Decorating a Cape Cod Home for Christmas

Cape Cod houses have an architectural style that lends themselves to nautical-style Christmas decorating. Originating from 17th century New England, Cape Cod homes are known for their charming dormer roofs, window shutters, interior molding and cozy interior fireplaces. By incorporating a few techniques and using several easy-to-find items, it is simple to create gorgeous nautical-style Christmas decor in your Cape Cod home.

Things You'll Need

Fresh pine garlands
Fresh wreaths
Blue velvet bows
Floral wire
Wire cutters
Large suction cup hangers
Metal over-the-door wreath hanger
White, battery-operated lights
Fresh or faux potted topiaries
Nautical items such as starfish, sand dollars, small boats, lighthouses, blue and white ornaments
Faux garlands
Green chenille pipe cleaners

Fresh or faux Christmas tree
Tree stand
Handsaw
White plug-in stands of lights
Nautical ornaments
Empty cardboard boxes
Ribbon
Clear tape
Nautical tree skirt
Nautical painting
Nautical accessories such as 3 model ships

Instructions

- 1
  Hang fresh wreaths on windows. Affix a bow to each wreath using wire. Floral wiring will work. Wrap a portion of the wire around the wreath to attach the bow. Use easy-to-remove temporary hooks, or hooks attached to suction cups, to hang wreaths on window glass.
- 2
  Drape the perimeter of your doorway with a fresh pine garland. Take large suction cup hangers, moisten the cups, and affix them to the top right and left corners of the casing around your door. Add several more suction cup hooks down the door casing sides. Hang a fresh pine garland on the hooks to highlight the entrance of your Cape Cod home.
- 3
  Hang a themed wreath on your front door. Take an over-the-top wreath hanger hook and install it over the top of the door until the hook is in place. Use floral wire to attach nautical items to your wreath. Use starfish, sand dollars, small toy boats, lighthouses and blue and white ornaments. Attach a large blue bow to the top of the wreath with floral wire.
- 4
  Place potted topiaries to each side of your doorway. Topiaries should be at least 4 feet tall. Drape the topiaries with white lights for added appeal.
- 5
  Wrap inside banisters with fresh or artificial garland. Use floral wire to affix sand dollars, starfish, small boats, lighthouses and blue and white ornaments.
- 6
  Decorate your Cape Cod Christmas tree. Drape a fresh or artificial tree with white lights. Add nautical-themed ornaments and a tree skirt in a nautical theme.
- 7
  Wrap empty boxes in nautical wrapping paper and top them with large bows. Place them under the tree as a decoration.
- 8
  Hang a nautical picture above your mantel and drape it with fresh garland. Inexpensive paintings of ships and other nautical icons can be found at thrift shops and yard sales.
- 9
  Decorate your mantle with fresh or faux garland and nautical-themed items. Attach blue and white ornaments using florist wire. Place it on top of the mantle. Add three model ships in various sizes to the mantle top. Add additional seaside items in odd numbers to round out your display.

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