AboutA WARM WELCOME STARTS HERE
Three traditional entrances, from a generous staircase to a little console.
Shop three traditional Christmas entryways with wreaths, stair garland, ribbon, lanterns and console accents. Includes a complete no-stairs option and measuring advice.
Explore & shop the looks ↓
A COLLECTED CHRISTMAS
Begin with the door, then follow the room you actually have. A wreath and repeated ribbon can do most of the work; a staircase is a place for greenery, while a smaller hall can carry the same feeling on a console. Each entrance has its own complete shopping list and a manageable plan.
01 / EVERGREEN + ONE GOOD PLAID + WARM BRASS
A welcoming traditional hall built around the staircase. Keep the door wreath simple, repeat the tartan at a few points along the garland, and give the console a warm glow with a lantern and a small everyday tray.
MEASURED SHOPPING PLAN
| Layer | Starting quantity | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reference stair run | 10 feet measured along the fixing route | Allow about 12–15 feet of garland for a relaxed drape. Layer a second strand only if you want extra fullness. |
| Wreath & ribbon | 1 wreath; about 10 yards of ribbon | Allow roughly 2 yards each for three generous bows plus a door bow and trimming allowance. Test your preferred bow first. |
| Console accents | 1 lantern + a fitting LED candle + 1 tray | Use your existing console and lamp. The lantern should sit fully on the furniture, away from the edge. |
McGee & Co.
The linked selection is the 30-inch pre-lit cedar wreath. Check the chosen diameter, door clearance and outdoor-light instructions.
For this plan: 1 wreath; selected variant is 30 inches. Measure your door first.
Shop at McGee & Co. ↗
Afloral
One 6-foot natural-touch cedar-and-pine garland. Suitable for indoor or sheltered outdoor use according to the retailer.
For this plan: 3 × 6-foot strands = 18 feet, allowing for joins and drape on the example run.
Shop at Afloral ↗
Michaels / Celebrate It
Red tartan wired ribbon, 2½ inches wide and 26.6 yards per roll. One roll covers the example bows with plenty left over.
For this plan: 1 roll = 26.6 yards; allow about 10 yards for the four bows and keep the rest.
Shop at Michaels / Celebrate It ↗
World Market
Antique-brass-finish iron and glass. The selected 22-inch version is 8¼ inches square and holds one 3-inch-diameter pillar, sold separately.
For this plan: 1 lantern; selected 22-inch version has an 8¼-inch-square base.
Shop at World Market ↗
Pottery Barn
Select the ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch single. The moving flame adds about 1 inch above the wax; 2 C batteries are sold separately.
For this plan: 1 ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch wax-height single; add 2 C batteries.
Shop at Pottery Barn ↗
McGee & Co.
A useful brass tray for keys and small everyday essentials. Leave space around it so the console remains easy to use.
For this plan: 1 tray for keys, or use a small dish you already own.
Shop at McGee & Co. ↗BRING THE LOOK HOME
Attach to suitable balusters or supports so the rail stays comfortable to hold. Use fixings rated for the combined weight and suitable for the finish.
A wreath bow and three stair bows connect the entrance. Avoid tying a bow to every spindle.
The garland already supplies the pattern and texture. A lantern and useful bowl are enough on the console.
02 / GLOSSY LEAVES + BROWN BACKS + A RICH VELVET BOW
A slightly softer entrance for cream walls, warm wood and collected art. Layer magnolia into a cedar base, repeat the burgundy on the door, and let the leaf color and velvet supply the richness.
MEASURED SHOPPING PLAN
| Layer | Starting quantity | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reference stair run | 10 feet measured along the fixing route | Use 12–15 feet of cedar as the base. The linked 12-foot magnolia strand can be layered over part of the run; add more only if the measured drape calls for it. |
| Wreath & ribbon | 1 wreath; about 12–15 yards of ribbon | Long tails use more ribbon. Start with three stair bows and one door bow, allowing around 2½–3 yards per bow. |
| Console accents | 1 lantern + a fitting LED candle + 1 tray | Keep an existing mirror or picture above the console. The greenery can provide the seasonal change. |
McGee & Co.
A 24-inch magnolia wreath with green leaves on both sides. The layered garland supplies the contrasting brown leaf backs in this look.
For this plan: 1 wreath, 24 inches; use indoors unless the retailer confirms your intended exposure.
Shop at McGee & Co. ↗
Afloral
One 12-foot magnolia garland for layering. Listed for indoor or sheltered outdoor use.
For this plan: 1 × 12-foot strand as a partial overlay; buy 2 if your measured magnolia route exceeds 12 feet.
Shop at Afloral ↗
Afloral
Burgundy velvet ribbon with metallic gold detail, 1 inch wide and 20 yards per roll. Use the same roll for branch bows and a topper.
For this plan: 1 roll = 20 yards; allow about 12–15 yards for four long-tailed bows.
Shop at Afloral ↗Afloral
One 6-foot natural-touch cedar-and-pine garland. Suitable for indoor or sheltered outdoor use according to the retailer.
For this plan: 3 × 6-foot strands = 18 feet including overlap.
Shop at Afloral ↗World Market
Antique-brass-finish iron and glass. The selected 22-inch version is 8¼ inches square and holds one 3-inch-diameter pillar, sold separately.
For this plan: 1 lantern; selected version is 22 inches tall.
Shop at World Market ↗Pottery Barn
Select the ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch single. The moving flame adds about 1 inch above the wax; 2 C batteries are sold separately.
For this plan: 1 ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch single; add 2 C batteries.
Shop at Pottery Barn ↗McGee & Co.
A useful brass tray for keys and small everyday essentials. Leave space around it so the console remains easy to use.
For this plan: 1 tray, or reuse your key bowl.
Shop at McGee & Co. ↗BRING THE LOOK HOME
Magnolia’s brown backs are part of the palette. Show a few among the glossy green fronts rather than arranging every leaf the same way.
Secure the cedar base, then fix the magnolia to suitable supports. Do not hang a heavier strand from one decorative ribbon.
Indoor faux magnolia belongs inside unless the listing specifies otherwise. Hang the wreath on an interior door or mirror if your front door is exposed.
03 / A DOOR WREATH + A SHORT CONSOLE SWAG + CANDLELIGHT
A narrow console and a door are plenty. Keep the wall mirror, add a wreath with one generous bow, and lay a short length of greenery along the rear of the console. A lantern and a key tray make the whole entrance feel ready for daily life.
MEASURED SHOPPING PLAN
| Layer | Starting quantity | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reference console | 48 inches wide | One 6-foot garland can sit along the back with a short drop at one end. Fold and secure excess discreetly if the product cannot be trimmed. |
| Wreath & ribbon | 1 wreath; about 3–5 yards of ribbon | Enough for a generous door bow and a smaller console accent, depending on tail length. |
| Console accents | 1 lantern + a fitting LED candle + 1 tray | The selected lantern is 22 inches tall with an 8¼-inch-square base; measure the console depth and clearance below your mirror before ordering. Leave a useful clear patch for keys and post. |
Afloral
An 18-inch evergreen-and-cone wreath for a smaller door or mirror. The retailer lists indoor/outdoor use; check your exposure.
For this plan: 1 compact wreath, 18 inches across.
Shop at Afloral ↗Afloral
Burgundy velvet ribbon with metallic gold detail, 1 inch wide and 20 yards per roll. Use the same roll for branch bows and a topper.
For this plan: 1 roll = 20 yards; use about 3–5 yards and save the rest for the tree or gifts.
Shop at Afloral ↗World Market
Antique-brass-finish iron and glass. The selected 22-inch version is 8¼ inches square and holds one 3-inch-diameter pillar, sold separately.
For this plan: 1 lantern; check its 22-inch height and 8¼-inch-square footprint against your console.
Shop at World Market ↗Afloral
One 6-foot natural-touch cedar-and-pine garland. Suitable for indoor or sheltered outdoor use according to the retailer.
For this plan: 1 × 6-foot strand for the example 48-inch console.
Shop at Afloral ↗Pottery Barn
Select the ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch single. The moving flame adds about 1 inch above the wax; 2 C batteries are sold separately.
For this plan: 1 ivory 3-inch-diameter × 3½-inch single; add 2 C batteries.
Shop at Pottery Barn ↗McGee & Co.
A useful brass tray for keys and small everyday essentials. Leave space around it so the console remains easy to use.
For this plan: 1 tray; leave a clear spot beside it for everyday use.
Shop at McGee & Co. ↗BRING THE LOOK HOME
Keep the front portion of the console free for everyday use. Support any trailing section so it cannot be pulled down accidentally.
A door wreath or a wreath over the mirror can lead. You do not need a large arrangement in both places.
A narrow hall usually works better with one lantern on the console than with floor lanterns along the walkway.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Lay a string along the exact fixing route, including curves and the drops you want. Measure the string before choosing lengths.
Open the door fully and check access to locks, switches and the handrail. Move decorations before securing them.
Use suitable supports at several points, following fixing and product instructions. Add the decorative ribbon after the weight is supported.
Add a lantern with a flameless candle and a useful tray. Keep the lighting cord and any garland tail out of the walking route.
MAKING IT YOUR OWN
Use one wreath, a short console swag and a lantern with a flameless candle. Repeat one ribbon color and keep a clear surface for everyday use. A door or mirror provides the main focal point.
Measure along the intended fixing route with string. Our 10-foot stair-run examples start with about 12–15 feet for a gentle drape, but the exact amount depends on curves, swag depth, joins and end drops.
Only if the retailer rates that ribbon for the conditions. Ordinary velvet can absorb moisture or fade. Use indoor ribbon on the inside face of a door, or choose an outdoor-rated alternative.
Fix it below or outside the rail on suitable supports, keeping the gripping surface clear. Follow the fixing manufacturer’s finish, weight and removal instructions. Check that nothing hangs into the walking route.