The doors the focal point on many homes. While the brick, siding, and even window treatments add a lot to the appearance of your home, all eyes end up focusing on the doorway. If you’re decorating the outside of your home for the holidays, remember that your door is front and center and deserves special treatment.
Outdoor Christmas Trees
Who says you must keep your tree indoors? Put an artificial or real tree on your front porch to greet your guests. While an artificial tree may be more convenient, real pine has a wonderful scent that adds to your holiday greeting.
Wreaths and Swags
Door wreaths are popular all year ‘round, but there is something special about Christmas wreaths and swags. Most Christmas tree sellers also sell evergreen swags and wreaths, but it can also be a lot of fun to create your own. Check out Pinterest for ideas: You could even make a family tradition of creating a new front door wreath each year.
Holiday Reframing
Outline your doors with evergreen or metallic garland. First, measure your door frame so that you’ll know how much you need. When possible, select a metallic garland that compliments your door’s color and fixtures. If you are using evergreen garland, consider winding a ribbon in a complementary or contrasting color to add a bit more style.
Lighting
Christmas lights on an outdoor tree or woven in with the garland around your door adds to Christmas cheer and makes your home stand out. It’s important, though, to make sure that you only use lights that have been rated for outdoor use. Before hanging the lights, check the cords for damage: Damaged cords are a safety hazard and should be replaced with a new set of lights.
Wrap the Door
An increasingly popular trend wrapping your door as if it was a Christmas gift. Don’t use wrapping paper, however. It isn’t sturdy enough to withstand the weather, nor the wear and tear caused by normal door use.
In most cases, you can simply tie large, long ribbons around the door to give it the look of a wrapped gift. Add some large, festive bells or a large bow to complete the look. If you want something more elaborate, try wrapping the door in a large red plastic tablecloth or purchasing a door wrap at a department or big-box store. Some commercial door wraps even have a bow printed on them, eliminating the need for extra materials and work.
Don’t Forget the Doormat
To complete your holiday door makeover, don’t forget the doormat! Choose a mat that is not only functional, but that reflects the spirit of the season with holiday colors, designs, and messages of good cheer.
Decorating the outside of your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be a major chore or expense. By focusing on the door, you can avoid the hassle of trying to string lights and decorations in less-accessible areas of your property, while also ensuring that your efforts are noticed by neighbors and visitors alike.
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