7 Ways to Cheer Up Your Entryway for the Holidays

During the holidays your home inevitably becomes a revolving door of visitors, from the overnight kind to dinner guests. And why not? There’s no better time to reconnect with the people you love most. Set the tone with a cheery entry — and let your guests know they’re being welcomed with warmth. Keep reading for ideas on how to spruce up your entryway this holiday season.

1. Drape Your Door in Garland

Nothing says you have to compete with the Griswolds to show off your holiday spirit. If you’d rather not risk life and limb covering the roof of your home in lights, just focus on your front door. Here, we framed the doorway with garland, filled our Adirondack Hanging Basket with branches and berries and set out a potted tree for holiday color and texture.

2. Put Down a Festive Doormat

Our ever-popular Montresor Deer is the perfect seasonal accent that can stay out all winter (at Christmas, just add a festive bow). And don’t forget to swap our your doormat for something more spirited.  

3. Metallics feel festive and work year round

While this entry doesn’t scream red and green, it does feel festive. The rich metallics, woven texture and a touch of natural greenery instantly add warmth. A coat rack at the entrance lets guests immediately shed their coats, scarves and bags (we love the artful design of Bunny’s Metal Tree Coat Rack), and an oversized mirror gives them a chance to check their appearance. Another tip: you can never have too much pull up seating.

4. Decorate a small tree

If you’ve got the room, set a holiday scene in your entry. Our slender Woodland Tree welcomes guests all season long without the mess of the real thing. Still want that fresh pine scent? Fill a stocking with a bouquet of fresh greenery. Our Garden Seat adds festive shimmer and an extra perch for guests.

5. Spell it out in cedar

Have a little fun and greet guests with your own seasons greetings. With our Fresh Cedar Alphabet Wreath, you can spell out anything from “JOY” to “CHEERS.” All of the other pieces in this entry were chosen for their functionality: an indoor/outdoor rug stands up to wet winter conditions, a drying rack lets guests hang soggy scarves and mittens, a boot tray holds shoes and a bench offers a place to sit to put those shoes back on. Even our Stone Wellies are more than just charming — they also store umbrellas.

6. Add a Bowl of Ornaments

Adding seasonal touches to a console tablescape can be as simple as filling a bowl with ornaments, as we did here. Wrapped and stacked gift boxes are another fast and easy way to add holiday cheer. The stools, upholstered in Rayna Fabric by the Yard, add red for a touch of holiday color — and can stay out when the holidays are over.

7. Display a Bulletin Board with Holiday Cards

The perfect small-space solution. Displaying your holiday cards on a bulletin board in your front entry makes it easy to open, read and hang as they come pouring in. And if you lack the space for a full-size tree, deck your hall with a tabletop size.

Find tons of holiday inspiration here, and shop Ballard Designs Holiday decor.

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