deck the driveway
How to Create a Stunning Holiday Mailbox Saddle
Your holiday decor can be just as charming outdoors as it is inside, and one of the easiest ways to add festive curb appeal is with a holiday mailbox saddle. With some creativity and natural elements, you can transform your mailbox into a holiday centerpiece that spreads cheer to everyone passing by.
Start with a Strong Foundation
Begin by wrapping an inexpensive faux wired pine garland around the top of your mailbox. This garland will act as the base for your arrangement, providing structure and a lush frame for the design. Secure it in place using floral wire or zip ties to ensure it stays put in winter weather.
Pro Tip: To make your arrangement more sturdy and better equipped to hold live greenery, place a damp floral foam block under the garland. Secure the block to the mailbox with zip ties or floral wire. The foam will anchor fresh clippings and keep them hydrated, extending their life throughout the season.
Gather Fresh Greenery
Fresh clippings bring life to your mailbox sash.
Tree Clippings: Visit your local big-box home improvement store, nursery, or Christmas tree lot. They often have piles of fresh clippings from trimmed Christmas trees that are free or very inexpensive.
Yard Finds: Look around your yard for winter greenery like pine, holly, magnolia, cedar, or fir.
Mix It Up: For added texture and interest, include a variety of greenery types, such as soft pine needles, glossy magnolia leaves, and holly sprigs with berries.
Layer Your Greenery
Using the floral foam block or directly into the wired garland, start adding your live greenery:
Insert Stems into Floral Foam: If you’re using a foam block, push each stem firmly into the foam to ensure a secure fit. The foam will also help keep your greenery fresh longer.
Tuck into Faux Garland: Without foam, tuck the greenery stems into the faux garland, wrapping the wired branches around them for extra hold.
Create Layers: Alternate different types of greenery to achieve a balanced, dimensional look.
Add a Festive Bow
No mailbox saddle is complete without a bow! Use a wide, wired ribbon in a classic holiday color like red, green, plaid, or gold. Wired ribbon holds its shape better in outdoor conditions and creates a polished finish.
Attach the Bow: Tie the bow around the center or side of the mailbox, securing it with floral wire or zip ties.
Weather-Proofing: If you live in a wet or snowy climate, choose weather-resistant ribbon to keep it looking festive all season.
Secure and Style
Once you’ve added all your greenery and finishing touches, step back to fluff and adjust your arrangement:
Secure Everything: Use additional floral wire or zip ties to keep your greenery, foam block, and bow firmly in place.
Final Styling: Ensure the greenery looks full and balanced from all angles, and adjust the bow for maximum visual impact.
Spread Holiday Cheer
With your mailbox saddle complete, your home is ready to welcome neighbors, guests, and even the mail carrier with a festive touch! This DIY project is not only simple but also a delightful way to showcase your holiday spirit. With just a little effort, your mailbox will be the talk of the neighborhood this holiday season!
