How to Decorate the Front Door for Christmas

All you want for Christmas is the front door decorated. This is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday celebrations and a warm way to welcome guests for Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving is the recognized "official" start to the holiday seasons. All decor is fair game on and after this holiday. So get busy on Thanksgiving night preparing your door to be gorgeous for the entire Christmas season.

Instructions

1. Choose an evergreen wreath for the center of your door. A faux wreath that looks and smells authentic is best if you want its beauty to last all season long and beyond.

2. Make a simple, short banner. Draw "Merry Christmas" with bubble letters. Involve your child in the decorating fun by giving him the banner with the bubble letters drawn in. Have him switch coloring in red and green for each letter. This will create a fun, unassuming welcome to guests. Your child's artistic touches will be appreciated and the cheerful banner lets guests know that your home is the place for family fun. Place the banner above the wreath for a clean, even arrangement that looks both welcoming and attractive.

3. Add a hanging air freshener over your front door. Guests who enter your home and smell those welcome scents will instantly feel in the mood for celebrating. Try cinnamon, apple spice or even pumpkin for holiday-inspired scents.

4. Drape garland around the top of the door. A piece of mistletoe is the perfect centerpiece for the garland. Be sure to tack it up securely to avoid embarrassing mishaps when people open and close the door with too much force. Slam the door a few times to check that your decorations have been properly placed and are durable.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your imagination to place anything on the door that evokes the Christmas spirit to you and your family.

• Don't put too much on your door. A door that's overly decorated looks crowded and tacky. Keep it simple and full of things that bring you joy.