With the festive season just around the corner, welcoming guests with a beautifully decorated front door is a fantastic way to spread Christmas cheer. At Balsam Hill, we know how important it is to have a warm and inviting entrance to your home during this special time. Let’s talk about some classic door decorations that can make your home pop this Christmas.
3 Classic Christmas Colour Palettes
Picking the right colour scheme is key to making a great-looking Christmas door display. Although you can get creative, some colour combos have always been favourites because they simply say “Christmas.”
Red and Green
Red and green are Christmas classics for good reason. They come from old winter celebrations, with red bringing warmth like a cosy fire and green showing life through winter trees. Want to spice it up? Try different shades of each colour to make things interesting. A bit of gold can add a nice touch, and mixing bright reds with darker greens looks great. It’s all about finding what works for your home.
White and Silver
If you’re after a winter wonderland look, white and silver are your go-to colours. They’re reminiscent of snow and icy sparkles, perfect for a calm, wintry feel. For your front door, try a white wreath with silver decorations. Hang some shiny snowflakes nearby for extra sparkle. Add things like white pinecones or birch twigs to make it feel more natural. It’s a simple way to bring winter indoors.
Burgundy and Gold
Fancy something a bit different? Burgundy and gold make for a rich, grown-up Christmas look. Burgundy is like a deeper red, and gold adds a warm glow. Use burgundy ribbons and bows to catch the eye, and pop in some gold pinecones or baubles for shine. If it feels too much, add some cream bits here and there to soften things up. It’s a great way to make your home feel special for the season without going over the top.
3 Timeless Christmas Themes
Picking a theme for your Christmas door decorations can make your display create a great first impression. Here are some timeless themes and advice on pulling them off.
Rustic Woodland
Want to bring a bit of the forest to your front door? Go for a rustic woodland look. It’s all about using things you’d find in nature, like pinecones, twigs and berries. Stick to earthy colours with some warm whites to brighten things up. You can even add little woodland animals like deer or owls for a cute touch. To get started, make a wreath using twigs and pinecones. Then, pop some animal figures into your garland. Use burlap for ribbons and bows—it gives that perfect rustic feel. Wooden decorations or signs finish it off nicely. It’s a great way to make your home feel cosy and connected to nature.
Winter Wonderland
If you dream of a white Christmas, this theme’s for you. It’s all about whites and silvers, like a frosty morning. Add some sparkle to make it look like fresh snow and ice. Cool-toned lights give it that wintry twinkle. Start with a white or silver wreath, then add some snowflake decorations. String up some white fairy lights to make everything glitter. You could add white-painted branches or fake snow to bring the outdoors in. It’s a simple way to make your entrance look magical.
Victorian Christmas
Fancy a bit of old-fashioned charm? Victorian Christmas style is always popular. It’s all about rich, deep colours like burgundy, dark green and gold. Big, fancy wreaths are key—try adding dried fruits, pinecones and cinnamon sticks to yours. Velvet ribbons and bows add a posh touch. Look for decorations that look a bit old-timey to get the right feel. The main thing is to have a big, full wreath as your centrepiece. You could add things like dried orange slices to make it smell nice, too. It’s a great way to make your home feel warm and festive, with a nod to Christmas past.
The Quintessential Christmas Wreath
Wreaths are a must-have for Christmas doors. They’re not just pretty—they’re meant to welcome guests and bring a festive spirit to your home. Picking the right wreath sets the mood for all your Christmas decorations.
Traditional Evergreen Wreaths
You can’t go wrong with an evergreen wreath. They look natural, smell great, and really feel like Christmas. Here are some ideas to make your wreath stand out:
Add red berries: Holly berries are classic, but you could also use faux cranberries or rose hips. They look great against the green.
Pop in some pinecones: Gather different sizes and add a bit of glitter for shine.
String up some lights Warm white LEDs look cosy, but if you want something more fun, go for coloured ones.
Stick in some cinnamon sticks: Tie a few together and pop them around the wreath. They’ll smell lovely.
Use dried orange slices: Dry some thin orange slices in the oven and thread them on. It looks homely and smells good, too.
Add tartan ribbon: Small bows made from tartan ribbon give it a traditional British feel.
Make it look frosty: Spray on a bit of fake snow for a wintery touch.
Tip: If you’re using a real wreath, spray it with water every few days and keep it out of the sun. It’ll last longer.
Elegant Artificial Wreaths
If you want something that lasts, artificial wreaths are great. They look just as good as real ones, but you can use them year after year.
Why go for an artificial wreath?
They look good all season long
No mess from falling needles
You can use them again next year
Many come with lights already on them
You can change how they look each year
When choosing an artificial wreath, look for:
One that looks and feels like a real wreath
Different types of branches mixed together
Branches you can move around to get the shape you want
Something sturdy enough to hang outside
Tip: Fluff out the branches before you hang up your artificial wreath. It’ll make it look fuller and more natural.
Festive Door Garlands
Want to make your door look extra special? Add a garland to go with your wreath. It’ll make your entrance look grand and welcoming.
Mix Greenery and Lights
Try using different types of greenery like pine, fir, and holly. Weave some warm white LED lights through it to make it glow in the dark.
Here’s how to make a great mixed garland:
Start with big branches, then fill in with smaller bits
Use light and dark greens to give it depth
Add some silvery leaves like eucalyptus for a nice contrast
Make sure the lights are spread out evenly
Use wire to keep everything in place
Tip: Match your garland to your wreath. If your wreath has pinecones and red berries, pop some in your garland, too.
Add Baubles and Ribbons
Spruce up your garland with baubles and ribbons that match your Christmas colours. You can’t go wrong with gold and red.
Try these ideas:
Group baubles together along the garland
Mix up the sizes and finishes of your baubles
Let ribbons hang down in loose loops
Use wired ribbon for bows that keep their shape
Add fun things like jingle bells or mini gift boxes
Choose colours that match your wreath
Tip: Use wire or pipe cleaners that match your garland to keep decorations in place.
Charming Door Accessories
Little extras can make your door look really festive. Here are some ideas:
Festive Door Knockers
Why not swap your normal door knocker for a Christmassy one? You could have a jolly Santa face or a mini wreath.
Some fun ideas:
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A snowman with a carrot nose knocker
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A reindeer with moving antlers
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An angel with wings
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A sleigh bell that jingles
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A gingerbread house with a candy cane knocker
If you don’t want to change your knocker, just decorate around it with a small wreath.
Personalised Welcome Signs
A sign that says “Merry Christmas” or “Welcome” with your family name on it is a nice touch.
Tips for making or choosing a sign:
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Use materials that go well with your door
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Make sure it can stand up to the weather
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Add your family name or a Christmas saying you like
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Paint on some snowflakes or add some glitter
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Hang it with a fancy ribbon
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For a rustic look, use a slice of wood and burn the message on
You could even make a two-sided sign with “Welcome” on one side and “Merry Christmas” on the other.
Seasonal Doormats
Don’t forget about the doormat—it’s practical and can add to your Christmas look. Pick one with a funny Christmas saying or a classic design.
Some ideas:
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A tartan mat that says “Merry Christmas”
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Funny sayings like “Santa, please stop here”
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Pretty designs with reindeer or snowflakes
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A mat with your family name and the year
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3D designs with raised bits
Try putting your Christmas mat on top of a bigger, plain one for added visual impact.
Creating a Magical Entrance
Make your whole entrance look festive, not just the door.
Put potted Christmas trees on either side of the door
Use lanterns or battery-operated candles for a warm glow
Add some boxwood or holly plants shaped into cones or spirals
Making It All Work Together
Here are some tips to make everything look good together:
Stick to the same colours
Make sure it matches your house style
Don’t use too many decorations
Think about how big your door is
If your wreath is fancy, keep other bits simple
Use different textures to make it interesting
Taking Care of Your Door Decorations
To keep everything looking good:
Dust faux decorations with a soft brush
Spray real greenery with water to keep it fresh
Check your lights and change any that aren’t working
Fix decorations if it’s been windy
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about decorating doors for Christmas.
When Should I Put up My Christmas Door Decorations?
Many people decorate their doors in early December, often around the 1st of the month—however, some wait until after Advent begins, four Sundays before Christmas Day.
How Can I Protect My Door Decorations From Bad Weather?
Choose weather-resistant materials for outdoor use, and consider using a clear sealant spray on natural elements. Bring in delicate decorations during particularly harsh weather conditions.
What Are Some Eco-Friendly Options for Door Decorations?
Use natural materials like pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in your wreath or garland. You can also opt for high-quality artificial decorations that can be reused for many years.
How Do I Hang a Wreath Without Damaging My Door?
Use an over-the-door hanger or adhesive hooks designed for outdoor use. To avoid damaging wooden doors, you might consider a magnetic wreath hanger.
Can I Leave My LED Lights on All Night?
While LED lights are energy-efficient, it’s best to turn them off when you go to bed. This conserves energy and extends the life of your decorations. Consider using a timer for convenience.
How Do I Incorporate a Christmas Theme Into My Door Decorations?
Choose a theme like ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Traditional Christmas’, or ‘Rustic Charm’ and select suitable decorations. For example, a Winter Wonderland theme might include silvery baubles, snowflakes, and cool white lights.
Are There Any Safety Considerations When Decorating My Door?
Ensure all decorations are securely fastened to prevent them from falling or blowing away. Keep electrical connections dry and use outdoor-rated extension cords. Avoid blocking your view through the peephole or obstructing the door’s operation.
We hope you’re all set to bring that festive charm right to your doorstep. Decorating your door for the season doesn’t have to be a grand affair; sometimes, the simplest ideas capture the Christmas spirit the best.
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