Share the holiday spirit with guests with these simple yet festive ideas for decorating your front porch.

Outdoor holiday decorating doesn’t necessarily mean hanging lights on every square inch of your home like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Here are three simple ideas for decorating your front porch without frustration.

Hang a wreath without damage

There’s an easy way to hang a wreath outside that won’t damage your front door. You’ll need a plastic hook with removable adhesive tape and strong ribbon.

Place the hook upside down at the top of the door on the inside. Loop a ribbon through the wreath that’s long enough to go up and over the door (on the outside) and onto the hook (on the inside). Watch how it’s done here.

If your wreath isn’t too heavy, you can make an invisible hanger by replacing the ribbon with fishing line.

10-second holiday welcome

When you want to bring a festive air to your front door but don’t have a lot of time, a seasonal door mat will do the trick! From snowmen and reindeers to witty and classic greetings, there’s a style to match your personality. In 10 seconds you can toss down a holiday welcome mat that will set the mood for the whole season!

Welcoming arrangements

What’s more inviting than the scent of pine and the color green? Repurpose summer planters, urns, hanging baskets and window boxes by filing them with fresh pine and cedar branches. Then add accents. Adorn your arrangement with red dogwood branches, berries (faux or real), pine cones, ribbon and ornaments. See how it’s done here.

Bonus idea for woodworkers

Every woodworker has a pile of scrap wood. Clear some clutter out of your shop and make a wooden Christmas tree like this creative craftsman. Set this tree up on your front porch and you’ve got an instant focal point.

Just a touch or two is all it takes to create a warm welcome when your holiday guests arrive!

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