Get the Look: A Warm Holiday Welcome

A doorway festooned with pinecones and garland sets a rustic tone for your holiday decor. Birch logs on the railings, simple white candles, and a vintage-style sled on the porch add subtle winter touches for a front door that says "happy holidays" without screaming with red and green.

Position large pine cones, with the tips facing outward, in a tight ring around a grapevine wreath, and then attach the cones with florist wire. Nestle pieces of garland and smaller pine cones between the large cones to hide empty spots and create a lush look. Hang the wreath with wide satin ribbon, or add pieces of ribbon for a pop of color.

• 24 in. Grapevine Wreath, $19.99; wreathsgalore.com

Drape your front door with fragrant pine garland. An average doorway requires about 20 feet of garland. Measure the length of your railings and banisters to determine how much additional garland you’ll need to complete the look. Save leftover pieces to use on the mantel or as seasonal filler in floral arrangements.

• Mixed Garland Douglas Fir and Cedar, $2.50 per foot; christmasfarms.com

Stock up on pinecones of all sizes for a woodland vibe. Bunch a few large cones together with florist wire, and then use clear fishing line to attach the cones to the garland along the top of the doorway. Stagger smaller single pinecones down the length of the draped garland for a unified look.

• Sugar Pinecones, $0.98-$8.40 (3/4”-18”) each; pinecones.com

Accessorize the entry with a nostalgic winter sled. This one, made of birch wood and powder coated steel, recalls memories of childhood snow days.

• 48” Flexible Flyer Sled, $133.99; amazon.com

Add a polished look to your décor with satin ribbon. Just a few yards go a long way: tie a bow on a wreath, wrap around candles, and tie up your gifts. The 3-inch width makes an elegant statement.

• 3” Single Face Satin Ribbon, $2.98 per yard; mjtrim.com

Dress up these simple, extra-tall candle votives with stripes of burlap and ribbon, and then insert them into your pre-drilled birch logs. If you opt not to create birch candleholders, try staggering the candles on your front steps for an evening glow.

• 8-inch Clear Glass Religious Candle, $1.34; kmart.com

For this look, drill evenly spaced holes into birch logs using a 3-inch Forstner bit – the holes will hold 2 ½-inch votives. Attach the logs to your railing using large zip ties, then dress with greenery.

• Birch Logs 15-16”, $53 per box (6-8 logs); firewood.com

As a final festive touch, suspend a copper birdbath from the porch ceiling and fill it with pinecones. Try replacing the chain with clear fishing line and satin ribbon for a more refined effect.

• Copper Hanging Bird Feeder/ Bird Bath, $19.99; Menards.com