How to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays: The Lovely Look of Simple Festivity

The front door of a home says so much about what visitors can expect to find inside, not only in the people themselves but in the vibe of the entire home. While it might seem like a fun and festive idea to visually shout your excitement for the season in over-the-top front door and entry décor, I’d recommend considering scaling back for a more sophisticated, understated holiday welcome.

Holiday front door web

You really never want to overdo the front door – think how disconcerting it would be to approach a house where the front door is obstructed by loads of unnecessary décor, even if it’s hung joyfully in the name of “holiday spirit.”

Holiday front door web

There’s something undeniably classic and classy about symmetry, and if you have the opportunity to capitalize on this simple decorating strategy with your front door, I’d highly recommend it. A couple of identical wreaths hung on each door and a draped pine garland (this draping style reminds me of a theatre stage, but I don’t know what it’s actually called) are such simple touches to provide such huge visual impact. My favorite feature might be the centering of that enormous pinecone.

Holiday front door web

If you’ve already got a door painted in some Christmasy hue, go ahead and take advantage of that fact, and play off of it! A simple wreath (best proportioned if it takes up two-thirds to three-fourths of the door’s width) in a contrasting color really provides all the door decoration you need.

Holiday front door web

Perhaps loads of color isn’t really your thing. Lucky for you, your front door can ooze sophistication without going beyond the monochromatic décor. Some oversized, somewhat shaggy boughs hung in a garland fashion to frame the door provide the holiday oomph the front door calls for at this time of year. And some green apples stuck into nearby topiaries is both unexpected and visually stunning. I love the simplicity and elegance – sans any stuffiness – of this front door.

Holiday front door web

Classic and traditional Christmas décor can be very striking, especially at the front door. While the door itself is decorated simply with some natural swag, the entire entrance to the home is magical here because of the lit garland greenery and large poinsettias. Remember that doorways don’t need to (shouldn’t!) be bold and bright and brash to give the home a wonderful holiday feel.

Holiday front door web

Let’s say your door is an architectural beauty, and you don’t feel like covering up its elegant curves and tasteful lines, then by all means, leave the door alone. Transfer the feeling of festivity of a wreath or other piece of door décor to the nearby front porch. Some red winter berries in a vase next to a bit of green, for example, will go far in helping visitors feel a warm holiday welcome…and in letting them appreciate your naturally beautiful door!

Holiday front door web

Nothing says “holidays” like a large pine wreath and some garland…both bedecked with plenty of red and green ornament balls. Although this entrance is colorful, it stays safely away from the realm of visually assaulting because of its simplicity of theme and traditional colors.

Holiday front door web

Adding a bit of the unexpected is a fun way to add to the spirit of the holidays. This full green garland full of oversized Christmas objects (I want to call them bugles or some kind of horn, but I’m not convinced I’m right about that) is a perfect example of this. The door is far from over-the-top, thanks to its natural basis, but it’s delightfully unexpected. I love how the curve of the garland emphasizes the arched door itself, too.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7.