The holidays are upon us and with them come the warmth of festive lights, the scent of pine, and the excitement of transforming your home into a festive wonderland. While most of the attention goes to decorating trees, mantels, and dining tables, windows and doors can get overlooked. They are the first things your guests (and passersby) will notice, making them the perfect canvas for spreading holiday cheer. Let’s take a look at some ways you can make your home the neighborhood showstopper this season.
Windows: The Eyes of Your Holiday Home
Windows are often considered the eyes of your home. They act as both a welcoming view from the street and a cozy backdrop for those inside. During the holidays they can be a perfect way to spread warmth and cheer both inside and out.
Garland: Garlands create an instant holiday vibe both inside and outside your home. There are a wide variety of garland types, from natural materials like evergreen and pine cones, to faux greeneries and colorful creations to suit your décor style. Try draping garland across the top of your windows, or framing the windows completely. Add ornaments or small decorations, like miniature stockings or candy canes, to your garland for extra flair!
Window Clings: For a no-fuss option that kids love, holiday window clings are a fun and temporary way to add some festive spirit. From snowflakes to Santa, there are tons of designs to choose from. Plus, they’re easy to remove when the season is over — perfect for those who like to keep things simple.
Curtains and Drapes: Your window treatments can also play a big role in your holiday decor. Swap out everyday curtains for something festive. Choose rich colors, plaid patterns, or even sheer white drapes with a touch of shimmer. If you’re feeling bold, you can layer different fabrics to create a more textured, luxurious look. For a finishing touch, tie your curtains back with some holiday-themed ribbon or hang ornaments from the curtain rods.
Window Paints: Painting or drawing holiday scenes on your windows is a fun and personalized way to decorate your home. Create a snow-kissed effect on your windows using a frosted spray. It’s an inexpensive and creative way to spread holiday cheer, especially for street-facing windows.
Hanging Ornaments: For large picture windows, hang ornaments in varying sizes and colors for a whimsical, delicate display. String them from ribbons and space them evenly across the window to create a stunning focal point. It’s an unexpected yet festive way to utilize vertical space and draw attention to your windows.
Window Boxes: Fill window boxes with seasonal plants like poinsettias, holly or winterberry. Add ornaments, pine cones, or other decorative touches to complete the look. For a no-maintenance option, faux plants work beautifully, too.
Front Door: Your Grand Holiday Entrance
Your front door is the entrance to your home, making it one of the most important features to highlight during the holidays. Festive decorations create a warm, inviting atmosphere that welcomes guests and sets the tone for the celebrations inside. Here’s how to spruce up your front door this season.
The Classic Wreath: You can’t talk about holiday door decor without mentioning the wreath. They are a timeless classic, and there are so many ways to personalize them to fit your style. Whether you go for a traditional evergreen wreath with red bows or a modern one made of colorful ornaments, a wreath is the perfect way to welcome guests with warmth.
Layering Doormats: Add dimension and style to your entryway with layered doormats. Start with a larger, neutral base (a woven or plaid rug works well) and top it with a smaller, holiday-themed doormat for a playful, trendy look.
Lights: There’s something magical about a front door framed by twinkling lights. Whether you opt for warm white or multicolored strands, draping lights around your door can instantly make your home feel festive. You can also weave them into garlands and wreaths for extra sparkle. LED lights are best for energy efficiency and safety.
Personalization: Add a meaningful touch to your holiday decor by incorporating family heirlooms, handmade ornaments, or sentimental items.
The key to decorating your windows and doors for the holidays is to have fun and let your personality shine through. Whether you love the charm of a traditional Christmas, a snowy wonderland, or sleek decor, there’s no wrong way to do it. Now grab your favorite decorations, turn on some holiday tunes, and get ready — your home is about to be the talk of the neighborhood!
