Deck the Yard With Creative Winter Designs

Earthy colors brighten these urns and what's inside them. This arrangement uses common materials, such as yellowtwig dogwood, red winterberries and the greens of Norway pines, incense cedars and boxwoods, plus unexpected touches: Southern magnolia leaves and kuwa pods (available at crafts supply stores). "Southern magnolia is widely used nowadays, dries nicely and offers a warm, coppery brown color," says Scott (carrying package).

Scott also recommends using groupings for impact. If one container is good, two or more are better. Urns flanking a door or sidewalk entry add a formal note. On the lawn, patio or porch, group containers with similar shapes or colors in different sizes for a bigger impression. Keep materials similar, but don't worry about matching exactly. Add white lights to give long winter nights some sparkle.