Holiday door decor made easy

When it comes to holiday door decor, 'tis the season to go all natural.

Front doors greet guests and carolers during the holiday season, and natural elements found in one's own back yard can be made into elegant door decor that complements a home's individual style.

This season's door decorations are not limited to what is at the local craft store. Instead, supplies found in the kitchen and back yard, such as dried fruits, wild grasses and leaves, can boost any home's seasonal decor.

To enhance entryways, consider overall architectural style and the type of door to create unique and special designs that use regional elements. Whether decorating a traditional Eastern home, a beachfront bungalow or a Southwestern

Gardening

ranch, natural elements that grow locally can enhance and highlight a home's entrance.

Here are instructions for a wreath that is deceptively simple to create and is made with only a few materials. Two complementary, wide ribbons give the wreath a fuller and richer look, and balance the size of the leaf clusters. A ribbon that also has glitter and felt detailing adds depth and texture.

Because a round wreath has such a traditional feel, it can work on many door styles, from colonial or Georgian to Mediterranean or even modern. When replicating this decor, keep in mind a door's size and scale the wreath appropriately so that it does not overpower or look too small on it. Placement is also important. Keeping the wreath in the top third of the door at eye level attracts people's attention.

Materials for a holiday wreath: Magnolia leaves or other broad evergreen leaves 14-inch wreath ring 22-gauge paddle wire 15 feet of 4-inch wide ribbon in two complementary colors

Gold glitter spray.

Start with a wreath ring size of 14 inches and 22-gauge wire. Lay small clusters of cut foliage, three to five pieces in each cluster, next to the wreath ring and wire them on, overlapping them onto the wreath ring as you go. They can also be pre-wired together before starting.

Using 12-inch pieces of ribbon, fold each piece over to make 6-inch loops. The ribbon loops are pinched together at the bottom and then wrapped with the wire. Tuck the ribbon loops into the wreath and wire them on.

Spray the wreath with gold glitter as desired. Use a doubled piece of ribbon to hang the wreath with a large bow on top. The bow should have four loops, two on each ribbon.

For more information on choosing door decor that matches popular architectural styles, visit www.jeld-wen.com/holiday.

(ARA)