How to give your garden shed a festive makeover

If winter leaves you feeling a little flat, decorating your garden for the festive season is a great way to lift your spirits. And if you have a shed, log cabin or garden room, don’t skimp on the sparkle.
With a little imagination you can create a winter wonderland in your own back yard – what better way to tempt everyone out into the fresh air on cold days and bring a welcome glow to dark evenings? Here’s how to give your shed or garden building a seasonal makeover...
1. Let it glow

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String outdoor fairy lights over your garden building, through your trees and along your fence. Not only will they create a warm glow to enjoy from the house, they’ll also light the way for evening visits out to your rustic grotto! If you’re fully decking out your shed or garden building, add some Christmas lights to the interior as well. Go for a solar powered option if you don’t have an outdoor power supply.
2. Hang a festive wreath

Image: Olga Pink/Shutterstock
Make your own huge, festive wreath from greenery, seedheads and berries collected from the garden. A bright bow and some dried orange slices will bring it to life before you hang it on the door of your shed, summerhouse or log cabin.
3. Break out the Christmas ribbon
Ribbon is one of the festive season’s hardest working accessories and can transform anything in a matter of seconds. Wide swathes of red, tartan or burlap ribbon can be added to plant pots, hanging baskets and even window boxes to add an instant dash of Christmas. When it’s all over, simply roll it up and save for another year.
4. Decorate a tree

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Decorate a tree in your garden with outdoor lights and a load of colourful, weatherproof decorations. Alternatively, feed plain popcorn onto string and drape around your outdoor trees like tinsel. The birds will love you for it.
Don’t forget the inside of your garden building too. Pop a mini Christmas tree inside, or collect a vase of holly to brighten things up.
5. Make Christmas bird seed ornaments

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While we’re thinking of birds, make some festive-shaped feeders with cookie cutters and a mixture of seeds, uncooked cranberries, suet and lard. These beautiful decorations will look lovely hanging from trees and give our feathered friends a much needed boost at the same time.
6. Warm up the space
Your garden building will be so much more appealing if it’s warm and snug. Not everyone wants to install a log burner in their shed, log cabin or wooden workshop, but a small portable heater makes for an easy solution. Go for a halogen, infrared or electric heater to quickly warm up the space.
7. Add some cosy creature comforts

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A pile of warm tartan blankets and some sheepskin rugs instantly add a festive touch to any space. Drape over seats or display on a rustic ladder shelf. Channel the rustic ski-chalet vibe or go for a Scottish Highlands colour scheme.
8. Build up layers of festive scent
While scented candles are a popular choice, you must never leave one unattended, especially in a wooden building. Why not make your own festive pot pourri with with cinnamon, orange and vanilla? Alternatively, press dried cloves into fresh oranges and suspend them around the room from twine.
9. Set up a garden bar

Image: Waltons 6 x 4 Pressure Treated Garden Bar
For a Nordic style Christmas drinks party, decorate your shed, log cabin or garden room, add a loaded buffet table, and invite friends and family to pop round for a glass of mulled wine. A beautifully lit outdoor garden bar makes a fun and festive addition to your outdoor space. Just add a fire pit, some sheepskin-lined hay bales, and you can celebrate the season in cool Scandi style.
Will you be giving your garden building a Christmas makeover? Comment below or share your projects with us via our social channels using the hashtag #MyWaltons
Lead image source: Matthew Brown