Decorating Your Entries by Barbara Jennings

The entry is the first glimpse of your home and party that your guests will see. Therefore, it is one of the most important places to decorate as it will set the stage for the rest of the decorations and the theme of the party. Imagine driving up to this home. Doesn't it just look so inviting and fun. Don't you feel yourself getting eager to get inside and see what is going on? I sure do.

A lot of people place all of the attention on the inside of the home and neglect to decorate outside. This is a mistake. Always remember that the party starts from the moment your guests step out of their vehicles. From then on, it's "game on". So take the party to the streets when it comes to the decor. You'll make a very lasting impression if you do.

Look around the property for places you can decorate, just for the event. Perhaps there is a gate that needs some flowers. Highlight the steps as in this picture. Perhaps the front door needs a Christmas wreath or some Thanksgiving wreath or welcome sign.

Can you put lights on the trees or bushes? Can you hang streamers from the roof to the trees? Can you gather some helium filled balloons together with weights and let them sort of appear to be floating around the front yard? Do you have solar lights placed near important walkways? Can you place some posters or banners around? Can you add torches or candles outside to light the pathways?

There are many things you can do to begin the party outside and let it welcome your guests curbside rather than waiting until they cross the threshold before feeling the effects of a well organized and beautifully decorated space.