One of the quickest, easiest and least expensive ways to infuse your apartment home with holiday cheer is on the front door! Because apartment and dorm doors are often covered or inside hallways, you can think beyond the basic wreath and get creative with paper, paint, ribbons and other notions to give your door an entirely festive look! Here are three fun projects to decorate your door for the holidays!
“Gift From Santa” Memo Board
To camouflage an ugly door or add more color, pattern and whimsy to your entryway, consider covering your door in festive wrapping paper! Wrapping paper dimensions are ideal for covering a door, giving you a lot of impact for a small investment (rolls usually range from $1 to $5). Secure the paper with tape on all four sides and be sure to cut out a hole for the doorknob. Pick patterns and colors that will set the tone for your entire display!
This memo board project is ideal for a dorm door, where you might already have a memo/message board! Simply wrap a memo board in pretty holiday ribbon and cut or buy an extra-large gift tag for added charm.
Hang the board on a door using temporary adhesive hooks, and be sure to put out magnets and a dry erase pen so neighbors and friends can leave holiday messages and cards all season long!
Three-Dimensional Paper Tree
This three-dimensional tree is a fun and simple craft project that requires little skill and few supplies! Customize the color of the tree to match whatever paper you choose for the background, and consider making several trees in various sizes to create a winter wonderland forest across your door!
To make the paper tree, slice pretty 12”x12” cardstock into 2” stripes using a paper trimmer or scissors. Use adhesive to secure the two ends together, forming a teardrop shape. Next, tape the paper shapes in a straight line on your door, as wide as you’d like your tree to be.
Build your tree upward, adding one less paper drop per row to create a pyramid-like shape. Cut and tape a simple rectangle to the bottom of the tree for the stump. Consider adding mini ornaments or garlands to your pretty paper tree!
Modern Reindeer Wreath
Give your front door a fresh and modern twist with an edgy combination of black, white and red! Use ribbon, tape or striped wrapping paper to create a jazzy foundation, then add a simple yet funky wreath that combines a variety of store-bought products!
Create the wreath by hot-gluing a variety of whimsical paper straws to a wooden wreath form (all found at any craft store). Add a bow, monogram or fun paper deer head to the center of the wreath to finish it off.
To hang the wreath, string simple twine through the wreath form and then knot it at the end. Secure a removable adhesive hook upside down to the back of the door, about 12” from the top of the door. Hang the wreath by securing the cord to the hook and sliding it over the top of the door to hang in front.
This wreath is a simple DIY that comes together in a matter of minutes and is easily customizable to your style, depending on what colors, patterns and accessories you choose! Consider securing the wreath to the door with extra tape to keep it from swinging around as the door opens and closes!
If your apartment or dorm door is inside, tucked away or covered by an awning, you can still create a dazzling holiday display. Start with a wrapping paper base, then add on elements that highlight a color scheme or holiday theme. Think outside the wreath box and use wrapping paper, pretty cardstock, paper straws, cardboard, ribbon and more to make charming holiday accents that will dress your door in style and put you in the holiday spirit all season long!
If you need more holiday decorating ideas, be sure to check out these tips for transforming an apartment for the holidays and these ideas for creating an awesome tablescape for your holiday parties!