Your front porch at Christmas should be the starting point when dressing your home for the holiday season. After all, first impressions are everything, so make sure your door is a good one.
For interior designers such as Monique Tollgard, beautifully decorated Christmas front porches are also a prelude for the style that lies within: ‘The entrance is the first encounter for you, your guests, and your home this season. The materials and colors we use at Christmas allow us to introduce the "red thread" of the house immediately.’
American actress and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon understands that styling this area is a wonderful way to greet guests and set the tone for the rest of your home.
No front door is completely dressed for Christmas without a flourish of foliage and flowers. The humble festive wreath is one of the most versatile outdoor Christmas decoration ideas at your disposal during the holiday season, and more often than not, sometimes less is definitely more.
Make your Christmas wreath the center of attention, with garden foliage, fragrant herbs, and colorful flowers used on a grand scale. This year’s festive wreaths are showpieces. They are big, bold, and shapely, so much so that we think they should be your first port of call for Yuletide decorating.
Holly, ivy, and pinecones are among the more obvious pieces for your Christmas wreath ideas, but other beautiful winter florals and foliage are also out there. A glaucous eucalyptus is a contemporary option for the minimalist at heart.
If you don't fancy foraging yourself, many retailers sell realistic-looking faux wreaths that will withstand harsh weather, and last year after year.
An enduring Christmas tradition that many of us embrace for door decor, and it doesn't get more traditional than hanging a festive wreath on or by your front door. This one is highly rated and trusted.
Simple yet effective, this minimal Christmas wreath is Crate & Barrel's top selling option. You can either leave it bare or use a big pretty ribbon to mimic Witherspoon's design.
For a large artificial base that really does look like the real thing, this faux wreath from Walmart is the best we've found. It comes pre-decorated with pinecones, battery-powered lights and an on-trend red ribbon.
Another idea is to use a Christmas garland around your front door. Similarly to Martha Stewart's Christmas front porch, Witherspoon used a traditional garland to decorate her front door.
Celebrating the season with an abundant display of greenery, real or faux or even a mix, creates such a welcome and you can style it all in advance which is a real time saver,' says Chrissie Rucker, founder, of The White Company. 'I love to add in real flowers and greenery just a couple of days before the main event to add a festive fragrance as guests enter the house.'
It takes minimal effort but has maximum impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
If you don't fancy crafting or foraging your own Christmas garland, worry not. This gorgeous, fully-decorated design comes pre-lit for minimal effort and maximum style.
This lush-looking 9ft garland from Walmart is an excellent buy and will work both indoors and out. It looks so real that it will fool your neighbors. I've already added two to my cart.
If you want your Christmas decorations to look high-end, than Crate & Barrel are loved by everyone at the H&G offices. This faux cypress design could almost pass as real. It certainly fooled me...
This Christmas, take your cue from Reese Witherspoon's floral creations and make a statement with a fabulous festive design. It is guaranteed to upgrade your curb appeal in a weekend.
