by Shauna Zamarripa

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: September 18, 2011

Lost in a sea of drab, gray landscapes and snowy bluffs, the entrance of your home can be a welcoming sight this holiday season. Because your front door is the first thing guests see upon arrival, why not make it even more inviting by dressing it up a bit this year? Here are some great ways to incorporate your doorway into your dcor this holiday season.

• Wreaths

A traditional holiday favorite, an evergreen wreath is always a sure thing to hang on your door to smarten up its appearance. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes and can be dolled up or dressed down, dependent upon your personal taste. Instead of a typical holiday circle, this year think about livening up your front door dcor by adding some Christmas lights to make your wreath sparkle. If lights aren't your cup of tea, consider using ribbons or bows in bright, vibrant colors to adorn your wreath. No matter what you decide to be the ultimate way to spruce up your spruce, wreaths are a great way to decorate your door.

• Trappings and Wrappings

For a fun holiday look that is sure to please any spectator, consider wrapping your door up like a present. This is easy to do with some very heavy duty, weatherproof paper, a little tape and some elbow grease. Take the paper, and stretch it from one end of the door to the other, top to bottom and side to side in one long piece. Affix it using heavy-duty tape on all ends and your door is fit to join the rest of the presents under the tree.

For the creatively challenged, most stores offer a quick and easy kit to allow for trappings and wrappings on your front door as well. Brightly colored paper and a big bow in the middle will make your front door inviting, welcoming and charming this holiday season.

• Ribbons and Bows

For a simple yet elegant look, consider placing a holiday bow on your front door as an invitation for guests to come in out of the cold. Large holiday bows can be found in weather resistant materials to hang from now until the New Year. These durable, and easy to use decorations are a great way to decorate your door all by themselves or with the added flair of lights and wreaths.

• Other fun ideas

When decorating your door, don't stop there. Drape a ribbon over the front door in a festive color or take some mistletoe and hang it in the entryway to set a festive tone. Your doorbell and doorknocker can also be used in a decorative manner this season. There are many ways to add a Christmas tune to your doorbell this season, or install a fun holiday doorknocker on your front door to dress it up for the holidays. Doors with glass windows can be covered in festive window appliqus in a fun holiday theme like snowflakes or candles.

Think of yourself as Picasso and the entry to your home a blank canvas. Whether your entry dcor is simple and elegant or extravagant and entertaining, let your front door be the gateway that allows travelers to transition from the harsh conditions and ice and snow outdoors to the warmth and beauty found inside.

Learn more about this author, Shauna Zamarripa.
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