by Patti Morgan

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 06, 2010

Christmas is a time for friends and family to come knocking on your door. Why not make your front door a warm and inviting focal point to this years outdoor decorating.

Christmas wreaths and swags come in various sizes and styles. You can purchase fresh evergreen wreaths as well as the artificial ones. If your climate is warm in winter, artificial will last longer. If it comes plain, you can decorate it up with finds from your local craft store. Beads, winter berries, birds, ribbons and small bows can be secured to the wreath or swag for a nice holiday touch.

Fresh evergreen garlands can be hung over the door and left to hang down on each side. These can be left plain or decorated with beads and bows. Don't add to many decorations to your garland as the lovely look of fresh greenery is often just enough. These can also come lighted and look lovely in the day light as well as night time.

Go around your yard and gather cones, twigs, branches and anything that reminds you of Christmas. Display these in cans that are painted with a winter scene and place them beside your door. You can find cans and other receptacles at craft and department stores for relatively cheap. You can also fill them up with Christmas greenery that is available at your local nursery or florist. Add some glittered accents and you will have a lovely inviting display.

Small potted trees can be placed on either side of your door. These can be decorated with beads or left as they are. Try to buy trees that you can replant out in your yard in the spring. This way you will have a dual purpose decoration.

Large poinsettias and other winter plants can be added on each side of the door. Try setting your plants on logs or Christmas paper wrapped boxes. A large plant stand, wrapped in red ribbon, can also be used to hold poinsettias.

If your front door has large windows, you can add some stained glass decorations to them for the Christmas season. At your local craft store you can find glass transfers that allow you to make some really nice stained glass that sticks to your window. These can also be personalized with your initials or a holiday message.

With a little creativity you can produce a wonderfully warm and inviting front entrance-way that will welcome guests to your home.

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