Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
Bright lights, candles in windows, wreaths, and lawn ornaments are the typical components of an exterior holiday decor formula. While the traditionally decorated home is warm and welcoming, you can achieve the same effect while putting a unique spin on your decor. The list below offers a few creative theme ideas for you to consider.
Ready, set, action!
If your household has a favorite holiday film, you can take inspiration from elements of the movie and bring them right to your front yard. People driving by will delight in the nostalgia and humor of your home’s decor. The films below are full of simple elements you can replicate.
A Christmas Story:
The real “A Christmas Story” house is a 19th-century Victorian located in Cleveland, Ohio, which is now restored to its movie splendor and is open year-round for tours and overnight stays. Take your home through a time machine with these whimsical touches.
Purchase a replica of the leg lamp to place in your front window, put a large box with the word “Fragile” on your front porch, and make your own 1940s-inspired wreath with vintage ornaments and bows. Flick with his tongue stuck to the flag pole or Ralphie wearing his pink bunny pajamas are among the many humorous touches from this movie classic which make it a fun family holiday favorite.
Home Alone:
The actual iconic red-brick Georgian-style “Home Alone” home featured in the 1990 movie is a real house located in the affluent tree-lined suburb of Winnetka, Chicago, which has dozens of visitors gazing upon daily.
If the classic movie inspires you, you can copy Kevin’s genius contraptions to deter holiday mischief in and around your home. Create a mock “Little Nero’s Pizza” box and sit it on your porch with the label facing out, and fashion your home like the decor in the movie for a beautiful and fun family experience.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas:
While there is not an actual “Whoville Home” for the Grinch, this year you can visit Universal Studios Orlando and celebrate “Grinchmas 2023,” a holiday-themed extravaganza based on the original 1957 Dr. Seuss book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Whether you take your inspiration from the TV cartoon classic first aired in 1966, or the 2018 full-length film with Jim Carrey, there is lots of material to work with.
At your home you may take a clue from the Grinch and steal the show by creating a Whoville-inspired scene. Make a sign that says “Welcome to Whoville” to hang on your front door. Buy a Grinch cutout, connect it to a string of lights on your home so that it looks like he is pulling them down. Hang oversized striped stockings from your porch railing or below your windows. Play the themes and songs and even invite Cindy Lou Who and the children to sing along and have fun.
Christmas Vacation
If you love plastering your house with as many lights as possible to show your holiday spirit, then there’s no better movie inspiration than “Christmas Vacation.” While you probably won’t be able to outdo Clark Griswold, there are a few touches you could add outside such as a plastic Santa and his reindeer, an old piece of furniture, made to look like a cat caught fire underneath it, or if you really want to go over the top, a full on RV like the one cousin Eddie drove.
The holiday theme that you choose to create and decorate your home will surely bring everlasting joy and memories to share with family, friends, and neighbors for many years to come!
For all of your real estate advice and questions, call/text Elisa @ (609) 703-0432 or see TheRealEstateGodmother.com. Remember, there is no place like owning your own home.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
