Is your front step feeling a little forgotten now that the summer blooms have faded?
It’s so easy to let our outdoor spaces go dormant in winter, but this is when a warm, thoughtful welcome matters most.
You don’t need a huge renovation or a limitless budget. All it takes is a few simple touches—a cozy throw, the soft glow of a candle, a basket filled with nature’s textures—to transform your entrance into something truly special, a little beacon of warmth that welcomes you home every single day.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
1. Rustic Welcome with Layered Greens
Create an abundantly lush garland by starting with a simple cedar base and tucking in extra clippings of pine and fir for depth and texture.
Fill your woven baskets with beautiful white birch logs, which bring a lovely graphic quality to the arrangement, and nestle in some oversized pinecones for a natural touch.
A simple plaid wool throw, casually draped over a basket, adds a touch of color and a feeling of warmth that is just so inviting on a cold day.
2. Scandinavian Simplicity & Soft Textures
Embrace a minimalist winter aesthetic by pairing natural-fiber baskets with the clean lines of a modern home.
Drape a plush sheepskin throw over one of the baskets for an instant touch of cozy hygge and a wonderful contrast in textures.
Instead of a traditional wreath, try a simple brass hoop adorned with a sprig of preserved eucalyptus for a modern, airy feel that lasts all season.
Group flameless pillar candles on a simple wooden tray to create a safe, warm focal point without overwhelming the serene look.
3. A River of Golden Light
Create a truly breathtaking entrance by massing dozens of outdoor-safe LED pillar candles of varying heights along your walkway and steps.
The key is variation; clustering different sizes together makes the display feel organic and magical, like a field of light.
Tuck white or light-colored baskets filled with firewood among the candles to add texture and height without distracting from the golden glow.
A gilded wreath, either purchased or made by spray-painting a grapevine wreath gold, completes this luminous, celebratory look.
4. Layered Mats & Farmhouse Charm
Give your entryway instant designer flair by layering your doormats.
Place a durable coir mat on top of a larger, patterned weatherproof rug—a buffalo check pattern gives that perfect modern farmhouse feel.
Achieve a lovely symmetry with matching galvanized buckets holding miniature evergreen trees, then tuck bright red berry branches into lanterns for a pop of festive color.
Cream-colored, tasseled throws in woven baskets soften the look and add a cozy, touchable texture.
5. A Whisper of Winter Coast
Prove that winter decor can be beachy and beautiful by swapping traditional evergreens for a coastal-inspired palette.
Create a stunning wreath from collected driftwood and silvery eucalyptus leaves for a soft, windswept look against a blue door.
Fill your hurricane lanterns with sand to anchor the candles; it’s not only practical but also adds a lovely, authentic seaside touch.
A chunky navy blue knit blanket spilling from a gray-washed basket provides cozy texture and deep, ocean-like color.
6. Timeless Elegance in Brass & Velvet
Invest in a set of classic, high-quality brass lanterns in various sizes; they are timeless pieces you can use for every season, year after year.
Group them on your steps to create a multi-level glow that warmly guides guests to your door.
Instead of a pre-made bow, use wide, wired velvet ribbon to create luxurious, draping bows for your garland—the rich texture makes all the difference.
Symmetrical potted evergreens in classic black urns frame the door, providing a look of formal, traditional grace.
7. Moody Monochrome & Birch Stems
Make a dramatic, modern statement by sticking to a strict monochrome color scheme against a dark exterior.
Use tall, bare birch branches in a simple black planter for a strong, graphic element that draws the eye upward.
Opt for a soft, felt log carrier instead of a traditional basket; its heathered gray texture feels modern and pairs beautifully with the sleek black siding.
A simple, unadorned wreath of rich green boxwood or fir provides the only pop of color needed for this sophisticated Scandinavian-inspired scene.
8. A Warm & Woven Bohemian Welcome
Layering is the heart of a warm, bohemian space, even outdoors.
Start with a round jute rug as your base to define the space and add incredible texture.
Mix and match different styles of woven baskets and rattan tables, filling them with colorful, patterned throws and pillows.
Use amber-colored glass lanterns and candle holders, as the warm tone of the glass will cast an especially cozy, inviting glow that enhances the entire scene.
9. The Golden Glow of Beeswax
Embrace the simple beauty of natural materials by using real beeswax candles in your display.
Their warm, honeyed color and subtle scent add an authentic, earthy charm that you just can’t get from regular paraffin wax.
Create a miniature forest on your steps by filling dark wicker baskets with freshly cut evergreen boughs and pinecones.
Staggering the baskets at different heights gives the impression of a woodland hillside, making the entrance feel lush and organic.
10. Frosted Disco Ball Glamour
Add an unexpected touch of sparkle to your winter display with mirrored disco balls!
Nestle them into the snow or in baskets; they will catch the winter sunlight by day and the twinkle lights by night beautifully.
To get that perfectly frosted look, lightly spray your garlands and wreaths with artificial snow, focusing on the tips of the branches.
Sticking to a cool, monochromatic palette of silver, white, and icy blue makes the entire scene feel like a chic, frozen wonderland.
11. Rich Navy & Woven Warmth
A deep, rich navy blue ribbon can feel even more luxurious and special than traditional red or green.
Use a wide, velvet ribbon for your wreath and let the tails hang long for a touch of drama.
Instead of plain pots, place your miniature trees in beautiful woven baskets to add texture and a softer, more crafted feel to the display.
Grouping your lanterns together creates a more significant beacon of light and feels more intentional than dotting them around sporadically.
12. A Cascading Garland of Light
Create a stunning asymmetrical garland that cascades down your steps for a dynamic, organic feel.
Start by securing the main garland at the top, then attach additional evergreen branches, letting them drape naturally down one side.
Weave in battery-operated fairy lights, and then nestle small candle jars directly into the greenery for a magical, layered lighting effect.
A few overflowing baskets of pinecones and bright red winterberries provide a perfect, natural finishing touch.
13. Sunset Hues & Copper Lanterns
Capture the beauty of a winter sunset with the warm glow of copper lanterns.
The rosy metal looks absolutely stunning against the cool tones of snow and dusk.
Fill your baskets with dried ornamental grasses instead of traditional pine boughs for a soft, textural, and beautifully modern look.
The wispy seed heads will catch the light and the breeze in the most delicate way, adding life and movement to your display.
14. A Cascade of Cozy Knits
Nothing says “cozy” quite like a super chunky, oversized knit blanket.
Don’t just fold it; let it spill artfully out of a basket and onto the steps for a look of effortless comfort.
Mix and match your textiles for added interest. Pair the chunky knit with a basket of pillows in a contrasting weave, like a classic cable-knit or a simple plaid.
Simple glass hurricane jars with pillar candles are the perfect complement, offering clean lines that don’t compete with the rich textures.
15. Vintage Skates & Sleds
Lean a vintage wooden sled against the wall for an instant dose of nostalgic charm.
It adds height and character to your display and provides a perfect backdrop for other elements.
A pair of old leather ice skates, with their laces tied together and slung over the side of a basket, tells a sweet story of winter fun.
This arrangement looks especially lovely against a textured brick wall, where the mix of rustic wood and worn leather truly shines.
16. Zen Stones & Natural Forms
For a beautifully calm and modern aesthetic, combine just a few simple, natural elements.
Group a trio of honeycomb beeswax candles on a dark slate tile—the contrast in texture is so lovely and understated.
Fill your woven baskets with smooth, gray river stones or fresh pine sprigs for a touch of Zen-inspired simplicity.
This ‘less is more’ approach feels incredibly peaceful and proves that you don’t need a lot to make a beautiful impact.
17. Classic Stripes & Boxwood Green
You can never go wrong with a classic combination of navy, white, and bright boxwood green.
Striped baskets bring a crisp, slightly nautical feel that feels fresh and clean for winter.
A simple, lush boxwood wreath tied with a traditional plaid bow is the epitome of timeless holiday style.
A personalized coir doormat adds a lovely custom touch that makes your house truly feel like a home.
18. A Stairway to a Wintry Heaven
If you have a grand staircase, make it the star of the show by lining it with a breathtaking array of LED candles.
Create a ‘path’ of light that seems to flow down the stairs and pool at the bottom for the most dramatic and enchanting effect.
Place simple baskets filled with dark green foliage and pinecones intermittently among the candles to ground the display and add a touch of nature.
This is a high-impact look that is surprisingly simple to achieve with safe, battery-operated candles.
19. The Faded Beauty of Dried Hydrangeas
Don’t discard your hydrangeas at the end of summer! Let them dry on the stem for gorgeous, papery winter arrangements.
Their muted, antique tones look absolutely stunning in weathered wood or rustic metal buckets.
Pair them with a simple wreath made of dried lavender and rosemary for a wonderfully fragrant and Mediterranean-inspired welcome.
A simple linen cloth draped over a basket adds a soft, organic texture that complements the dried florals perfectly.
20. Southwestern Spice & Luminarias
Adapt your winter decor to your home’s unique style. A vibrant wreath made of dried red chili peppers is a stunning choice for a Southwestern home.
Line your walkway with luminarias—simple paper bags weighted with sand and holding a small candle or LED light—for a traditional, magical glow.
Fill rustic terracotta pots with hardy, drought-tolerant plants like rosemary, which will stay green and fragrant all winter long.
Colorful woven baskets add another layer of authentic, regional texture and artistry.
21. Opulent Gold & Scarlet Ribbons
Create a truly opulent and traditional display by combining rich reds, gleaming golds, and deep greens.
Weave gold and red ornaments and berry clusters throughout your entire garland, not just in one spot, for a look of abundance.
Use wicker hamper-style baskets with lids as pedestals for your lanterns, adding height and an interesting, substantial shape.
Tying huge, dramatic bows from wired scarlet ribbon at the corners of your garland arch is the perfect finishing touch for this grand display.
22. A Bountiful Harvest Welcome
Transition beautifully from autumn to winter with a stunning display of nature’s bounty.
Woven cornucopia baskets, or ‘horns of plenty,’ are a classic symbol of abundance and look wonderful spilling their contents down the steps.
Fill them with a mix of real and faux fruits like pomegranates and apples, adding some frosted faux berries for a touch of winter sparkle.
A simple wreath made of dried wheat and orange slices continues the natural, harvest theme beautifully.
23. Brownstone Steps & Sculptural Branches
For an urban setting like a brownstone, play with height and clean, sculptural forms.
A tall basket filled with stark, painted white birch branches creates a dramatic focal point that contrasts beautifully with the dark door and railings.
Use simple, modern black planters for your evergreen trees to maintain a sleek, contemporary feel.
Scattering large pinecones down the steps adds a touch of organic texture and breaks up the straight lines of the stairs.
24. Sweet as Candy Pastels
Who says winter has to be dark and moody? Embrace a playful, candy-colored theme!
Create a whimsical wreath and garland from pastel-colored baubles, which you can find at craft stores or create yourself with spray paint.
Fill colorful striped baskets with an assortment of faux candy canes and lollipops for a fun and cheerful display.
This sweet theme is perfect for bringing a smile to everyone’s face and stands out beautifully against neutral siding.
25. Moody Florals & Smoked Glass
For a sophisticated and wonderfully unexpected winter look, create a garland with deep, moody florals.
Incorporate dark hellebores (the Lenten rose), deep purple foliage, and dark berries into a pine garland for a romantic, gothic feel.
Use oversized, smoked glass lanterns or demijohns to house your candles. The dark glass mutes the light, creating an incredibly atmospheric and intimate glow.
A simple, dark charcoal-colored knit throw in a basket adds a final layer of cozy, luxurious texture.
26. Shadow Play with Bare Branches
Use lighting to create art on your walls. Place a lantern or an uplight behind a basket of bare, twiggy branches.
The light will cast dramatic, intricate shadows against the house, creating a beautiful and dynamic display, especially after dark.
This simple technique adds a huge amount of visual interest and works wonderfully in a corner or against a large, plain wall.
A single potted fir and a few scattered candles are all you need to complete this artistic, minimalist scene.
27. Moss, Slate & Stone
Create a stunning, nature-inspired tablescape on your steps using dark slate tiles as a base for your candles.
The smooth, dark surface is a perfect contrast to the texture of the pillar candles.
Fill your baskets with a mix of vibrant green cushion moss, silvery reindeer moss, and pinecones for a rich, woodland-floor effect.
A few smooth, light-colored river stones scattered nearby add another layer of natural texture and a simple, grounding element.
28. Tall Columnar Greens for Tight Corners
If you have a narrow entryway or a tight corner, think vertical!
A tall, columnar evergreen like a sky pencil holly or an Italian cypress in a simple square planter adds height and life without taking up too much floor space.
Pair it with a tall basket of birch logs to echo the vertical lines and create a cohesive, elegant look.
A trio of classic lanterns grouped together provides ample light and a beautiful anchor for the display.
29. A Rustic Cabin Railing Glow
Even a simple balcony railing can become a beautiful focal point.
Line the railing with a collection of simple candles in glass jars. The repetition creates a powerful visual rhythm and a warm, inviting glow against the snowy landscape.
Place a basket filled with foraged greens on the deck below. Clippings of fern, pine, and lichen-covered branches look wonderfully rustic and natural.
This simple setup on a rustic deck proves you don’t need a large porch to create a magical winter moment.
30. A Pop of Sunshine Yellow
Bring a dose of cheer to the grayest winter day with a brightly colored front door.
A vibrant yellow door feels like a burst of sunshine and pairs beautifully with fresh, bright green boxwood.
Keep the rest of the decor clean and simple to let the color be the star. White woven baskets filled with small, rounded boxwood shrubs are perfect.
A simple grouping of white LED candles adds a soft glow without competing with the cheerful color palette.
