How to Style an Entryway for the Holidays, Layer by Layer

The entry is the first room your guests see and the last one they leave through, so it sets the tone for the whole house. In our design work we treat it like a small room of its own, built in layers: something to reflect the light, something to light the way, a place to drop the keys, and a little greenery to say welcome. Here is how we style an entryway for the holidays, layer by layer.

1. Start with a mirror

A mirror over the console bounces light around a small entry and gives guests one last look before they step in. Choose one that feels generous next to the console beneath it.

• Esme Sunburst Mirror, 40". Thin radiating spokes in a warm tan-gold tone around a round mirror, a statement for a wide console.
• Duval Mirror, 30". An open, interlocking fretwork frame in warm gold that lets light show through around the glass.
• Tall Narrow Mirrors, Set of 2. A slim iron frame with a French-inspired oval silhouette at 59 inches tall, in Antique Black or White. Hang the pair on either side of a doorway.

2. Add warm light

A lamp on the console makes the entry glow on early winter evenings, long before the overhead light goes on.

• Clove Stem Buffet Lamp. An antiqued gold base under a natural linen shade, made for a sideboard or console.
• Wilshire Wall Candle Sconce. An antique gold iron frame with a mirrored backplate that reflects and amplifies candlelight. Hang a pair to flank the mirror.

3. Give everything a place

A tray keeps keys, mail and sunglasses from taking over the console.

• Handwoven Seagrass Trays, Set of 2. Natural seagrass woven over a hidden iron frame, made for use as catch-alls on a console.
• Cabot Rectangular Tray. Solid cast aluminum in an antique brass finish, a substantial piece with real presence.

4. Bring in the greenery

This is where the entry turns festive. Greenery added now can stay through winter, with a few ribbons or ornaments that come off in January.

• Preserved Boxwood Wreath, 16". Real English boxwood that needs no water or care, so its rich green lasts. Hang it right over the mirror for an instant holiday welcome.
• Grand Magnolia Leaf Garland, 72". Magnolia foliage on a natural hemp rope. Drape it along the console and let the ends fall over the sides.
• Preserved Boxwood Ball in Terracotta Pot. A classic topiary for one end of the console, or a pair to frame the door.
• A big faux fern. A Grand Boston Fern Drop-In in a wide floor planter fills an empty corner. See our faux fern guide for sizes and pots.

5. Finish with candlelight

• Burma Rattan Hurricane, Large. Rattan hand-woven in an open, airy weave around a fitted glass cylinder that safely holds a candle. Also in Graywash and Warm Brown.
• AILA Hurricane. An oval glass hurricane in a slim matte brass frame, clean and minimal.

A designer's quick checklist

• Mirror or art centered over the console.
• One lamp or a pair of sconces for warm evening light.
• A tray for keys and mail.
• Greenery at two heights: a wreath or garland up high, a topiary or fern lower down.
• Candlelight in hurricanes, away from coats and doorways.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? See our holiday tablescape ideas and shop the Holiday Collection. We truly appreciate you spending a little time with us, and we hope your home is full of warm welcomes this season.