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The Dutch town of Delft is blessed with many things: charm, character and centuries-old homes. But most city dwellings in this part of the world are not blessed with front porches. But that doesn't stop the residents from getting festive.
by Holly Marder
It wouldn't be Christmas without a wreath or two. When your front exterior space is limited, you can still show off your festive side with a pretty wreath. This one has simple Scandinavian charm, with a center star made from pinecones.
by Holly Marder
Sliced orange pieces make for an interesting addition to the classic wreath while adding a pop of citrus color to brighten dull wintry days.
by Holly Marder
The owners of this pale yellow house chose an embellished silver wreath to offset their cobalt blue front door. They continued the theme indoors by adding silver decorations on the inside of their front window.
by Holly Marder
This brick facade also went for silver, with hanging star pendants and a contemporary silver plant on the windowsill.
by Holly Marder
The residents of these two homes are keeping their holiday decor to a minimum, with understated wreaths to greet visitors and passersby.
by Holly Marder
White ornaments and trimmings adorn the front window of this downtown dwelling.

I like to think these homeowners huddle together on their pretty front bench to enjoy their handiwork, mugs of hot chocolate in hand.
by Holly Marder
If you live on the first floor above ground level, as these homeowners do, you are likely to have limited options for decorating your home's exterior. Perhaps a few understated star ornaments on one of the windows are all that's needed.
by Holly Marder
These homeowners made the most of their small front window by dressing it from top to toe in quirky silver decorations. A suspended branch embellished with white pom-poms and birds joins a mini Christmas tree and snowmen for a cheerful display.

Tell us: How do you add cheer to your front door or window? Share a photo below!
by Holly Marder

Comments

inkwitch I love the sparsity and economy of decorations! None of this overwhelming lights and blow-up plastic santas. LIving in the South, commercialism and overdone decorations are rampant and a turn-off for the season. I do so appreciate the classiness of certain European decorating styles.
5 months ago · ·
Deb Joshi I am in the Netherlands as well, although I am not Dutch, I can only wish that someday, like a sponge I soak in their sense of style.
About the door decoration this year still being a renter, my efforts were weak :) but...

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
5 months ago · ·
Ya Su Dutch house owners' art tastes are amazing. The first time I was in holland, I thought these house with large windows and wonderful window side displays are art galleries. - but I was wondering why so there are many of them?
I am really glad this post collected some of the Christmas deco ideas to share with all.
5 months ago · ·
noankwaters My area of Connecticut has many homes that beautifully use thousands of lights outside and are wonderful to view as you drive by. I love the simplicity of a wreath!
5 months ago · ·
Tile-Stones Love the simplicity in the color scheme. Wonderful.
5 months ago ·
jjdesignkloos Thanks Holly, I love seeing articles from around the world!
5 months ago ·
bellefonte Yes more of the round the world houzz please!
5 months ago · ·
Elvira Massa I miss my home country of the Netherlands (living in the uk now). Wonderful to see these and it does remind me of home where there are many lovely little house fronts like these. Tnx
5 months ago · ·
victorianbungalowranch Reminds me of my time in Gemany, where light displays tended to be on the muted side, but with lovely window displays in the shops and in the homes, with fresh wreaths and garlands made of natural materials.

As shown in these pictures, windows are carefully arranged, not just at Christmas, but year- round and often festooned with special paper ornaments made by the children or seasonal decorations. Wreaths are typically hung by a ribbon slung over the top of the door from a hook on the back--most doors have glass and this keeps the ugly hook hidden inside, allows different sizes of wreaths to be hung, and taks up little room so the tightly-fitted doors still close.

The sparkle of lights tend to be reserved for the town center and the many lovely Christmas markets. I remember it as a lovely and warm time, not just for shopping, but for family and friends and a sense of unhurriedness that seems rare here.
5 months ago · ·
Elizabeth Carey I'm a knitter so this seemed natural!
5 months ago · ·
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