Festive Holiday Front Door and Entry Ideas

Your front door sets the tone for your home throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Too often this focal point of the front of your home is simply forgotten. However, you can bring the front door into the holiday spirit by remembering to trim the door along with the tree.

Christmas Decorations: Pine Wreaths are Perfect!

A lovely pine wreath will add warmth to the porch and let everyone who comes to your door know that you are feeling the holiday spirit. However, you don’t have to settle for a basic wreath. Liven it up with some colorful, wide ribbon in a shiny and luxurious satin or deep, elegant velvet. Add some battery-powered lights around the wreath so it will show up at night. Another option is to add some large pinecones to the wreath for a natural look that will stand out and draw attention.

Looking for more holiday wreaths? Visit our wreath site – How To Make a Burlap Wreath for holiday wreath ideas and tutorials.

Image via: Etsy – Pine Wreath Ideas – Designing Creations

Christmas Decorating – Garlands

These strings of natural pine boughs aren’t just for staircases. Mounted around your front door it becomes a focal piece that will make the entire area feel more impressive. Match the decorations on the garland to the wreath that will grace the center of your entry door.

Holiday Front Door Ideas – Who Doesn’t Love Jingle Bells?

Add an old-world feel to your home by hanging jingle bells in place of a wreath. Available at the local hardware store, traditional sleigh bells mounted on a leather strap can be dressed up with colorful, dramatic ribbon or added to a wreath. Complete the look by leaning an old-fashioned toboggan against the wall near the door. Need more creative front door ideas? Southern Living features creative Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas, too.

Holiday Front Door Decorations: Add Festive Decor

Match the star on top of your tree with a beautiful star on the front door. Choose one with vibrant colors that will stand out, and then finish off the door by putting a pine bough around that is adorned with smaller stars. Try adding a pair of vintage skates! An excellent match for the old toboggan you’re pulling out of the attic, hang a pair of vintage ice skates on the front door. Paint the skates to match your holiday color theme and include some colorful, matching pompoms on the laces. Fill the skates with small, wrapped gift boxes to complete the holiday feel.

Front Door Ideas – Why Not Add Some Stockings?

There are so many beautiful stockings now that can add interest and spark to your holiday decorating. Put one outside the house on your front door. Hung with a large bow behind it, the stocking is a fun decoration. Fill the top with greenery and berries or overflowing, wrapped gift boxes to complete the look.

Visit our Burlap and Succulents Shop for personalized stockings to decorate your holiday front door!

Christmas Door Swag Ideas

Pick up some large pinecones at the local craft store and attach them to long strings of festive ribbon or cording. Tie them to the front door with a large bow, allowing the ends to hang down alongside the ribbons. It’s an elegant and understated door decoration that could be the perfect finishing touch. Add a simple Christmas swag like this one from Etsy Shop – Chickadee Lore for a unique take on a holiday wreath.

Image via: Etsy – Christmas Door Swag – Chickadee Lore

There is no end to the amazing things you can do to make your holiday front door stand out this holiday season. Coordinate any wreaths and swags you use for a refined look and don’t be afraid to have some fun with the decorations. This is your guest’s first impression of your home and it’s your chance to show off some of your personality.

For more holiday season ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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If you like wreaths and inspiring wreath decor, join us on HowToMakeABurlapWreath.com

Holiday Crafts: 3 Ways to Decorate with Candy Canes

1. Candy Cane Wreaths

Supplies:

To make some cute candy cane wreaths you will need:

• Miniature and regular candy canes
• A hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Red, waxed, twine
• Scissors
• Red ribbon

Directions:

The steps to make the wreaths are easy to follow:

1. First unwrap the canes and take two at a time. Connect them so they look like a heart.
2. Use a small amount of hot glue to attach the canes to each other at a couple of points. Make about 10 candy cane hearts this way with the large candy canes and 6 candy cane hearts with the small candy canes.
3. Place the large candy cane hearts on a working surface so they form a wreath. Use some hot glue gun to secure each of the hearts with the heart next to it, on the straight sides of the canes where they touch each other.
4. Make a smaller wreath with the small candy cane hearts. Glue the small wreath onto the larger wreath at its center.
5. When the glue has dried completely wrap the red twine around the points you have glued the candy canes together and make a knot on the back side of the wreaths. Use the ribbon for hanging your wreath. You can spray paint the wreath with some clear sealant to add to its durability.

2. Candy Cane Vases

Image via: BHG

Supplies

• For this easy holiday craft you will need:
• A cylinder glass vase
• Candy canes
• Red ribbon
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Directions

To make the candy cane vase just unwrap the candy canes and glue them onto the outer side of the vase. You can spray paint the candy canes with some clear sealant to add to prevent them from getting sticky. Then wrap a ribbon around the candy canes and you are done!

3. Candy Cane Reindeers

Image via: One Little Project

Supplies

This Holiday Craft is ideal for getting the kids involved.

• Candy canes
• Googly eyes
• Small red pom poms
• Tacky glue or hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
• Brown pipe cleaners
• Ribbon

Directions

For this craft you don’t need to un-wrap the candy canes. Glue the one red pom pom onto the end of the candy cane handle. Glue the eyes above the nose. Fold the pipe cleaner in half and wrap it around the top of the candy cane. Create antlers by twisting the each end of the pipe cleaner around a pencil. Wrap a ribbon around the cane collar and you are done! This one is perfect for a treat for all those little ones on Christmas.

These are three super easy Holiday Crafts using candy canes this Christmas that can be prepared in no-time. They are great for giving away or to just give a festive touch to your house and Christmas table.

4th of July Decor: DIY Patriotic Wreath (Video)

Image via: Etsy – Wreaths Ur Way – Patriotic Burlap Wreath

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4th of July Wreath Supplies

12″ metal wreath form

6 inch white ribbon or plain burlap ribbon

6 inch blue burlap ribbon

6 inch red burlap ribbon

Floral wire

Ribbon for hanging the wreath

Hot glue gun

White stars or other patriotic decoration

Watch the video to see how to weave the wreath

Click here to watch the burlap wreath weaving tutorial: Patriotic Burlap Wreath

Instructions

1. To begin, cut a few 6 inch long pieces out of the flower wire using a wire cutter and set them aside.
2. Notice that the wire wreath is made out of sections. You can use those sections as guides for changing the burlap colors depending on the result you are going for. For this tutorial we will fill two continuous sections with blue burlap, and then fill the next section with red burlap and the next with white (or plain) burlap, continuing in this matter until we reach the blue burlap again. You could of course choose a different way to separate the wreath and interchange colors.
3. To start weaving the burlap, take the end of the blue burlap ribbon and fold it into half lengthwise. Fold it again in half and wrap a piece of wire around it. Secure the end by using the same wire or a new wire piece. Cut away any excess wire.
4. Start from the bottom opening and weave the burlap through the wires of the wreath by pulling it through the openings in order to make loops, just as it is shown in the video. When you have made three loops, turn the wreath over and twist the burlap a couple of times. Now, repeat the weaving process row by row. Whenever you complete a row, push the ribbon to the side so you can add more burlap. When you are done with the two blue ribbon sections, cut the burlap and secure the end with some wire. Proceed to the next section, repeating the process with red and then white (plain) burlap until you complete the wreath. Now you can fluff the loops a little bit with your fingers.
5. Continue all the way around the wreath form pushing the loops close together as you go. When the wreath is done, cut the end about 4 inches long and weave it through the wreath form to secure.
6. Use the hot glue gun or some wire pieces to add the decorations you have prepared.

It might take you a little bit to perfect the weaving process, but once you begin with it you will soon be able to complete the wreath in a glimpse. Let your imagination guide you and choose some patriotic items to decorate the wreath, like small USA flags, wooden letters that spell USA or other embellishments. Making this wreath for 4^th of July Decor will surely add a wonderful patriotic touch to your home.

Looking for more Patriotic Wreath Ideas ? – Visit How To Make a Burlap Wreath!

Image via: Etsy – Twin Angels Wreaths – Wreath with Patriotic Decorations 

For more 4th of July Ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

We have a new wreath tutorial site – How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Reinventing the Wreath: A Charming Country Decoration to Hang Indoors

By Merri Cvetan

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Burlap is all the rage in home décor, table settings and DIY projects. I love the rough texture of the fabric, especially when it’s paired with something soft or used in an unusual way. It’s perfect for a festive, county-style wreath.

Materials Needed:

• 1 ½ yards green burlap (45″wide)
• You can buy burlap ribbon, but it’s very expensive. I found bolts of it at a local fabric store on sale for $2.99 a yard.
• Burlap is generally sold in its natural color, but because it’s so popular, you will find it dyed in variety of colors and prints. This bright green screamed Christmas and just made me happy!
• 12″ foam wreath
• Greening Pins and/or large head quilting pins
• Decorative ornaments
• Ribbon for hanging

Directions:

1. Cut 3″ wide (by 45″ long) strips from the burlap and wrap them around the foam. You could skip this step if you purchased a green wreath or spray painted a white one.

2. It will take five or six strips to cover the entire wreath. Slightly overlap each strip and hold in place with the quilting pins.

3. Cut out eight strips, each 6″ wide (by 45″ long) to make the “ruffles.”. Make gathers by pulling the center thread. But don’t pull it all the way through! Since burlap is a loosely woven fabric, it’s easy to create a nice soft ruffle. Unravel the long edges by pulling out loose threads. It will unravel anyway and the frayed edges will give it a softer look.

4. Pin one end of a “ruffled” strip to the wreath with a quilting pin. Wrap the ruffle around the foam, pinning it every 4-5 inches. Don’t push the pins all the way in; you will be replacing them with the greening pins. Slightly overlap each row; you want to make sure the foam is completely covered.

5. Hang the wreath at eye level to check that it is completely covered and to make adjustments, if necessary. Replace the quilting pins with the greening pins (you don’t want the white heads to show). The greening pins have two prongs and will securely hold the ruffles in place. Cut off all the loose threads.

You can use any ornament to add color to the wreath. I found a holiday floral spray with six foam ornament balls on wire sticks. They are red and sparkly and glittery; the perfect contrast to the rough burlap fabric. Cut off the excess wire. You will need less than 3″. If you use any other ornament, attach it to the wreath with a hot glue gun.

Lay out the ornaments on the wreath and rearrange until you get a pattern you like. Try an all-over random lay-out or try three groups of three. Remember the trusty old design tip: everything looks better in odd numbers!

Pin a piece of ribbon to the top for hanging. The length will depend on where you put it. This wreath will last the whole season and you can use it year after year. Perhaps next year, I’ll replace the red balls with purple or silver ones. I guess it will depend on my color scheme next year!

Interior designer Merri Cvetan writes about her DIY holiday craft projects for Home Depot. Merri’s wreath now adorns her century-old farmhouse home. Home Depot’s full selection of holiday decorations can be found at Home Depot.

For more holiday DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more burlap wreath ideas visit our new site – How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Now that we have settled well into the summer, many people like to spruce up the exterior and interior decor of their home. By making a seasonal wreath and hanging it on the front door, you can hold the beauty of summer for a little bit longer. Dress up your front door with any of these awesome summer wreaths:

Image via: Sandy Koepke

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Indian Summer Wreath

Indian summer wreaths are generally made of lots of leaves and flowers. You can keep it simple and make one by using dry corn leaves as the base. Collect some dry corn leaves, wash them, and soften them by spraying water on them. Trim the leaves to specific sizes. Use hydrangea, sweet Annie, fever-few, and leaves of eucalyptus too for the wreath. Arrange them nicely on a circular frame and tie them with hotmelt adhesive and wire. Make a loop on the back of it with a wire and hang it on the door.

Image via: Ike Kligerman Barkley

Beach-Themed Wreath

A beach-themed wreath on the front door will not only be fun but also remind of the exciting beach activities. You can make a flip-flop wreath by using two or three pairs of colorful flip-flops. Buy two or three pairs of small metal or real flip-flops, decorate them with fabric flowers, and glue them to a fabric strip wreath. You can also create a seaside landscape by creating a wreath with natural glasses, dried flowers, and a store of coastal discoveries like seashells, orange starfishes, scallops, sea urchins, and conches.

Image Courtesy: Wind and Weather

Patriotic Wreath

Make a patriotic wreath to celebrate the Fourth of July and the summer season. Wrap a wreath frame with white, red, and blue colored yarns. The size of the single blue patch should be almost double than the red and white patches. Stick some white stars cut out from craft foam on the patch of blue yarns. Instead of stars, you can use white-colored buttons of different shapes. It will be a wreath version of the American flag.

Wreath of Balls

A wreath made of only balls will be a unique addition to your front door. You can make a baseball wreath by attaching a number of artificial foam-made baseballs to the wreath frame with glue, pin, or wire. Otherwise, use Styrofoam balls and wrap them up with torn strips of various colored fabrics. Use pins or glue gun to attach the balls to a fabric-covered wreath. Hang it on the door with a red- or yellow-colored ribbon.

Image via: Making it Fun

Using summer wreath on the front door is an easy and frugal way to welcome the summer. Apart from giving a festive touch to your house, it will create an inviting look and give a warm message to your guests.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature. ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed Sam Holloway’s   – ‘Spring Potter’s Shed Organization’ and this week I bring you Tee Jay a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room. I asked her to come up with creative ways to dust off your winter front porch and bring refreshing spring elements to your outdoor home. Look at her great ideas of how to waken up your front porch with spring elements.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

Many of us look at our porch’s right now in a blah state as so many families in 2012 had to deal with the harsh weather and its effect on our homes. The effects were devastating indefinitely, but 2013 has emerged and now it’s time to bring happiness back into our lives as most of the clean-up has transpired by now. I don’t know about you’ll, but I am looking forward to brighter days, the scent of blooming flowers, vibrant colors, and sitting on my balcony after a long day. I am putting up the knits, turtlenecks, boots, coats, dark colors, well… not the boots, and bringing in spring the right way. The first place to start is with a great porch transformation. Here are some easy transformation tips to give your porch that “Welcome Back Spring” look.

1. Wreaths

Purchase or make your own fresh flowered wreath which provides the senses with many delights. Beautiful, yet giving that area around the door before entering the home a perfumed scent that is delightful for your visitors.

2. Brass Door Knockers

Add an eye catching brass door knocker as there are many to choose from. From ornate Victorian and classical, to traditional which gives that country club feel. Doorknockers make the overall character and charm to any front door.

3. Outdoor Lighting Sconces

Adding an outdoor sconce or sconces, of course gets rid of the old lighting that may be there from when the house was purchased or was there already, due to renting a house. Bringing in new lighting to any room brings as they say, a whole new light to the situation when replaced.

4. Wind Chimes

Also purchasing beautiful wind chimes, my favorite of them all is a great addition to the porch. As one of the World’s first musical instruments, wind chimes have been known for their soothing, meditative, and sometimes earthly sound. The practice of Feng-Shui helped to spread the knowledge of wind chimes calming and balancing influence in the home.

5. Rugs

Roll out a pretty stain, fade and mildew resistant rug for heavy traffic. You can’t go wrong with all those benefits of the rug.

6. Colored Flower Pots and flowers

Gardenia potted flowers are the first that comes to mind. With its evocative and memorizing scent, you can’t go wrong with adding a few of these. The scent will is very attractive and will leave a lasting impression with family and friends. Colored flower pots of different shape and sizes can be a great addition in bringing in the Spring back to your porch!

Tee Jay’s bio:

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and opinions with you, as I am an aspiring designer/decorator, single parent of 3 sons, living in the Seattle Area, originally from Brooklyn, who is looking to grow in the Staging Business. I have not too long ago, created a Blog called “Cheap Chic- Home Decorating and Fashion on a Budget. Hope you enjoy! Visit Tee Jay at her blog: Tee Jay Interiors and follow her on Olioboard.

Merry December 1st! Now that December is officially here it’s time to get serious abut your holiday decor! Well, maybe ‘serious’ is a little to strict.. how about ‘inspired’? Your front door of your home is the welcome location for all of your holiday guests, why not make it an eye-catching wreath?

Here are wreaths I found that I think are inspiring for one reason or another. Whether it is a theme to the wreath, color, creativity, or how beautiful it is.. here are my picks for gorgeous holiday wreaths to grace your front door this holiday season.

Themed Christmas Wreath

I love when wreaths have a theme, this winter wonderland wreath is beautiful with its skates, but it’s also more of a swag, than the traditional circular wreath.

Image via: Home All Aglow

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Creative Twist Wreath – Picture Frame

Who says a wreath has to look traditional? Love this idea of a picture frame at the front door. Simple, yet very festive!

Image via: BHG

‘The More the Merrier’ – Wreath

Why not have two wreaths in one? Love this idea!

Image via: 2cleverblog

Crafty Wreath with Eye-Catching Contrast

Greet your holiday guests with a wreath that is sophisticated and simple.

Image via: Furniturean Design

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The holidays can be a pretty busy time of year for most people, what with family obligations, seasonal parties, and of course, shopping (not to mention all the regular stuff that fills up your schedule on a daily basis).  And yet, you want to take the time to enjoy some of the traditional aspects of the season.  Otherwise, what is all the hustle and bustle for?  So once you’re done decorating your home in an array of lights, candles, and figurines (or whatever you happen to decorate with), it’s time to turn your attention to your office.  Of course, there are some differences between decorating here and decking the halls at home.  So here are just a few pointers to help you keep it appropriate.

Image via: Interior Foliage

Keep decorations festive for all

The idea is to display your festive spirit without going over the top and potentially offending your coworkers.  You may want to keep the tidings of joy toned down in your own office or cubicle for this reason.  While hanging enough lights to make your office resemble the surface of the sun, blaring holiday music at 80 decibels, and throwing tinsel at passing colleagues may seem like good fun to you, it may not necessarily impress those who have to work with you (or your boss).  So keep it tasteful and toned down.  How, you ask?

For starters, you should probably skip the lights.  Sorry, but it’s all too easy for them to look tacky, they suck up a lot of power, and they’re likely to annoy your coworkers.  If you do choose to use lights, make sure they are battery operated, and limited to your immediate desk area. You should also go easy on the holiday music.  If you want to listen, keep it low and turn it off if you get any complaints, or simply wear headphones.  From here you can have some fun since there are all kinds of decor that are totally appropriate.  One easy way to add some holiday spirit to your space is to cover hanging artwork with seasonal wrapping paper (like a present).  If you have a cubicle, you could pin some paper on the walls.  You should also consider placing some poinsettias around your office.  Plants are a great way to brighten up the décor and they provide some extra oxygen that will literally have you breathing easier.

Image via: Paradise Designs

Wreaths

Wreaths are another great idea, as long as they’re artificial; you don’t want tons of dead pine needles littering the floor when you get back from your holiday break.  They come in many sizes, colors, and materials to add some flair to your office and make the atmosphere festive.  And of course, you’re bound to have your own particular hallmarks of the season, such as candles and figurines.  You’ll want to avoid actual flame, so think about getting some LED fake candles (many are battery operated and flicker like the real deal).

Image via: Maria Decorating Ideas

Decorating Common Areas

You should also ask about decorating common areas (lobby, break room, etc.).  Although your company may do their own decorations, you might want to get together with coworkers to come up with a decorating scheme that reflects all the diversity of your office.  The season is really about tolerance and brotherhood of man, so it behooves you to make sure all of the many holidays that occur in this season are represented, not just yours.

Evan Fischer writes for Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer the premier law firm for auto accidents and personal injuries.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Bring on the gorgeous Easter wreaths!

Greet your Guests with a Welcoming Easter Wreath

Image via: Etsy – Wreaths by Nia – Easter Egg Wreath Ideas

For more Easter wreaths visit our Easter category on How to Make a Burlap Wreath.

For more Easter ideas on Stagetecture, click here.