21 Christmas Entryway Decor Ideas on a Dime

If you love the look of the season but not the price tag that usually comes with it, this list of christmas Entryway decor is made for you. I have tried every idea here at home on a tight budget, using dollar store finds, scraps from the craft box, and things I already owned, and each one looks far more expensive than it cost. (see also: budget-christmas-decor-ideas)(see also: christmas-porch-decor-ideas)(see also: diy-christmas-wreath-ideas) You do not need fancy tools or a whole afternoon free, just a clear table and an hour or two. Save this list before you scroll on, so you can pick your favourites and gather supplies without rushing through the shops.

What this costs at a glance: You can transform the whole entryway for about $20, and most single ideas here cost under $8 if you shop your own cupboards first.

First Impressions at the Door

1. Small Potted Evergreen by the Front Door

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The small potted evergreen by the front door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 45 minutes

2. Pine Garland Draped Over the Console Table

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The pine garland draped over the console table brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 22 minutes

3. Christmas Doormat Layered Over a Plaid Rug

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The christmas doormat layered over a plaid rug brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 38 minutes

4. Basket of Wrapped Gifts Beside the Bench

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The basket of wrapped gifts beside the bench brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 5 minutes

5. Twinkling Fairy Lights Around the Mirror

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The twinkling fairy lights around the mirror brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 15 minutes

6. Red Berry Wreath on the Entryway Mirror

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The red berry wreath on the entryway mirror brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 30 minutes

7. Stockings Hung From the Coat Hooks

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The stockings hung from the coat hooks brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 45 minutes

The Console and Bench

8. Lantern With a Battery Candle on the Floor

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The lantern with a battery candle on the floor brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$0 | Time: 22 minutes

9. Snowy Pinecone Bowl on the Console

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The snowy pinecone bowl on the console brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 38 minutes

10. Plaid Throw Draped Over the Entry Bench

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The plaid throw draped over the entry bench brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 5 minutes

11. Mini Christmas Tree in a Galvanised Bucket

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The mini christmas tree in a galvanised bucket brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 15 minutes

12. Scented Pinecones in a Wooden Tray

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The scented pinecones in a wooden tray brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 30 minutes

13. Chalkboard Sign With a Holiday Welcome

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The chalkboard sign with a holiday welcome brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 45 minutes

14. Garland Wrapped Around the Stair Rail

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The garland wrapped around the stair rail brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 22 minutes

Small Finishing Touches

15. Red Ribbon Bows on the Coat Hooks

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The red ribbon bows on the coat hooks brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 38 minutes

16. Frosted Branch Arrangement in a Tall Vase

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The frosted branch arrangement in a tall vase brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 5 minutes

17. Christmas Cards Clipped to a String Display

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The christmas cards clipped to a string display brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 15 minutes

18. Copper Bells Hanging From the Door Handle

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The copper bells hanging from the door handle brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 30 minutes

19. Plaid Pillows on the Entry Bench

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The plaid pillows on the entry bench brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 45 minutes

20. Battery Candles in Mason Jars by the Door

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The battery candles in mason jars by the door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Lay out a clean workspace, put the largest pieces down first so the shape is clear, then fill in the gaps with the smaller bits, and give it a gentle shake or tug to make sure nothing is loose before you display it. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 22 minutes

21. Holiday Boot Tray With Pine Sprigs

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The holiday boot tray with pine sprigs brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. First gather your supplies on the kitchen table so you are not hunting for scissors halfway through, then lay everything out in the order you will use it, and finally step back after ten minutes to check the balance before you glue or tie anything down. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 38 minutes