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Christmas is a time for magic, warmth, and dazzling displays. While traditional ornaments have their charm, there’s a growing trend that’s taking holiday decorating to a whole new level: extra large Christmas ornaments. These oversized decorations aren’t just bigger; they’re bolder, more impactful, and can transform your home into a festive wonderland that truly stands out. If you’re looking to make a grand statement this holiday season, embracing the grandeur of oversized decor is the way to go.
Introduction: The Grandeur of Oversized Christmas Decorations
Why settle for subtle when you can go spectacular? The allure of oversized Christmas decorations lies in their ability to create an immediate “wow” factor. They command attention, fill spaces with festive cheer, and offer a fresh, modern twist on classic holiday styling. This isn’t just about adding more decorations; it’s about strategically placing fewer, larger pieces to achieve maximum visual impact.
When we talk about “extra large,” we’re generally referring to ornaments that are significantly larger than your typical bauble. While a standard ornament might be 2-4 inches in diameter, extra large Christmas ornaments often start at 6 inches and can go up to several feet for floor-standing or outdoor pieces. Think of giant baubles ranging from 8 to 24 inches, or even larger, sculptural figures that stand 3 to 6 feet tall. This scale shift allows for a dramatic transformation, making even a modest space feel grand and festive.
This trend represents a shift from the intricate, detailed decorating of the past to a more impactful, statement-driven approach. Instead of meticulously placing dozens of small ornaments, you can achieve a similar or even greater effect with just a few well-chosen, large Christmas baubles. It’s a decorating philosophy that embraces boldness and simplicity, proving that sometimes, bigger really is better.
The Undeniable Appeal: Benefits of Oversized Holiday Decor
Choosing oversized holiday decor offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond mere aesthetics. These substantial pieces bring practical benefits that can enhance your decorating experience and the overall festive atmosphere of your home.
Creating Instant Focal Points
One of the most compelling reasons to use extra large Christmas ornaments is their inherent ability to become immediate focal points. Their sheer size naturally draws the eye, guiding visitors’ gazes and establishing key areas of interest within your festive display. Imagine walking into a room where a cluster of glistening, giant Christmas ornaments hangs dramatically in a corner, or a single, majestic oversized bauble anchors your mantelpiece. These pieces don’t just blend in; they stand out, becoming conversation starters and memorable elements of your decor. They eliminate the need for excessive clutter, allowing a few select pieces to do the heavy lifting in terms of visual appeal.
Maximizing Visual Impact
With large Christmas baubles, you can achieve a significant visual impact with fewer items. This concept, often summarized as “less is more,” is particularly true for oversized decor. Instead of needing a dense array of small ornaments to fill a large Christmas tree or an expansive room, a handful of strategically placed large ornaments can create a sense of grandeur and fullness. This not only makes your decor feel more intentional and sophisticated but also reduces the time and effort spent on decorating. A large, reflective bauble, for instance, can catch and amplify the light, making a space feel brighter and more festive without requiring dozens of individual light strands. The amplified scale translates directly into amplified visual presence.
Simplifying Decorating Efforts
While the idea of “giant” might sound daunting, using oversized Christmas decorations can actually simplify your decorating process. Because these ornaments make such a strong statement on their own, you don’t need to overthink the intricate details. You can achieve a polished, professional look with fewer items to arrange, hang, and adjust. This is particularly beneficial for large spaces or outdoor areas where filling every nook and cranny with small decorations would be incredibly time-consuming. For example, dressing a tall Christmas tree becomes much quicker when you use extra large ornaments to fill the bulk of the space, then complement them with smaller pieces. This efficiency doesn’t compromise on style; it enhances it by allowing the grand scale to speak for itself.
Versatility in Placement
Beyond the traditional Christmas tree, extra large ornaments offer remarkable versatility in placement. They aren’t confined to branches; their size makes them suitable for a wide array of creative displays throughout your home and yard. You can use them to adorn stairwells, fill large decorative bowls, suspend them from ceilings, or even integrate them into outdoor landscape designs. This adaptability allows you to extend your festive theme beyond the main tree, creating cohesive and impactful holiday cheer in unexpected places. For instance, a cluster of giant outdoor Christmas ornaments can transform a plain front yard into a festive spectacle, while a single, elegant oversized bauble can elevate a simple entryway table.
Durability and Longevity
Many oversized holiday decor items, especially those designed for commercial or outdoor use, are crafted with durability in mind. Unlike delicate glass ornaments, many large baubles are made from shatterproof plastics, robust fiberglass, or sturdy metals. This means they can withstand accidental bumps, playful pets, or even harsh outdoor weather conditions, making them a wise long-term investment. Their robust construction ensures they can be enjoyed season after season, reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering peace of mind, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets. This inherent resilience means you’re investing in decor that will last, providing festive joy for many Christmases to come.
Choosing Your Giants: Types and Materials of Extra Large Christmas Ornaments
When selecting extra large Christmas ornaments, understanding the different types and materials available is crucial. Each offers unique aesthetic qualities and practical benefits, impacting where and how you can display them.
Classic Baubles, Elevated
The most recognizable form of Christmas ornament, the spherical bauble, gets a dramatic upgrade in oversized dimensions. These giant baubles can range from 6 inches to over 2 feet in diameter, making them perfect for grand trees or standalone displays.
- Shatterproof Plastic: Often made from high-quality polypropylene or PVC, these shatterproof large ornaments are incredibly durable. They are ideal for homes with children or pets, high-traffic areas, and especially for outdoor giant Christmas ornaments. The technical advantage of these plastics lies in their impact resistance and flexibility, allowing them to absorb shocks without breaking. Many are also treated with UV stabilizers to prevent fading when exposed to sunlight, making them suitable for prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Glass: For those who appreciate traditional elegance, oversized glass baubles offer a sophisticated sparkle. These are typically hand-blown and often feature intricate designs, mercury glass finishes, or delicate painting. While beautiful, they are fragile and best reserved for protected indoor displays where they won’t be easily knocked. The process of creating mercury glass involves applying a silvering solution to the inside of the glass, creating a highly reflective, antique appearance.
- Metallic Finishes: Whether plastic or glass, many large baubles come in stunning metallic finishes like gold, silver, copper, or rose gold. These finishes are highly reflective, amplifying light and creating a luxurious feel. They can be glossy, matte, or glittered, adding varied textures to your display. A metallic finish, often achieved through vacuum metallization or specialized paints, helps these statement Christmas decor pieces catch and reflect ambient light, adding significant sparkle.
Figurative Ornaments
Beyond spheres, extra large Christmas ornaments often take on figurative forms, bringing characters and iconic holiday symbols to life on a grand scale.
- Nutcrackers, Santa Figures, Reindeer: These larger-than-life characters can stand several feet tall, making them perfect for entryways, hearths, or garden displays. They often become beloved parts of a family’s holiday tradition.
- Snowflakes, Stars, and Angels: Oversized versions of these classic shapes can be hung from ceilings, incorporated into large wreaths, or used as impressive tree toppers.
- Materials: These figures are commonly crafted from durable materials like resin, fiberglass, or sometimes even lightweight metal frames covered in fabric or tinsel. Fiberglass offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for large, intricate shapes that are still manageable to move. Resin, a synthetic polymer, can be molded into highly detailed forms and is often weather-resistant. Metal frames provide structural integrity, especially for taller figures, and can be powder-coated for rust resistance and a durable finish.
Finial Ornaments
Finial ornaments are elongated, often ornate, decorative pieces that typically top trees or are used as elegant hanging elements. In oversized form, they create a sense of grandeur and height. They can be used to add a sophisticated touch to the top of a large tree or suspended vertically in a dramatic display.
Lighted Ornaments
Many extra large Christmas ornaments come with integrated lighting, enhancing their visual appeal, especially at night.
- Integrated LED Lighting: LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, providing a brilliant glow. These ornaments often have internal wiring that illuminates the entire piece.
- Battery-Operated vs. Plug-In: Battery-operated options offer flexibility in placement, especially for outdoor areas without easy access to outlets. Plug-in versions provide continuous light without battery changes, but require careful planning for power sources. For outdoor lighted ornaments, look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, such as IP44 or higher, which indicates resistance to water splashes and dust, ensuring electrical safety in varying weather conditions.
Novelty and Themed Ornaments
From giant candy canes to oversized gift boxes or massive glittered stars, novelty oversized holiday decor pieces add a playful and whimsical touch. These are excellent for creating themed displays, like a “Candyland” Christmas or a classic “Santa’s Workshop” scene. They are often made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials like foam, plastic, or fabric-covered frames, making them easy to handle and display.
Material Deep Dive: Technical Aspects
Understanding the materials helps you choose the right ornament for the right place, ensuring both beauty and durability.
- Shatterproof Plastics (Polypropylene, PVC): These plastics are polymers known for their high impact strength and flexibility. They are manufactured by injection molding, which allows for consistent shapes and sizes. For outdoor use, UV inhibitors are often added during the manufacturing process. These chemical additives absorb or block ultraviolet radiation, preventing the polymer chains from breaking down, which would otherwise lead to discoloration, brittleness, and degradation of the material over time. This makes them ideal for prolonged exposure to sunlight without fading or becoming brittle.
- Fiberglass and Resin: Fiberglass is a composite material made of fine glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix (typically polyester or epoxy resin). This combination results in a material that is lightweight, incredibly strong, and highly resistant to environmental factors like moisture and temperature fluctuations. Large figurative ornaments are often hand-laid or spray-up molded using fiberglass, then finished with weather-resistant paints and coatings. Resin, a synthetic polymer, can be poured into molds to create intricate details and is then cured to a hard, durable finish. Both materials are excellent for creating large, sculptural pieces that need to withstand outdoor elements without significant degradation.
- Metal (Aluminum, Steel): Metals like aluminum and steel are used for their structural integrity, especially for large, freestanding figures or intricate, open-work designs. Aluminum is lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant due to the formation of a protective oxide layer. Steel, while stronger, is prone to rust and is typically treated with a powder coating or galvanization process to enhance its weather resistance. Powder coating involves applying a dry powder (a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin) electrostatically to the surface, which is then cured under heat to form a durable, protective layer that is more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading than traditional liquid paints.
- Fabric and Textiles: Materials like felt, velvet, burlap, or synthetic outdoor fabrics are used for plush figures, large bows, or soft sculptural elements. For outdoor use, synthetic fabrics are often preferred due to their inherent resistance to moisture, mildew, and UV degradation. Some fabrics may also be treated with water-repellent coatings to prevent saturation and maintain their shape in wet conditions.
- Glass: As mentioned, glass ornaments are typically hand-blown, a traditional craft involving shaping molten glass with tools and breath. The delicate nature of glass means it’s best for indoor, protected environments. The reflective quality of glass, especially when silvered internally, is due to the smooth, non-porous surface that reflects light efficiently.
Strategic Placement: Where to Showcase Your Oversized Christmas Decorations
The true artistry of decorating with extra large Christmas ornaments lies in their strategic placement. They can transform any area of your home, both indoors and out, into a festive spectacle.
Indoor Grandeur: Styling Large Christmas Baubles Inside Your Home
Bringing oversized Christmas decorations indoors can create a luxurious and immersive holiday atmosphere.
The Christmas Tree as a Centerpiece
The Christmas tree is the traditional home for ornaments, and large Christmas baubles can elevate it to a new level of grandeur.
- Balancing Size and Scale: For a truly impactful tree, match the size of your ornaments to the height and fullness of your tree. On a 7-foot tree, baubles ranging from 6-10 inches work well as primary elements. For a grand 10-foot or taller tree, you can go even larger, using 12-inch or even 18-inch baubles to fill the expansive space. The goal is to create visual balance; an overly large ornament on a small tree can overwhelm it, while tiny ornaments on a massive tree can get lost.
- Layering with Smaller Ornaments and Lights: Don’t just use large ornaments. Create depth and interest by layering them with smaller, complementary baubles, delicate string lights, and festive picks or sprays. Place your extra large ornaments first, distributing them evenly, then fill in gaps with medium and small ornaments. This layering technique, often called “treescaping,” builds a rich, multi-dimensional look.
- Placement Techniques: For maximum impact, place some of your largest baubles deeper within the tree’s branches, closer to the trunk. This creates depth and makes the tree appear fuller. Reserve some of the most prominent statement Christmas decor pieces for the outer tips of the branches, where they can catch the light and be easily seen. Varying the hanging height of each ornament also adds dynamic visual interest.
Mantelpiece Magic
The fireplace mantel is a natural focal point in many living rooms, and it’s perfect for showcasing oversized holiday decor.
- Arranging Large Ornaments with Garlands and Candles: Drape a lush garland along the mantel, then nestle large Christmas baubles within its greenery. Add varying heights of pillar candles or lanterns to create a warm, inviting glow. A cluster of three to five extra large ornaments of different sizes but cohesive colors can create a stunning centerpiece.
- Creating Symmetry or Asymmetry: You can arrange ornaments symmetrically for a formal, balanced look, placing identical large baubles at each end of the mantel. Alternatively, embrace asymmetry for a more modern and dynamic display, using an odd number of large ornaments grouped together on one side, balanced by other decorative elements like a large vase or sculpture on the other.
Stairwell Statement
A stairwell provides a dramatic vertical space ideal for oversized Christmas decorations.
- Hanging from Banisters or Suspending from Above: Secure large Christmas baubles to your banister with wide, festive ribbons, letting them cascade down at varying lengths. For a truly grand effect, suspend giant Christmas ornaments from the ceiling above the stairwell, creating a breathtaking visual when viewed from below. Use strong, clear fishing line or sturdy decorative ribbon for hanging, ensuring they are securely fastened to ceiling joists or robust anchors.
- Safety Considerations: Ensure that any hanging ornaments are well out of the way of foot traffic and cannot be easily bumped or pulled down. If using lights, ensure all wiring is neatly tucked away and secured to prevent tripping hazards.
Entryway Welcome
Your home’s entryway sets the tone for your holiday decor, and extra large ornaments can make a memorable first impression.
- Console Tables, Floor Displays: Place a single, striking oversized Christmas decoration on a console table, perhaps nestled in a bed of faux snow or surrounded by pinecones. For larger entryways, arrange a grouping of giant Christmas ornaments directly on the floor, perhaps beside a festive bench or a tall potted plant.
- Pairing with Festive Greenery: Complement the scale of the ornaments with equally grand greenery, such as large potted poinsettias, tall evergreen branches in a vase, or substantial garlands draped around the doorway.
Tabletop Transformations
Large Christmas baubles can turn ordinary tabletops into festive masterpieces.
- Filling Large Bowls, Vases, or Cloches: Gather a collection of extra large ornaments in a decorative bowl, a clear glass vase, or under a glass cloche. This creates an effortless yet elegant centerpiece. Mix different sizes and textures for visual interest.
- Using as Unique Place Settings or Napkin Rings: For a personalized touch, tie a smaller large Christmas bauble (e.g., 4-6 inches) to each napkin with a festive ribbon, doubling as a place card if you add a name tag. This adds a luxurious, individual touch to your holiday dining experience.
Unexpected Spots
Don’t limit your imagination! Oversized holiday decor can shine in surprising places.
- Hanging from Chandeliers or Light Fixtures: Suspend a few large Christmas baubles from a chandelier using clear fishing line or decorative ribbon. This adds a touch of sparkle and extends your decor upwards. Ensure the fixture can support the weight.
- Incorporating into Wreaths or Garlands: Attach extra large ornaments to an oversized wreath on your front door or a large garland draped over a doorway or window. Their size helps the wreath or garland feel fuller and more luxurious.
- Displaying on Bookshelves or in Alcoves: Place a single, striking statement Christmas decor piece on a prominent bookshelf, perhaps flanked by smaller decorative items, or use it to fill an empty alcove, drawing attention to the architectural features of your home.
Outdoor Spectacle: Giant Christmas Ornaments for Your Yard and Porch
Giant outdoor Christmas ornaments are designed to withstand the elements and create a truly spectacular display that can be seen from afar.
Creating a Winter Wonderland
Transform your yard into a magical scene with oversized Christmas decorations.
- Large Inflatable Figures vs. Solid Ornaments: Inflatable figures (like giant Santa or snowman) offer an easy, high-impact solution, often with internal lighting. Solid giant outdoor Christmas ornaments (like large baubles or fiberglass figures) provide a more classic, sophisticated look and are generally more durable in windy conditions.
- Grouping and Clustering for Impact: Instead of scattering individual ornaments, create clusters or groupings. For example, arrange three different-sized extra large ornaments together in a prominent spot in your yard. This creates a stronger visual statement than single, isolated pieces.
Pathway and Entrance Embellishment
Guide guests to your door with a festive path.
- Lining Driveways, Framing Doorways: Place oversized Christmas decorations along your driveway or sidewalk, creating a grand entrance. Use them to frame your front door, either freestanding or hanging from porch columns.
- Securing Against Wind and Weather: This is critical for outdoor ornaments. Use ground stakes, sandbags, or heavy bases to anchor freestanding pieces. For hanging ornaments, ensure strong, weather-resistant hooks and lines are used. Wind can easily turn large, lightweight ornaments into projectiles, so proper securing is paramount.
Garden and Landscape Integration
Integrate giant Christmas ornaments seamlessly into your existing garden and landscape.
- Hanging from Trees, Placing Amidst Bushes: Suspend large Christmas baubles from sturdy tree branches, letting them dangle at various heights. Nestling extra large ornaments among bushes or in garden beds to add unexpected pops of color and sparkle.
- Weather-Resistant Considerations (IP Ratings for Lights): Ensure all outdoor ornaments are explicitly rated for outdoor use. For lighted ornaments, check their IP rating. An IP44 rating means it’s protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water from any direction. Higher ratings like IP65 indicate protection against dust and low-pressure water jets, making them suitable for more exposed conditions. This technical specification is vital for safety and longevity in varying weather.
Porch and Patio Pizzazz
Your porch and patio are extensions of your indoor living space and perfect for oversized holiday decor.
- Oversized Wreaths, Hanging Ornaments: Adorn your front door with an extra large wreath, perhaps embellished with a few giant baubles. Hang oversized Christmas decorations from your porch ceiling or from decorative hooks on walls.
- Complementing Existing Outdoor Furniture: Place large Christmas ornaments on outdoor tables, beside seating areas, or in large planters, integrating them with your outdoor living space.
Lighting Up Your Giants
Illumination is key to making giant outdoor Christmas ornaments shine, especially after dusk.
- Spotlighting, Integrated LEDs, String Lights: Use outdoor spotlights to highlight your extra large ornaments from below or above, creating dramatic shadows and enhancing their presence. As mentioned, many come with integrated LEDs. Alternatively, wrap plain oversized Christmas decorations with outdoor-rated string lights to give them a festive glow.
- Electrical Safety for Outdoor Use: Always use outdoor-rated extension cords and ensure all connections are waterproof. Plug into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, which automatically shuts off power if it detects a ground fault, preventing electric shock. Never overload circuits.
Design Principles: Achieving Cohesion with Statement Christmas Decor
While extra large Christmas ornaments make a bold statement, integrating them seamlessly into your overall decor requires attention to fundamental design principles. This ensures your display looks cohesive and sophisticated, not chaotic.
Scale and Proportion
This is perhaps the most critical principle when working with oversized holiday decor. The size of your ornaments must be proportionate to the space they occupy and the other elements around them. A massive bauble in a tiny room will feel overwhelming, while a relatively small “large” ornament might get lost on a grand, tall tree. Aim for a balanced visual weight. For instance, on a 9-foot Christmas tree, a mix of 8-inch, 10-inch, and a few 12-inch large Christmas baubles will feel proportionate and impactful. In a spacious foyer, a 3-foot tall illuminated reindeer will make a statement without dwarfing the entire area.
Color Palette and Theme
A cohesive color scheme and theme tie your statement Christmas decor together.
- Traditional vs. Modern, Whimsical vs. Elegant: Decide on your desired aesthetic. Traditional themes might use classic red, green, and gold extra large ornaments. A modern look might lean towards metallics, whites, and cool blues. Whimsical themes could incorporate oversized candy canes and playful figures, while elegant displays might feature large, frosted glass baubles in muted tones.
- Using a Limited Palette for Sophisticated Impact: Sticking to two or three primary colors, perhaps with one accent color, creates a sophisticated and unified look. This prevents the large ornaments from clashing and allows their scale to be the dominant feature, rather than a riot of conflicting hues. For example, a display of large silver and white baubles with hints of icy blue creates a serene winter wonderland.
Texture and Finish
Mixing textures adds depth and interest to your oversized holiday decor.
- Mixing Matte, Glossy, Glitter, and Natural Textures: Combine large Christmas baubles with different finishes. A matte finish absorbs light, creating a soft, understated look, while a glossy finish reflects light brightly. Glittered ornaments add sparkle and glamour. Incorporating natural elements like large pinecones, burlap ribbons, or wooden figures alongside your extra large ornaments introduces organic texture and warmth, providing contrast to the smooth, often artificial surfaces of the ornaments. This interplay of textures makes the display more visually engaging.
Repetition and Rhythm
Repeating elements creates a sense of harmony and guides the eye through your display.
- Creating Visual Flow: Use the same type or color of extra large ornament in multiple locations throughout your home or yard. For example, if you have giant outdoor Christmas ornaments lining your driveway, repeat a smaller version of the same ornament type on your porch or in your entryway. This repetition creates a visual rhythm that makes the entire home feel thoughtfully decorated and cohesive.
Balance and Symmetry
These principles dictate how elements are arranged to create visual stability.
- Formal vs. Informal Arrangements: For a formal look, use symmetry, placing identical extra large ornaments on either side of a central point, like a fireplace or doorway. For a more relaxed, informal style, use asymmetrical balance, where different elements are arranged to have equal visual weight, even if they aren’t identical. For instance, a single large ornament on one side of a mantel could be balanced by a cluster of smaller, but visually heavy, elements on the other.
Creating Depth
Depth adds richness and complexity to your statement Christmas decor.
- Using Varying Sizes and Placements: Don’t just line up your large Christmas baubles in a single plane. Place some deeper within tree branches, others at the tips. Hang ornaments at different heights in a stairwell or from a chandelier. When creating groupings, use a mix of extra large ornaments of different diameters to create a dynamic, layered effect. This variation in depth makes the display more engaging and visually interesting, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.
DIY Extra Large Ornaments: Crafting Your Own Giants
While many stunning extra large Christmas ornaments are available for purchase, crafting your own can be a rewarding and budget-friendly way to achieve a custom look. DIY projects allow for unique personalization that store-bought options simply can’t match.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Creating your own oversized holiday decor can significantly cut down on costs, especially for very large pieces. Many DIY projects utilize inexpensive, readily available materials that can be transformed into impressive decorations with a bit of creativity. This approach allows you to achieve a grand, high-impact look without a grand budget, making statement Christmas decor accessible to more households.
Materials and Tools
The beauty of DIY giant Christmas ornaments is that they often repurpose common household items or cheap craft supplies.
- Base Materials:
- Plastic Exercise Balls or Beach Balls: These are excellent for creating large spherical ornaments. Their inflatable nature makes them easy to work with and store.
- Foam Spheres: Available at craft stores in various sizes, foam spheres provide a rigid base for painting, glittering, or covering.
- PVC Pipes or Metal Hoops: These can form the structural framework for larger, more complex shapes like oversized string lights or abstract sculptural ornaments. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is lightweight and easy to cut and glue, while metal hoops offer greater rigidity.
- Chicken Wire: This flexible wire mesh can be shaped into various forms (e.g., giant stars, animals) and then covered with fabric, lights, or other decorative elements.
- Decorative Elements:
- Fabric and Yarn: For wrapping, covering, or creating soft textures. Weather-resistant outdoor fabrics are crucial for outdoor DIYs.
- Paint: Acrylic or spray paint suitable for your base material.
- Glitter: Fine or chunky glitter for sparkle.
- Glue: Hot glue, craft glue, or spray adhesive, depending on the materials.
- Weatherproofing Sprays: For outdoor DIYs, a clear acrylic sealant or outdoor-rated varnish can protect your creations from moisture and UV damage. These sprays create a protective barrier that repels water and prevents color fading.
Simple Project Ideas
Here are a few popular and relatively easy DIY projects for extra large ornaments:
Giant Baubles from Inflatables
This is one of the most popular and impactful DIYs.
- Inflate: Start with a large exercise ball or beach ball (e.g., 18-30 inches in diameter).
- Paint/Decorate: Paint the ball with outdoor-rated spray paint in your desired color. Once dry, you can add glitter by applying spray adhesive and then sprinkling glitter, or use craft paint for designs.
- Create a “Cap”: For the top, you can use a plastic bowl, a cut-down plastic container, or even a piece of foam. Paint it metallic (gold or silver) and attach it to the top of the ball with strong adhesive.
- Add a Hanger: Drill two small holes through the “cap” and the top of the ball. Thread a sturdy rope or wire through these holes to create a hanger. For outdoor use, ensure the hanger is robust enough to withstand wind.
Oversized String Lights
These are fantastic for both indoor and outdoor giant Christmas ornaments displays, adding a whimsical touch.
- Gather Materials: You’ll need large plastic cups (e.g., disposable party cups or small buckets), LED string lights (outdoor-rated for outdoor use), and a drill or sharp tool.
- Prepare Cups: Drill a small hole in the bottom of each plastic cup, just large enough for an LED bulb to fit through.
- Attach Lights: Push one LED bulb from your string lights into each hole.
- Decorate: Paint the cups in bright, festive colors, or cover them with glitter or translucent cellophane for a glow effect. Arrange them along a fence, mantel, or drape them across your yard.
Large Bows and Ribbons
Oversized bows add a classic, elegant touch to oversized holiday decor.
- Choose Fabric: Select a wide, weather-resistant ribbon or fabric (e.g., outdoor burlap, treated polyester) in your desired color.
- Form the Bow: Create a large, multi-looped bow, securing the center with floral wire or a smaller piece of ribbon.
- Embellish: Add wire-edged ribbon for shape, or attach faux berries, pinecones, or smaller large Christmas baubles to the center of the bow.
- Attach: Use floral wire or zip ties to attach the bow to wreaths, garlands, or even directly onto large outdoor structures.
Metal Hoop Ornaments
Inspired by modern designs, these are chic and relatively simple.
- Source Hoops: Use large metal craft hoops or even hula hoops (for very large ones).
- Wrap: Wrap the hoops tightly with thick, fluffy yarn or fabric strips in a festive color. Secure the ends with hot glue.
- Embellish: Hot glue faux greenery, berries, or small extra large ornaments to a section of the wrapped hoop.
- Hang: Attach a loop of ribbon for hanging, creating a minimalist yet impactful ornament.
Safety Tips for DIY
- Proper Ventilation: When using spray paints, adhesives, or sealants, always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Safe Tool Use: If drilling or cutting, use appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection. Follow manufacturer instructions for all tools.
- Outdoor Rating: For any DIY giant outdoor Christmas ornaments, ensure all materials (paint, glue, fabric, lights) are explicitly rated for outdoor use and can withstand local weather conditions. This prevents premature degradation and ensures electrical safety if lights are involved.
Maintenance and Storage: Preserving Your Grand Decorations
Investing in or crafting extra large Christmas ornaments means you’ll want them to last for many holiday seasons. Proper maintenance and storage are key to preserving their beauty and integrity.
Cleaning Your Ornaments
- Material-Specific Care:
- Plastic/Fiberglass: These are generally easy to clean. Use a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water to wipe away dust and grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface or remove finishes.
- Glass: Handle with extreme care. Use a soft, lint-free cloth, possibly slightly dampened with glass cleaner, but avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the ornament, as it could seep under the cap or damage internal finishes.
- Metal: Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth. If the metal is painted or powder-coated, avoid harsh chemicals. For unsealed metals, avoid moisture to prevent tarnishing or rust.
- Fabric/Textile: Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid soaking, as this could damage the material or internal structure. Allow to air dry completely.
- Before Storage: Always ensure ornaments are completely dry before packing them away to prevent mold, mildew, or material degradation.
Proper Disassembly
For oversized Christmas decorations that are modular or inflatable, proper disassembly is crucial.
- Inflatable Pieces: Deflate completely and carefully fold along existing creases to prevent damage to the material. Ensure no sharp objects are near the deflated material that could puncture it during storage.
- Modular Structures: If your large ornament has detachable parts (e.g., a base, separate limbs for a figure), disassemble them carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in clearly labeled bags attached to the main components.
Smart Storage Solutions
Dedicated storage solutions protect your investment and make next year’s decorating easier.
- Original Packaging: If possible, store extra large ornaments in their original boxes, which are designed to fit and protect them.
- Dedicated Bins and Bags: For giant Christmas ornaments without original packaging, use large, sturdy plastic storage bins. For spherical ornaments, consider bins with dividers or individual compartments to prevent them from knocking against each other. For irregularly shaped items, use large, heavy-duty storage bags or wrap them in soft blankets or bubble wrap.
- Protecting Delicate Surfaces: For glittered or painted surfaces, wrap ornaments individually in acid-free tissue paper or soft fabric to prevent scratching, chipping, or glitter transfer. Avoid newspaper, as the ink can transfer.
- Temperature and Humidity Considerations: Store your oversized holiday decor in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Attics can get very hot, and basements can be damp, both of which can damage materials over time. A climate-controlled closet or garage is ideal. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew, especially on fabric or porous materials, while extreme heat can cause plastics to warp or finishes to degrade.
Longevity Tips
- Handle with Care: Even durable materials can be damaged if mishandled. Always lift large Christmas baubles from their base or strongest point.
- Regular Inspection: Before and after each season, inspect your ornaments for any signs of wear, damage, or loose parts. Address small issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.
- Clean Before Storing: Dust and dirt can become embedded over time, making them harder to remove later. A quick clean before storage helps maintain their appearance.
- Rotate Displays (for outdoor): If you have multiple giant outdoor Christmas ornaments, consider rotating their placement each year to distribute exposure to sun and weather, prolonging their life.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bold and Beautiful
Extra large Christmas ornaments offer a fantastic way to revitalize your holiday decorating, bringing a sense of grandeur and contemporary flair to your home. From the undeniable visual impact they create to their surprising versatility in placement, these oversized Christmas decorations are more than just a trend; they’re a smart and stylish investment in your festive aesthetic.
Whether you choose to adorn your towering Christmas tree with giant baubles, transform your mantelpiece with statement Christmas decor, or turn your yard into a dazzling spectacle with giant outdoor Christmas ornaments, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with scale, mix different textures, and play with lighting to create a truly personalized and memorable display.
By understanding the types of materials available, mastering strategic placement, and committing to proper maintenance, you can ensure your extra large ornaments remain stunning focal points for many Christmases to come. This holiday season, embrace the bold, celebrate the beautiful, and elevate your decor to new, magnificent heights.