Forget about table design, a maximalist mantel or even glam up your tree.
If you really want to make a design statement this Christmas, it’s what’s outside your home that counts. Doorscaping, the art of making an entrance look festive, is in fashion.
Restaurants, clubs and hotels – from The Ivy Chelsea Garden to Annabel’s and Claridge’s in London – were early adopters of the trend and invested in making their venues stand out with dramatic doors.
And the trend has reached the rich and famous. Presenters Amanda Holden and Holly Willoughby, and musician Tom Fletcher, have shown off epic examples of door decorating on social media.
But they will not remove the balloon pump or the adhesive plastic. Instead, wealthy Christmas enthusiasts hire professional decorators.
Holden posted a video on Instagram (back in November!) showing an entire team of workers decorating his house from top to bottom… tree, railings, fireplace, and yes, door included.
Excited by the “stunning” display, she thanked Early Hours, a decorating company specializing in “holiday doors” that has worked with Harvey Nichols.
Candice Brathwaite, a best-selling author, also recently revealed a colorful version of the trend outside her home in Buckinghamshire.
Musician Tom Fletcher showed off his epic door decorating examples on social media.
Annabel’s private members club in London’s Berkeley Square unveiled its Christmas door (pictured) in mid-November.
Good tone! Demure! Discreet… that’s me,” she captioned a photo of her enormous confection of jewel-like ornaments and colorful bows, along with a credit to Early Hours.
Brathwaite wanted to highlight its green credentials. “All the decorations are reused in various projects,” he noted.
Even the rest of us are getting in on the action. “It was always about Christmas lights at the front of the house,” says Erin Leslie, founder of The Luxe Event, which offers luxury looks in Surrey. ‘Now Christmas door design is taking over.
“It was popular for us last year, but this year, thanks to people being inspired by designs on Instagram, it’s become crazy.”
Heidi Lawley, of floral artists HeiDesigns, adds: ‘Demand for residential Christmas door arches is growing year on year.
‘We are already accepting reservations for next year. We have had great demand for our unique freestanding bows created from Kent pine. Gold and champagne themes, giant balls and sweets are also popular.’
Presenter Amanda Holden revealed in an Instagram post (pictured) that she had a whole team of workers decorating her house for Christmas, including the door landscaping.
So what is the secret to a spectacular entrance? “Coordinate your items, such as a matching wreath and garland,” says David Summer, sales director at Christmas Tree World.
‘Make sure your door matches the theme of your other decorations.
‘You can place ornaments on your wreath, hanging baskets, or even on your porch ceiling to create a dazzling display.
The layering of various textures adds sensory interest. Why not include cinnamon sticks, cloves and dried fruits in wreaths and garlands for a festive scent?