The holidays aside, winter is a wonderful time of year to dress up your home’s exterior and give it a new life. Even if your home is not on the market, a charming curb appeal will welcome you with open arms. As the temperature falls and the dark arrives sooner, you want your house to feel inviting–both for you and visitors–as you arrive. From hanging a seasonal wreath to updating the mailbox for holiday cards and gifts, here are some practical and clever ideas to maintain great curb appeal during the winter months.

Hang A Seasonal Wreath

One of the easiest ways to maintain curb appeal is to hang a fresh holiday wreath. It doesn’t have to be a bauble-filled Christmas-themed wreath either! A simple evergreen wreath with seasonal decor like autumn leaves, seedpods, winter berries, and dried magnolia leaf stems can make your home look elegant, while creating a welcoming feel for your guests. Even if you forgo a wreath, hang something on your door to make a welcoming statement and draw the eye of passers. Consider an old ice skate filled with wintry sprigs and tied with jingling sleigh bells to alert your company has arrived.

Add A Small Holiday Tree

Whether it’s fresh evergreens or mini Christmas trees, flank your doorway or front porch with something to draw the eye, much in the same way the wreath does. Make sure it’s a hardy bush that will survive the winter and keep it in an attractive container, adding some thrillers, fillers and spillers. Want to add a festive vibe? Wrap it in a neutral and natural burlap or colored ribbon for an understated, minimal touch. Run a cord from an outdoor electrical outlet and add some string lights, too.

Create A Warm Welcoming

Speaking of string lights, lighting overall goes a long way in making a home appear warm and inviting to guests. To maintain great curb appeal, address any areas that could use some exterior lighting. For instance, you may want to update sconces or the porch lantern. Also, make sure that all lighting fixtures are working, clearing bulbs of ice or snow throughout the winter as needed. Not only does lighting make a home look welcoming, but it also adds a layer of safety.

Shovel Snow From Pathways

When snow falls, be sure to clear the pathway. Keeping your path clear makes your home appear to be kept in shape. Shovel snow as soon as you can, before it freezes and makes it more challenging to remove. If you have a short front pathway, a shovel will do the trick, but consider purchasing a snowblower or paying someone to clean the area if you have a huge driveway. Sprinkle some salt on any frozen areas, too. Clearing snow from pathways ensures that visitors can reach the door safely without slipping.

Declutter The Yard

One of the most important ways to maintain curb appeal during the winter is to keep any clutter cleared. Clutter, indoors or outdoors, can make a home appear unkempt and give the impression it may not have been taken care of properly. This rule goes for any time of year, too! In general, clear the yard or driveway of kids’ toys, especially as holiday gifts come in and they go outside to play. After you complete a chore, place tools and yard equipment back in the garage or its designated space.

Hang A New Lantern

As mentioned, one of the easiest ways to maintain great curb appeal is to create a warm welcome through lighting. However, even if you don’t have the funds to repair or replace all the exterior lights, at the very least, hang a new lantern in the entrance. Choose a style that reflects the home’s character, not necessarily your tastes, and select a finish that will add some contrast.

Use String Lights

String lights add some magic to the winter season, regardless of whether it’s the holidays or not. Plus, there’s so much you can do with them! Wrap them around a tree on the lawn or down the front porch stair railing with an evergreen swag. You can even dangle some string lights from the roof’s eave for a grand effect or simply wrap them in the bushes below. Choose string lights that can be easily unplugged or set to a timer to turn them off during the daylight hours.

Attract The Birds

During the cold, harsh winter, birds need a little human assistance. Place out a bird-friendly decor object to brighten up an otherwise flowerless, boring-looking lawn. This can be anything from a bird feeder to a birdhouse or birdbath. Whatever you choose, place it in the front yard to add curb appeal and make your home look lively with visiting birds.

Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint

While the winter months can seem a bit drab, you can always liven up your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint. Even if you lack time to paint the entire house, a fresh coat on the surrounding trim can create a striking contrast. Choose a brighter color that will stand out in gloomy winter weather. Also, start this project early in the season to ensure the coat dries correctly.

Update The Mailbox And House Numbers

If you have a plain black metal mailbox that shows rust or could use an update, consider replacing it to maintain great curb appeal. Especially through the winter holiday season, when you get lots of cards and gifts, a freshly painted or new mailbox can really catch someone’s eye. Paint it in a bright color that matches your house’s trim or install a more modern mailbox design. While you’re at it, replace the house numbers, too, having them match. Choose house numbers in a font style that reflects the home’s character and are visible from the street.