by Jane Coryell

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: April 01, 2011

With the holidays quickly approaching, decorating is right around the corner. And what could be more important than the front door to your home?

Decorating your whole house and leaving out the front door is like getting all dressed up for a party and not applying your makeup! Your front door should be a reflection of you and give your guests a hint of what will be inside. Anticipation at it's best! A finely decorated door should say "welcome" without a welcome sign.

Consider several things before dressing up your door and entrance way. Realize that decorating the door goes beyond just hanging up a wreath. First and foremost is the style you want to create. Are you a traditionalist or is country more your style? Would you like it personalized or do you want to reflect more of the season itself?

A wreath is just one of many options for something to hang on your door. When considering a wreath, your options will include real versus artificial, various sizes and the details, whether it be adding holly, berries or small ornaments. Wreaths will present a very traditional look. Another traditional alternative would be greenery. A swag of greenery can be created into a very beautiful piece, adding embellishments to reflect your tastes.

If country is more the look you want to achieve, think about baskets. Metal baskets are very nice, along with the woven selections. They can be filled with an assortment of greenery, holly, ornaments or little birds you can find in craft stores. A little red cardinal would make a colorful and wintry look.

If you want to make a personal statement, you might hang a symbol of your faith. Crosses can be found in wooden designs or very intricate designs in silver and gold metal. Other choices of faith include Menorahs, small enough to fit between the storm and wooden doors or a Kinara to celebrate Kwanza.

A festive and fun choice would be a musical trumpet or horn, hung by a thick, gold cord. The piece could be finished with a small songbook attached, along with a bit of holly.

Once you have chosen your door ornament, consider edging the door frame with evergreen and lights. Nothing looks more welcoming than illumination at night! Small red ribbons will continue the finished look for the daylight hours.

Decorative shrubs sitting on either side of the door will complete the look. Depending on the size of your entrance way, you will want to choose these accordingly. Your local nursery will have a good selection, along with nice choice of containers. These would be very beautiful sitting simply without lighting.

Last but not least, a nice doormat will give your guests a place to wipe off the wintry mix before entering your home for some holiday cheer!

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