By mid January we’re holidayed out. Often by now, we’ve turned off the timers on our Christmas lights and our only tree leftovers are those pesky evergreen needles that got caught in area rugs, furnishings and heating vents.

For many the post holiday period is a time of curtailment. And while you may be watching what you eat and drink, restricting your spending and trying to limit your Netflix viewing, now is not the time to skimp on your outdoor decorating especially if your house is on the market.

And though it could be argued that buyers trudging through ice and snow to view your home are likely highly motivated, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to heighten your home’s curb appeal. Let’s look at environmentally friendly ways to make your home stand out amid the New Year frost.

Not all holiday decorations need to go into storage come January. If you’ve furnished your front porch in a plethora of greenery, pine cones, branches and berries, these classic signs of winter are an attractive reminder of the season.  Nothing says welcome quite like the natural simplicity of a burlap bow and a boxwood. It’s a good idea to pack away any glitz and glitter décor items or ones that scream Christmas at this time of year.

Lanterns are a pretty way to decorate your outdoors. They come in all shapes, sizes and décor styles so you would be hard pressed not to find one that suits your design aesthetic. Depending on the amount of space you’re decorating, a grouping of three lanterns looks eye-catching. What adds to the mood of this decorative device is the fact that you can lend extra ambiance to your front entry by adding flameless candles to each lantern.  The realistic flickering light from these candles will provide your home with a warm welcoming vibe.

Since colour is hibernating at this time of year, you can incorporate splashes of colour in your outdoor décor. A colourful welcome mat at your front door, tastefully placed outdoor chairs in bright colours and a cold-hardy plant such as juniper or a topiary placed in a colourful pot near your front entry are all striking and inviting touches. One surefire way to add colour is to repaint your front door.

Be kind to wildlife with feeder garlands that will attract all kinds of birds and animals to your home. You can also add cheer to your outdoors thanks to colourful bird feeders strategically placed. Not only do these look pretty thanks to their colour and shape, they also serve to provide a sanctuary for our feathered friends.