With Christmas just days a way, many may be rushing to local stores to wrap up last minute shopping. And while you’re browsing the aisles one last time to check off remaining items on your list, don’t forget about picking up the decorations, especially for the outside.

Lively lights, whimsical wreaths, silly snowmen or rumpus reindeer, are just some of the things that can add flair to the front yard or porch, making it an iridescent view for passersby this holiday season.

Selma resident and home and garden expert Greg Bjelke said decorating is a matter of personal taste.

“I lean to more natural — magnolia in the door, potted live plants on each side of the door, other greenery,” Bjelke said. “I’m a fan of magnolia, it’s so rich (and) a little goes a long way. You can put (it) on the bottom of a mantel, and some people spray paint it silver or gold. It’s about personal preference.”

And when it comes to strewing lights around a nearby tree or even around the roof, Bjelke sends a warning.

“Be careful in overloading outside sockets or sockets near water,” Bjelke said. “Make sure lights are recommended for outdoor use — that’s really important.”

And for those who want to be a little more festive or unique, Bjelke recommends putting your focus on the front door.

“Put a spotlight on the front door — it shows off a door or a wreath,” Bjelke said. “I’m all for showing off the front door, it makes it welcoming.”

Decorating experts from MyLifetime.com give these creative and unusual outside decorating ideas.

Fire in Ice. Each side of this box of ice is frozen separately with colorful ice cubes added to the water, said author Suzy Bales. The sides are “glued” together with a slush of snow. A candle lights it from the middle.

Front Porch Perfection. Christmas is not only a time to bring the outdoors in but also to take the in doors out, said photographer Susan Gentry McWhinney. Placing a tree on the porch carries the spirit of the season outside and is an inviting welcome to guests.

Birdbath Bling. Bales recommends piling your birdbath high with a pyramid of silver Christmas balls with one gold ball set on top. Christmas lights are great at night but the balls gleam and sparkle all day for a new take on garden “bling.”

Bough Gracefully. To save time and money, photographer P. Allen Smith recommends turning inexpensive artificial garlands into something grand. Buy several long strands and cover them with clusters of bundled live evergreen stems. Wire on accents of seed heads, pinecones and berried branches, to give them more color and interest.

Think outside the box. Create distinctive seasonal decorations as a way to spread holiday cheer to special neighbors and friends. Fill friends’ window boxes or planters with berries and fruit or boughs as a way to brighten their homes. Cold-hardy plants such as pansies, violas and ornamental kale, can be a nice addition too.

Country Candelabra. Daylight savings time won’t come until spring, so that means early darkness. So when inviting guests to dinner or friends over for a movie, why not light their way to your doorstep by hanging jam jar votives in trees?

Light, Bright. Light an arch of bent branches with a string of lights as a contemporary twist on a holiday tradition.