The entryway is the first glimpse into your home’s unique decor style. During the holidays, this space can instantly deliver holiday wishes, whether your guests stay for the evening or pop in to drop off a holiday gift. Making this space feel welcoming and bright can set the holiday scene for you when you arrive home and for anyone who enters. Read on for how to create a festive entryway in your home.

Begin with the outdoors

Before anyone enters your home, create a welcoming atmosphere as guests walk up to it. Pathway lighting will illuminate the walkway leading up to your home, seasonal planters will greet guests, and a spotlight highlighting the front door will create warmth. Garland around the front door and wreaths hanging on the coach lights are a timeless yet festive way to set the holiday scene.

Seasonal greenery

Nothing can transform a space better than the use of seasonal greenery. Garland draped on the staircase and around the door frames, a wreath on the front door or hung over the mirror or pieces of art, and evergreen sprigs and branches used as decor, such as vase fillers, can make any entry space feel instantly ready for the holidays. Topiaries with a seasonal bow, small potted trees, fresh pine cones, dried orange sliced or homemade pommanders (a good project to do with kids!) can breathe additional life into your entryway.

Warm lighting

Warm lighting, such as candles in the windows, soft, warm lights around the garland, a warmly lit tabletop tree, and flickering candles in the wall sconces, will illuminate your home from the inside and out. Setting these lights on a timer will turn them on so you can be greeted by a winter wonderland when you walk in the door.

Holiday scent

Greeting your guests with a subtle holiday scent will signal that the holidays have arrived at your home. Whether it’s a candle or oils, appealing to the sense of smell will instantly create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Accent pillows

Accent any entryway seating options with a plush pillow in seasonal tones or textures. Whether it’s a faux fur, cable knit, or plaid accent pillow, this can be a visual and physically comfortable touch.

Seasonal art

Layering or adding seasonal artwork that can remain throughout the entire winter season can have a transformative effect on a space. Whether you trade some of your year-round pieces for a seasonal piece of art or layer smaller seasonal pieces, such as a small landscape of evergreen trees, these seasonal pieces can feel festive and warm all winter long.

Display treats

A small bowl of treats, such as individually wrapped candy or candy canes, can be hospitable and touch stuff for guests who are popping in to say hello. If you’re hosting an extended gathering, setting up a small station with seasonal cocktails can set the mood as soon as your guests enter the door.

A home’s entryway sets its decor scheme and offers a glimpse of its design story. Creating an entryway filled with seasonal warmth and winter will create a welcoming first impression for all who enter.

Are you ready to complete your home’s design story? The Foundations of a Forever Home is a guide to help you slowly and intentionally design your home to reflect the season of life you’re in now, and will meet you where you want to be.

Simple Entryway Decorating Ideas for a Warm Holiday Welcome