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HGTV's Alison Victoria gives us her tips for holiday front-door décor

Making spirits bright, one door at a time

A wreath decorated with winter berries and pinecones against a natural wood door. Credit: Getty Images / Vitalii Petrushenko

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‘Tis the season for spreading merry cheer throughout the neighborhood. As you prepare to deck the halls ahead of your holiday guests' arrival, don’t forget making a good first impression starts at the front door.

Seeking out some expert advice, we spoke with Alison Victoria of HGTV’s Windy City Rehab, to see how she’s decorating her front door this holiday season. “Each year I try to switch it up and do something a bit different, while still complementing the architecture and aesthetic of my home,” she says.

Victoria shares her insights into holiday decorating trends, easy DIY, and low maintenance front door décor. Here’s how to decorate your front door this holiday season.

Classic minimalism is in this holiday season

A classic fir wreath on a red door against a green background.
Credit: Reviewed / L.L. Bean

A fresh wreath is a classic for the holiday season.

To make a good impression, you don’t need to go all out. In fact, Victoria says that minimalism is in this year. Rather than taking the flashy route with lights and color, think of sophisticated classic looks.

Victoria says that this year will be filled with live wreaths and garland embellished with ribbons, bells, and pinecones.

The Traditonal Balsam Wreath from L.L. Bean is a fresh wreath that ships straight to your door. It’s simple in design, but absolutely classic for the holidays.

Hoop wreaths are another chic, minimalist option if you like a contemporary look. Plus, they’re easy to DIY.

Product image of L.L. Bean Traditional Balsam Wreath
L.L. Bean Traditional Balsam Wreath

This classic wreath from L.L. Bean ships fresh to your door.

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at L.L. Bean

A good wreath gets you serious mileage

A wreath with lights on it against a blue and white background.
Credit: Reviewed / Balsam Hill

An artificial wreath will stay fresh year after year.

You have so much to do this holiday season, that spending a whole day decorating your front door is certainly not feasible. Luckily, Victoria says that a good wreath makes all the difference.

“I recommend investing in a nice, high-quality [wreath] that matches your home’s exterior aesthetic. This way, you can simply pull it out of storage and pop it on your door each year,” she says.

A classic fir wreath will never go out of style, but if you want to incorporate a little something extra, Victoria says to branch out with eucalyptus, berries, and faux snow embellishments.

Balsam Hill makes gorgeous artificial Christmas trees and wreaths. You can’t go wrong with Balsam Hill’s Fraser Fir wreaths that come prelit. The wreaths range in size from 26 to 60 inches, great for your front door or your garage.

Product image of Fraser Fir Wreath
Fraser Fir Wreath

Use this gorgeous wreath from Balsam Hill year after year.

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at Balsam Hill

DIY made easy

On the left, a red bow against a green background. On the right, a red ribbon
Credit: Reviewed / Fakilo / Simici

Before you wrap the presents, wrap up your front door.

For a quick and easy front door decoration, wrap up your door like you’re wrapping a present.

Victoria says to use a thick, lengthy piece of ribbon and wrap it around the door vertically. Tie a knot three-quarters of the way up, and then turn the ribbon horizontally so you can wrap it around the door again. Finish by tying a knot in the same spot on the other side of the door.

To finish it off, use leftover ribbon to make a bow around the knot, or you can find a big bow at a craft store.

Product image of Fakilo Satin Ribbon
Fakilo Satin Ribbon

Grab this silky red ribbon for your Christmas DIY project.

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at Amazon
Product image of Simisi Christmas Bow
Simisi Christmas Bow

Top off your front door decoration with this festive bow.

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at Amazon

And don’t forget to make sure your door looks just as spiffy as the decorations

On the left, a gold faceplate against a green background. On the right, a smart lock against a red background.
Credit: Reviewed / Ring / Schlage

Update your door's hardware and add some security in the process.

Before you start decorating, make sure your door is looking its best. Victoria recommends giving your door a fresh coat of paint and upgrading the hardware.

In the season of porch pirates, now is also a great time to upgrade your home’s security. Victoria recommends smart locks from Schlage, which come in sophisticated looking finishes like aged bronze.

You can even update the faceplates on your Ring camera with a more festive gold look.

Product image of Schlage Encode Smart Lock
Schlage Encode Smart Lock

Upgrade your home hardware and keep your home safe with the Schlage Encode.

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at The Home Depot
Product image of Ring Faceplate
Ring Faceplate

Dress up your Ring doorbell, with a festive faceplate.

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at Amazon

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