Originally published December 2022. Updated November 11, 2024. Before you deck the halls, be sure the front door is decked out for the season. Get ready to hang the wreaths, tie the bows, and install the garland. We’ve gathered more than a dozen of our readers’ favorite traditional Christmas doors from the pages of FLOWER to inspire your holiday decorating.
The arch above Rick Davis and Christopher Vazquez’s front door is composed of evergreens, holly, English ivy, pine cones, and birch. The wreath showcases pepperberry, roses, and hypericum berry. The spruce “trees” are actually cut limbs anchored in the large containers. See the full story.
Photo by Jenn Verrier
The modern iron-and-glass entry of Mila Hirsch’s Birmingham, Alabama home is flanked with planters of magnolia, greenery, and winter tree branches. The family’s Christmas tree can be seen through the glass and an oversized wreath hangs on the large window to the right. See more of the Hirsch’s holiday home.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Michael Giannelli decks out his East Hampton Gardens shop with natural elements that capture the elegant, organic beauty of woodlands. “The deep garden greens dusted with snow, the faded blue hydrangeas remaining from summer, and a pop of red from a cardinal in flight drove my vision for this dreamy ‘Woodland Christmas’ decor…” See Michael’s step-by-step instructions for making this wreath.
Photo by Tria Giovan
When in Richmond, Virginia drive down historic Monument Avenue to see the Christmas decor like this beautiful doorway, or reserve a spot on the Holiday Glitter Walking Tour, hosted by The Valentine museum, a great place to learn about the city’s history. See more of Amanda Nisbet’s guide to Richmond.
Photo by Sarah Walor
Birmingham, Alabama, designer Stephanie Lynton and her Malshipoo, Jack, stand below an abundance of garlands made from cedar, Douglas-fir, dusty miller, ilex berries, and amaryllis. See Stephanie’s home and her tips for holiday decorating.
Photo by Hector Sanchez
A welcoming doorway on Richmond’s Monument Avenue, draped with twinkle-lit greenery and hung with a simple wreath and red bow. See more of Amanda Nisbet’s guide to Richmond.
Photo by Sarah Walor
Floral designer Canaan Marshall decorated this classic Christmas front door with swags and wreaths of magnolia foliage, green cedar, blue cedar, and green holly. To the side of the door, Canaan also adorned a grapevine sculpture with greenery. Large red bows of wired ribbon finish each decorative element. See more of Canaan’s holiday arrangements and a how-to!
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The mudroom door of Cara Brown’s historic New Jersey farmhouse is dressed with a garland of balsam, cypress, and hemlock. A medallion of greenery and pinecones highlights the gable. Red berries and pinecones are incorporated into the wreath. See more of Cara’s Christmas farmhouse.
Photo by Tria Giovan
Another merry front entrance on Richmond’s Monument Avenue is found on this Colonial Revival style home originally designed by Richmond architect, W. Duncan Lee. See more of Amanda Nisbet’s guide to Richmond.
Photo by Sarah Walor
Hand-tied garland made from cedar, magnolia, and seasonal greens softens the Indiana limestone and custom ironwork of the front entry while also adding a festive, natural layer that complements the English ivy–clad façade of designer Tina Yaraghi’s Long Island home. See more of Tina’s holiday home.
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
For Jane Schwab’s Colonial-style home, she chose a simple, elegant wreath with a flash of gold ribbon. See more of Jane’s Charlotte home decorated for Christmastime.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
For Shelley Johnstone, the ultimate purpose of a beautiful home is to share it with people you love, and she’s perfected the art of designing spaces to be used and enjoyed. Shelley’s classic holiday décor spills over into the front motorcourt, creating a festive welcome to her Lake Forest, Illinois home. See more of Shelley’s holiday decor.
Photo by Aimee Mazzenga
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
A simple balsam and pine cone wreath with a red bow hangs on the double door and welcomes guests to the entry of this antique-filled Birmingham home. See the story.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Photo by Jacqueline Marque
The front door of this French Quarter pied-à-terre welcomes guests with a simple fir wreath ornamented with fruit and magnolia leaves. See the story.
Photo by Jacqueline Marque
By Jason Burnett
