The secret to winning your neighborhood's Holiday award for "Best Decorated Yard" really isn't a secret at all.

Actually, it's quite obvious.

Care for your home's exterior as much as you do its interior.

I know . . . Easier said than done, right?

Not really. It truly can be just as easy and pleasurable as designing within the home.

Is it as easy as driving to Wal-Mart and buying any of those pre-lit items you can plug in and set on your lawn?

No. I can't say it's that easy.

(...And I would know, because I've been guilty of doing that. And I bet all of you have done so too. ;-)

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But it certainly doesn't have to be more difficult than finding your partner the perfect Christmas present. Decorating the yard can actually be a fairly effortless process if you'll simply...

THINK ABOUT IT.

Grab your phone / tablet / laptop (something that will get you online while outside) and go out and take a seat in your front yard. Now click your way to the images down below and let them inspire something that will catch Santa's eye.

Focus some creative thought on your yard. Don't you want the neighborhood association to plant that "Best Decorated Yard" sign in your lawn?

They'll do it - But only if you start treating your home's exterior like you treat its interior:

With time, love, merriness, and a little creativity.

{ Click each image to enlarge full-screen and view its source }