Curb Appeal – Decorate your Entry for the Holidays.

I love the holidays! But to be honest, at the very beginning of all the decorating, I’m a little….okay, a little overwhelmed!  I’ve usually already shot a few features at home for the holiday magazines back in August, then bought so many antiques and gifts for FrenchGardenHouse.com, that by the time December rolls around {lately I’m more inclined to say “speeds around!”} it seems a little overwhelming. But I do adore decorating, especially at this time of year.  I’ve found that if I take it in steps, or stages, it makes it more fun, and quite a bit less daunting.

I like to start with decorating my gate and entry way to my front door, as a happy welcome to our family, and every guest who graces our home.  To start, we’ve cleaned up the dead plants, leaves, and spiderwebs already, so we have a clean slate.  Oh, how I love the entry above!  Since we live in California, the snow is not going to happen. But that magic?  It’s something I strive for.  Because it’s such a busy time at FrenchGardenHouse and I use my allotment of elves for decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping the gifts and baking, my entry usually is a  much simpler version. But….I love the many lights and lanterns. stunning!  Follow these easy tips and tricks to deck out your front door/entry way in holiday cheer.

1. Dress up every day garden elements.  Use every day garden elements, but deck them out in holiday colors and greens, or plants.  The front porch above is so cheery and welcoming, isn’t it?  The red really gives it a holiday pop.  I love the Red Ornaments on the rake…clever!

 2. Gather natural elements.  Here, the gathered branches on the front of the overhang really make a statement.  The branch trees add to the interest. {and again, there is all that lovely snow some of you are lucky enough to have!} Gathered branches and other natural materials are free, adding more bang for your holiday $$.

3. Stay true to your style.  This cottage entry above is simple, but oh so charming!  With the simple addition of a green wreath, and two potted trees, this  tells a holiday story together with the bright red door and hanging lights.

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4. Repeat a good thing.  Here, the wreath, swags and lanterns are repeating for holiday cheer.  Colors are Red, Green and Silver.  A charming effect!

5. Sometimes simple is best.  This homeowner used brown paper bags, filled with sand and votives, for a beautiful effect. Ringed with pinecones, they add the perfect touch to her garden plants, and natural wreath on the front door.  Maybe not for every day, but for a party it’s a great look. See how the light of the votives echo the light of the inside?  I would most likely use candle powered candles for safety. 

6. Stretch your imagination.  Have fun! I love these urns with the “stacked” gifts, just carboard boxes covered with white paper and red ribbon.  Festive, and no watering needed!

7. Use just one color.  Sometimes one color is so gorgeous. Here, an almost all white front entry is beautiful, peaceful, and easy on the eyes.  The little white tree in the basket has lights, which at night must be absolutely dreamy.

What are you or did you do for your front entry this year? I’d love to know, I get so inpsired when you share your ideas and tips!

If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.
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