These 50 Christmas Door Ideas Make a Truly Grand Entrance

If you live in a walk-up, think about amplifying visitors’ anticipation of getting inside by decking out each step in magical elements—like these glowing LED spheres from Anthropologie. In case that’s not enough brightness for you, consider demarcating the doorway with a fresh-garland-plus-fairy-lights situation. In the process, you’ll create a perfect spot for a li’l holiday peck—no mistletoe necessary!

Often the easiest way to add a bit of holiday cheer to your front porch is by adding a wide range of plants—better yet if they’re of the evergreen variety. ELLE DECOR A-Lister Young Huh imbued her new 1820s home with some Christmas spirit by adding a few fresh sprigs to the doors. “[We] draped garlands on the front porch, and filled planters with juniper trees and other evergreens,” says Huh. “You can always make the most of things and work with what you have!”

We love the way a well-placed garland can completely transform a front door, especially when red ribbons are involved. “Remember scale and shape when creating your front porch garland,” says interior designer Christina Gore, who mapped out this entryway. “It’s amazing how full and fresh, lush greens, swooped with the architectural lines, can completely transform your home’s entrance into something magical.”

Before you decorate your door, consider your canvas. This centuries-old door features a rustic, antique ringer and simple, beveled panels. Todd Carr, a master gardener and the founder of upstate New York botanic mecca Hort and Pott designed a delicate circlet to suit. “The imposing architectural paneling was calling for something soft to lighten up the mood for the holidays, and there’s no more effective way than adding that classic touch of a ribbon, this time in black just as a nod to balance,” he tells us. “Not every embellishment has to literally be ‘holiday.’”

For a church-style entrance in upstate New York, Carr selected elegant, pared-back wreaths and garlands to accentuate the humble timber double doors. “It was our goal to embellish the distinct geometric symmetry of this classic architecture, and scale was important,” he explains. Two matching yet asymmetrical wreaths create a harmony, while the hanging garland swags helped to loosen up the disciplined carpentry.

Though this residence is in Durham, New York, it feels plucked straight out of the English countryside, thanks to its thatched roof and cheery red door. Carr crafted a wreath from red berries to match but opted to hang it at a jaunty angle: “The architecture is naturally organic, and so the vertical movement of the wreath feels more a part of the style than an arbitrary ornament,” he says.

Evergreens may be the plant of the season, but we love the dramatic red that poinsettias bring. “If you have a big porch, go all out and hang matching wreaths, garlands, and hanging baskets,” advises Balsam Hill’s Mercedes Feller. “Group several potted flowers or plants and arrange them on the porch steps or to the sides of the front door. If you only have a stoop, a matching wreath and garland will also do the trick.”

This pretty countryside entry would look welcoming all on its own. But when paired with a draped garland, a matching wreath, a pair of potted plants, and a festive sled, we absolutely know we’re home for Christmas. Get the look from Balsam Hill.

If your front door is blessed with details like a transom or sidelights, use greenery to accentuate them. In this idea, also courtesy Balsam Hill, symmetrical garlands and potted plants give an already grand entrance an extra-festive touch. Bonus points for the gigantic outdoor Christmas baubles!

If you live in a warmer climate, swap evergreens for flowers, like this voluminous hydrangea wreath. Keep things seasonal by working in a holiday-inspired palette, like this homeowner did with the matching poinsettias—proof that there are many ways to spread Christmas cheer!

Short on greenery? No worries, a pine cone wreath will set the tone just as well, and brings the autumnal vibes year round. This one from Hudson Grace pairs perfectly with the circular surrounding plants.

There’s nothing more evocative than bright green evergreens against a blanket of snow. We love that this holiday look played up the emerald-green entry with wreaths on the door and windows, potted evergreens on either side, and swags in the windowsills. You can never have too much of a good thing.

Sometimes the most tried-and-true methods work best—like surrounding your entryway with greenery. “I love to frame the front door with fresh winter greens,” says interior designer Bunny Williams of her holiday door. “I’ll use a mix of magnolia and pine, and I either cut them here or I buy them from a florist or the Christmas tree farm.”

Not everyone’s home will have a striking entryway like Chandos Dodson Epley’s in Houston, but if you’re so lucky, then we’d advise mapping out your Christmas decor so it works with the preexisting architecture rather than against it. Here, Dodson Epley arranged magnolia leaves and ribbon to frame the double doors and awning, creating a subtle yet impactful holiday statement.