The entryway of your home is not only the place where you enter and leave your house, but will inevitably be the first impression of your home when guests come to visit. To get into the Christmas spirit, set the tone for the rest of your home and create an atmosphere that will greet your guests with cheer by adding some fun and whimsical decorations to your entryway. Although there are endless ways to decorate this space, we’ve created a list of 7 unique additions you can incorporate into your entryway to bring the essence of Christmas spirit throughout the entirety of your home.

1. Holly Balls

These big Christmas ornaments are becoming increasingly popular and are perfect statement pieces that you can utilize to integrate colors, textures and patterns. Typically, holly balls are used in groups of 3-4 of varying sizes and colors, but you can decorate with these however you please! When it comes to incorporating these into entryways, you can add them into empty corners, place them on top of tables, hang these oversized statement makers from garlands or chandeliers, or put them around the door—whatever speaks to you!

2. Wreaths

Wreaths and garland are entryway staples and can truly be used at all times of the year. At Christmas time, a pine wreath with lights will bring that authentic Christmas feel, but you can also look for flocked pine and more whimsical colors depending on what vibe you are going for. Wreaths are ideal for door decorations, but can also be placed on the walls of your entryway. One clever wreath display is to layer over a mirror in an entryway or dining room. If you have the time, you can hand-make your wreaths, or you can purchase one in your favorite decorating style–traditional, glitter, shimmer or Northwoods.

3. Mantlescape/shelfscape/tablescape

If you have a mantle, shelf or tabletop from a small accent table in your entryway, then you may want to look into creating a mantlescape that can highlight your decor. A mantlescape/shelfscape/tablescape is a compilation of decorations, or a vignette, displayed together in a grouping on a flat surface.. This is the optimal place to put tabletop decorations like Christmas villages, other various Christmas decor pieces and knick-knacks. Faux snow is a great addition to mantlescapes that brings more texture and adds a little extra touch as well as strands of lights to bring in extra alternative lighting to match with your tree. Always welcome: a pine or holly sprigs with a pinecone and faux berry accents.

4. Christmas Wall Art

Wall art is a staple of any redesign and is perfect for bringing in new colors and dimensions. Finding the perfect winter-themed piece will help tie the rest of the entryway’s decor together. Wall art is great to swap out between seasons and is an easy change to make if you are in the market for a low-commitment change. Christmas wall art is also a fun addition to a shelf or small accent table in your entryway. You can simply position a small piece and lean it against the wall.

Christmas-themed signs are another form of wall art that you can use to incorporate holiday messages and add a cute and home-y touch to your decorations.

5. Holiday Rugs

Rugs are a central part of any entryway, and this is a unique way to add something special in your entryway that may otherwise be overlooked. Integrating seasonal colors or textures to match a theme you have created can be done seamlessly by finding a rug that works in your space. Make sure to measure the available space ahead of time, so you have a rug that’s the perfect fit. Keep in mind that entry rugs are no longer just one or two sizes. There are a variety of options, shapes and designs to select from.

6. Mini Christmas Tree

Depending on how much space you have in your entryway, you may be able to incorporate a small Christmas tree. This can be a fun way to add in brightly colored lights and ornaments that your guests will be sure to see. To make this even more special, you can host an ornament decorating party and hang all of the creations onto this tree! Another option: place a tabletop tree or two on an entryway table.

7. Christmas Lights and Garland

In order to transform your entryway into a winter wonderland, you’ll definitely need some alternative lighting. Christmas is the best time of year for this, as Christmas lights are a prominent part of all decorations. Hanging a few strands around your entryway can transform the space into a Christmas paradise, creating an unbeatable first impression of your home. Nowadays, lights are available in standard outlet cord Christmas lights or with battery operated styles when an outlet may not be available.

Garland or holly is another great option to add a little extra decoration to your entryway. Similar to Christmas lights, this can be hung around surfaces like mantles, tables, coat racks, off wall art, window or door frame moldings, or walls depending on what your entryway allows.

Christmas decorations for your entryway are essential to creating a cohesive decor scheme for the holidays. Even though you may not spend a substantial amount of time in this part of your home, it is what you see each time you come and go, so decorating it like the rest of your home will create a holiday atmosphere like no other and bring a seasonal smile to you and your guests when entering your holiday home.