by Danielle Reid

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

When asked what part of their house is first seen by visitors, most people will answer with whatever room the front door opens into. Taken literally, it is the front door, itself, that provides that first impression of what guests will find therein. A door is the frontispiece to our existence and should reflect the inviting nature we want to convey, especially during the holiday season.

There are many tried and true methods to decorating a front door. One can see them in the form of wreaths, bells, lights and the transformation of the door into a wrapped gift. These are all inexpensive ways to honor the festive season and encourage good cheer to those who cross your threshold. Some can be taken a step further, perhaps, to combine quality time with adding a more creative or unique flair.

There was once a day when families would cheerfully journey through the woods to find just the right tree, or to collect pine boughs and cones. This is a tradition that, if incorporated in today's fast-paced world, can bring a family together and provide a perfect way to decorate at minimal cost. Using your forest findings, you can fashion your own fresh wreath, adding ribbon and a bow. Grab some of those fantastic cinnamon-scented pine cones from a nearby store and incorporate them into the design for a more delectable addition.

Many people choose to wisely save on spending by recycling whatever paper they can when they unwrap gifts each year. When transitioning your door from a plain entrance into a giant gift, do so with those pieces of wrapping paper. Bearing the thought of a grandmother's quilt in mind (an image that evokes feelings of comfort and coziness to many a memory), use squares of the paper to create a door quilt. Your ribbon will act as the borders for each of your squares and the framework for the entire piece.

Another thought is to put together a collage of images from past holidays. Choose photos of family members, friends or pets and frame them with ribbon. This piece of art could be in any shape you desire, from a circular wreath to a star or a Christmas tree. If you prefer not to post photos of family members, consider another type of year-to-year recycling and use Christmas cards instead. One always wonders what to do with the cards they receive once the season is over. Do you keep them for sentiment's sake or should you toss them out? This is a clever alternative to solving that problem.

No matter which way you choose to decorate your door this season, it should be as inviting to you after a long day of being away from home as it is to your guests. Just as the door is the portal to the comfort of your home, you are the means with which visitors will enter. Open it with a smile, and they will know just how welcome they are.

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