Festive Friends: Creating a Charming Garden Display for Christmas
Written by: Millie Breakspeare
Tiny robin footprints in freshly laid snow, squirrels frantically looking for their winter food stores; it’s the faint signs of life among the gloomy days of winter that bring small moments of joy.
Why not introduce that wonder and whimsy to your garden this Christmas, with a whole host of festive friends? Whether you’re looking for a majestic reindeer, cute critter, or fun novelty piece, you’re sure to meet the perfect visitors to invite home for the holidays.
Here’s our ideal guest list for charming Christmas figures, who’ll fit right at home in your garden and join in the festivities.
Realistic Reindeer
What is Christmas without reindeer? They carry the spirit of the season with them, whether you choose to go for a traditional or winter wonderland aesthetic, a reindeer family will always fit into place.
Now having said that, there are several different families of reindeer you can choose from to build the perfect centrepiece for your garden display, and really wow your neighbours.
- Leyburn rattan reindeer are ideal for a wonderfully rustic and welcoming scene. Their light rattan colouring feels a little less formal and a little more playful among your shrubs and trees. Plus, they look amazing in daylight due to their dense weave.
- Pateley reindeer still have the charm of rattan, just a slightly darker colouring. Brilliant for a more Scandi style, understated finish, but they still cast a beacon of sparkling light once night falls.
- Swinsty acrylic reindeer suit a sharper, more modern setting. You really want to make a statement with these reindeer framing your entryway. Friends will be blown away with these stylish figures – especially if you go for the multi-coloured versions.
Cute Creatures
Give friends and family a heartwarming welcome with the perfect committee of furry faces. Their seasonal sparkle also means your guests will get a lovely send off after the festivities wrap up, and they head home in the dark of night.
There are plenty of Christmas critters to choose from, you’re sure to find the right house guest to spend the season with.
- Preston the polar bear will add cosy charm to your garden with his pristine fur, red Santa hat and matching scarf. With his mainly neutral palette, he’ll pair well with any design aesthetic you choose.
- For a healthy, double dose of cuteness with their small statures, Sesil squirrel and Hector hedgehog are a great choice - and are guaranteed to make a big impact in spite of their size. They’re the dynamic duo of your space after all; you can’t have Ant without Dec or Bert without Ernie. Why not pop them on your porch so they can greet friends as they knock on your front door?
- Add some extra sweetness to your celebrations with joyful Dazzle the dog. Her sunny smile, snowflake studded fur, and delightfully wrapped present will make you feel like the celebrations have truly begun.
- Someone who has a little more subtleness about them is our arctic fox. He’s sleek and stylish – the friend who always dresses up whether there’s a reason to or not. He’ll introduce a cool, glacial beauty to the space, ideal for creating your own winter wonderland.
- If you want to bring some old-time charm to your garden, look no further than Merlin mouse. He looks so dapper in his top hat and cane – every inch the Dickensian gentleman of the Christmas classics.
A Fun Touch of Novelty
For some Christmas lovers, this time of year means going all out on their holiday display – Santas, snowmen and nutcrackers galore! The neighbourhood competition to have the most merry and brightly dressed house starts by getting the helping hand of some festive figures that have a traditional charm about them. They’ll make sure there’s no mistake that Christmas is here.
- Bring the fun with a pop-up pooch to place on your lawn. The darling way he pops his head up out of the box and back in again will delight your family as they’re guided to your front door.
- Give passersby an early Christmas present with a grand pair of Santa’s boots, filled to the brim with wrapped boxes and an adorable little teddy bear. Their ruby red glow will add a vibrant pop of colour on those dark winter nights.
- Introduce a delicious note to your garden in the form of two well-dressed gingerbread men. With their colourful scarf and bowtie, they embody the comfort and joy of the season.
- The Nutcracker ballet is a holiday staple – even non-thespians will have heard of it. Having a bold and bright nutcracker standing to attention as he guards your front door, signals to everyone that you’re going to be loud and proud about your love for a nostalgic Christmas celebration.
Take your pick from a variety of festive friends to add character and sparkle to your garden, and make your Christmas display truly magical. Whether a magnificent showstopper, cute forest friend, or quintessential Christmas motif, you’re sure to find the best house mate to spread some holiday cheer.
