Decking the halls may seem easy enough, but what about decking the lawn? Outdoor Christmas decorations need a bit more care and consideration than indoor ones, but a little effort can go a long way toward keeping them merry and bright for seasons to come.

To begin with, start with decorations that are specifically designed to be placed outside. While this may seem like common sense, it never hurts to double check exactly what you are purchasing, where you will place it and what kind of weather and other variables it will be exposed to. At Christmas Night Inc., we can assure you that anything marked as an "outdoor" decoration has been designed to withstand the elements with proper care.

Strands of outdoor-approved Christmas lights are a great addition to any display, but if they droop or are blown out of place, what's the point? Don't let the wind bring down your Christmas cheer. Secure your light strands with simple zip ties or clips spaced every 12 to 14 inches. For more substantial or stand-up displays, pay careful attention to anchoring directions. Stake your displays fully into the ground and use guy wires if provided.

Remember that electricity and water don't make good bedfellows - and snow is simply frozen water! For public displays, most city regulations require the use of a ground-fault circuit interpreter (GFCI) to prevent shorts and shocks. Using one for private displays may not be a bad idea either. Additionally, if you have lights or other electric displays that connect to each other or to an extension cord, wrap in electrical tape or plastic bags where the male and female join to keep moisture out.

Before storing, clean thoroughly as per instructions, paying careful attention to remove any debris like dirt or grass that may soil or stain your displays over the following year. Store all your decorations covered in a cool, dry location.