid is also a common way to add texture and the essence of nights around the fire.
• Living in the suburbs doesn’t necessarily exclude animals from your design options. Consider adding wooden cardinals or lighted wire deer to your layout.
• You can theme your décor by propping up a pair of vintage skis or parking the cherry-red pickup nearby.
• If you really want your gazebo to look like something from a Hallmark movie, put a Christmas tree in the center, fully adorned. Doing so can really tie a pavilion’s decorations together.

General Considerations for How to Decorate Your Gazebo

As you choose your decorations, be mindful of the weather. If your structure is enclosed, you have more freedom to use felts and other textiles, but if you have an open pavilion, be sure to make sure all your decorations are waterproof. 

In the way you decorate your gazebo, enhance the structure’s natural lines and designs. Accentuate angles, play with planes, and work with windows. While it is common to embrace the cozy red and green and gold color scheme, you may prefer the chill tones of winter, and use lights and baubles in blue, purple, and silver. 

The space is yours to create your holiday vision. Consider collaborating with others on designs, embracing the spirit of giving and goodwill that is synonymous with the season. By doing so, you can enjoy the decorations and the holidays with everyone.