Our door decorations are designed to celebrate special occasions and to share with friends and neighbors - but let’s not forget the basics. A beautiful door decoration looks best when it complements an already tidy front door. Let’s get back to front door basics.

1. Keep it nice and tidy. Be sure to regularly sweep your doorstep and clean up cobwebs that may have collected under the eaves, around planters or in any corners.

2. Give it a fresh coat. Think about the last time you painted your front door. You might be surprised to learn what a difference a fresh coat of paint will make. Does the color of your door still work for you? If not, maybe it’s time to re-think your front door and get creative!

3. Make your hardware shine. Consider hardware the bells and whistles of your front door. Regardless of finish, your hardware should be clean and tarnish free. Dust, clean and polish regularly.

4. Let there be light. The warm glow of a front porch is always inviting. As with your hardware, be sure your light fixtures are clean and shiny. Also make sure your light bulbs are in good working order.

5. Check the hinges. The squeaky hinge should get the grease. Nothing is more distracting than a loud creak when welcoming guests. An easy fix, whip out the WD40 and put a stop to it!

Be sure to refer to this quick and easy checklist with the turn of every season. While you may not have to address everything on the list, paying attention to each item frequently will make your door decoration the center of attention!