A guide to Christmas door decorations

As the festive season approaches, many of us look for ways to bring the Christmas spirit into our homes.

One of the most welcoming and visually striking methods is through Christmas door decorations.

These festive decorations not only enhance the exterior of your home but also spread cheer to neighbours and visitors alike.

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team looks at the history of Christmas door decorations, why they are a must-have and help you source some of the most popular decorations.

History of Christmas door decorations

The tradition of decorating doors during Christmas has deep historical roots.

It dates to ancient Roman times when people adorned their homes with greenery during the feast of Saturnalia.

In medieval Europe, holly, ivy and mistletoe were commonly used to decorate doors, symbolising hope and renewal.

The modern Christmas wreath, often made from evergreen branches, became popular in the 19th century, influenced by German and Scandinavian customs.

These were taken up in the Victorian era when people began adorning their doors with wreaths, garlands and other festive embellishments.

These too were often made from natural materials like holly and ivy, symbolising eternal life and good fortune.

Why consider Christmas door decorations?

Christmas door decorations are more than just festive adornments; they serve several purposes:

• Welcoming: They create a warm and inviting entrance for guests
• Festivity: They showcase your festive spirit and creativity
• Neighbourhood cheer: They contribute to the overall festive atmosphere in your community.

What are these decorations made from?

Christmas door decorations come in a variety of materials:

• Evergreen branches: Traditional wreaths and garlands are often made from pine, fir or spruce
• Artificial materials: Modern decorations may use plastic, fabric or metal for durability and variety
• Natural elements: Pinecones, berries and dried fruits add a rustic touch
• Lights and ornaments: LED lights and baubles enhance the visual appeal.

You can also buy the ever popular ‘Santa stop here’ signs for your door which are available in wood and metal.

How are door decorations used?

Christmas door decorations can be used in several ways:

Wreaths

Hung on the front door, they are the most common decoration and include:

• Traditional wreaths: Made from fresh evergreen branches, often adorned with red berries and pinecones
• Artificial wreaths: Durable and versatile, available in various shapes, sizes and colours
• Novelty wreaths: Fun and quirky options, such as reindeer, snowmen or Santa Claus.

Garlands

Draped around the door frame, often paired with lights, they include:

• Evergreen garlands: Classic and elegant, perfect for draping over doorways and window frames
• Festive garlands: Decorated with ornaments, lights and other embellishments.

Door hangers

Festive signs or character hangers add a playful touch, and include:

• Wooden signs: Personalised messages or festive sayings
• Fabric decorations: Cute and cuddly characters like snowmen and reindeer
• Novelty: There’s a growing range of novelty Christmas door decorations – such as Santa to enjoy
• Metal ornaments: Elegant and timeless, often featuring intricate designs.

Don’t forget that bows for adding to doors are also a popular choice – we have a separate article on this.

Christmas lights

Increasingly popular, a range of lights, usually LEDs can be used and include:

• Fairy lights: Twinkling lights to add a magical touch to your door
• Cluster lights: An effective way of using these is to add a dense set of cluster lighting around the door – perfect for creating a ‘wow’ factor
• Net Lights: Cover your entire door in a dazzling display of light.

Don’t forget too that this is a great opportunity to show off your DIY crafts with handmade decorations offering a personal and unique flair.

We found that there are lots of lovely and trendy door bows to consider too.

How much are Christmas door decorations?

The cost of Christmas door decorations can vary widely:

• Budget-friendly: Simple wreaths and garlands can be found for as little as £10-£20
• Mid-range: More elaborate decorations with lights and ornaments range from £30-£60
• High-end: Premium, handcrafted, or custom decorations can cost £100 or more.

How to care for your decorations

Proper care ensures your decorations last throughout the season:

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
• Maintenance: Regularly check for wear and tear, especially for natural elements.
• Cleaning: Gently clean artificial decorations with a damp cloth.

For garlands using plants, you should consider misting them regularly and for those using lights, unplug when not in use and check for broken bulbs.

Popular Christmas door decorations and where to buy them

Here are some popular Christmas door decorations available from UK retailers:

High Street retailers: Stores like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco offer a wide range of festive decorations.

Online retailers: Amazon, Not On The High Street, and Etsy are great for unique and personalised decorations.

Garden centres: The likes of British Garden Centres and Dobbies offer fresh greenery and natural materials.

Buy Christmas door decorations

Christmas door decorations are a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit and make your home feel warm and inviting.

From traditional wreaths to modern DIY crafts, there are countless options to suit every taste and budget.

These decorations not only enhance the exterior of your home but also spread joy to your neighbours and visitors.

By choosing the right materials, maintaining them properly, and selecting decorations that reflect your personal style, you can create a stunning and welcoming entrance for the holiday season.

So, why not start this Christmas by adorning your door with beautiful decorations and sharing the festive cheer with everyone who passes by?