During the holidays, your home inevitably becomes a revolving door of visitors, from dinner to overnight guests. As your guest list grows, your “to do” list expands as well. There’s a fridge to stock, meals to plan, a guest bedroom to get ready and—of course—you want to decorate your home to bring a merry feeling to your family and company alike.

If you are short on time (or holiday décor!), it’s important to concentrate your decorating efforts to “high impact” areas in your home. The first such area is your entryway, which provides guests with a first impression as they enter your home. This holiday season, you can set a cheery tone with your entryway, letting your guests know that they are being welcomed with warmth and love. Keep reading for more ideas to spruce up and update your foyer for the holidays.

Put a Wreath on It

Wreaths are one of the traditional holiday décor items used on doors and entryways. Made of evergreen branches (faux or real), or a variety of other materials such as flowers, grapevines and more, the only real rule to wreaths is that they must be round. Wreaths are steeped in history; they were used in Ancient Greece and Rome to represent a person’s rank and status, and were found in design and jewelry in ancient times throughout Europe. Today, Christmas wreaths have significance for many Christians; the circular shape, which has no beginning or end, is said to represent God, and the evergreens used in many wreaths represent everlasting life.

Perhaps the most common place to hang a wreath is on the outside of your front door to greet your guests as they arrive. However, they can also be hung on a wall or door inside your home, or even above a console table in your entryway space. Can’t choose one spot? Pick up multiple wreaths! With such a wide variety of styles, there’s something (or a couple of “somethings”) for everyone. You can select from classic evergreen wreaths with lights to modern eye-catchers comprised of bright holiday bulbs to a more rustic wreath of natural tree branches with natural pinecones, berries and cinnamon sticks and a buffalo plaid ribbon.

Tree Tidings

Another holiday item that is synonymous with Christmas is a real or artificial Christmas tree, making it a perfect addition to your foyer. Worried that your entryway can’t fit a Christmas tree?

Tabletop trees, although small in size, can add a large degree of festivity and fun; and they can suit your entryway space perfectly. These trees are often 12 – 60-inches in height, and some are available in pots instead of tree stands.

After deciding on the size you prefer, you need to consider what type of tree would work best in your space. Choose a table-top tree without lights or a tree with battery operated or standard electric light options to fully express your own style and holiday aesthetic. If you prefer to avoid the work of decorating, try a pre-lit and pre-decorated tree, which are available in a wide range of designs. You can even try a non-traditional tree, such as a rattan, metallic, ceramic or beaded cone shape look, which will certainly dress up your foyer. So, wait no longer to find the perfect mini tree for your space!

Banister Bliss

No entryway is complete for the holidays without garland wrapped around the banister. If traditional garland is your thing, there are lots of pre-lit and pre-decorated options. Realistic looking garland with clear lights lends a classic style, while holiday garland adorned with ribbon and bulbs is festive and easy. Looking for a more modern garland? Try one made of shatterproof bulbs in a metallic or non-traditional color. For a more rustic style garland look in your home, try one completed with pinecones and mixed berry! You can also take your decorating to the next level this year by adding your own ornaments or festive lights to the mix. If your humble abode is missing a fireplace, you can even attach your stockings from the garland on the banister for a fun and festive look. And don’t forget Santa’s magic key!

Decorative Decor

Holiday decor does not need to be solely represented in all things “evergreen”. You can also try adding blissful wall art and tabletop decor in your entryway space! Start by hanging new holiday wall art on an empty spot on your wall, or you can switch out a current piece of wall art with a favorite holiday scene to update your space for the season. If you are looking to make a “bright” addition to your entryway décor, consider lighted (LED) holiday wall art.

Adding a console table to your space not only allows for a place for your guests to set their keys and purses, but also an opportunity for you to deck out your foyer with charming tabletop items, such as a platter stacked with your favorite ornaments or a cheerful statue. Pair your favorite holiday table runner with a vase of holiday buds or a candle holder arrangement to bring just the right amount of holiday cheer to your space.

Whatever you choose, remember to have fun with these Christmas entryway decor ideas and to keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart as you decorate. That's what this holiday is really all about!