In the Spirit of HIV Love: ‘Shop the Look’ for My Entryway Christmas

Zora Barnwell By Zora Barnwell
14 Min Read

In the spirit of love, acceptance, and the holiday season, Iā€™m excited to share a unique journey with you. As an individual living with HIV, and a passionate HIV couple coach specializing in relationships where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not, Iā€™m determined to create a Christmas party that celebrates the beauty of loving connections. Join me in this blog as we embark on a heartwarming project to decorate my entryway table. Itā€™s a small but meaningful piece of our holiday gathering, and it represents the importance of bonds, support, and togetherness. Letā€™s show the world that people with HIV deserve loving and fulfilling relationships, and that the spirit of the season knows no boundaries when it comes to sharing joy with family and friends.

Before I unveil the festive transformation of my home for the holiday season, Iā€™d like to give you a glimpse into how my entryway furniture typically appears. Itā€™s important to see the ā€œbeforeā€ to truly appreciate the ā€œafter.ā€ This ordinary setup is where we start, and with a bit of creativity and holiday spirit, weā€™ll soon turn it into a welcoming and enchanting space that embodies the warmth of the season. So, letā€™s take a moment to explore how it usually looks, and then weā€™ll embark on the exciting journey of holiday decorating together.


Iā€™m delighted to have the Niche Neutral Burl Wood Console Table measuring 34ā€³Wx11ā€³Dx28ā€³H in my entryway. This exquisite piece, expertly designed by VUUE, is a testament to its minimalist elegance. Its clean lines and uncluttered appearance let the active burl wood veneer take the spotlight. The tableā€™s thick rectangular legs seamlessly integrate with the top, offering both structural interest and a harmonious balance, all while allowing the woodā€™s mesmerizing swirling grain to shine through. This exclusive CB2 console table has become a focal point in my home, adding a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to my interior decor.

Iā€™ve chosen to place the Black and Natural Cane Woven Stool from bed,bath and beyond beneath my entryway table, and it has introduced a wonderful and inviting touch to my entryway. Handcrafted to perfection, this stool beautifully blends aesthetics and practicality, showcasing a cane seat and a solid wood frame with an appealing black finish. The thoughtfully designed cutouts on either side of the stool make it exceptionally easy to move. The natural woven cane seat not only contributes to a relaxed ambiance in my decor but also brings a unique textural element to my space. With measurements of 17.5ā€³ x 25.5ā€³ x 14ā€³, this stool strikes the perfect balance between being cute and compact, making it a stylish and functional addition beneath my entryway table.

Above my entryway table and stool, Iā€™ve proudly hung the Modern Leather Round Hanging Mirror from Westelm, measuring 36 inches in diameter. This mirror draws inspiration from classic captainā€™s mirrors, infusing a subtle nautical touch into my roomā€™s decor. It features a wooden peg and a decorative faux leather strap, adding an extra layer of sophistication to its already handsome appearance. With D-rings thoughtfully placed on the back, I can trust that the mirror is securely and stylishly in place.

The design seamlessly merges nautical aesthetics with modern sensibilities, with an oversized wooden frame that brings a touch of the sea into my entryway. Mixing light wood and dark faux leather, this mirror combines materials to create a striking and stylish look that perfectly complements the overall decor in my entryway.

Hereā€™s a glimpse of my newly updated entryway, decked out for the Christmas season. Iā€™ve filled it with festive charm, and youā€™ll be surprised to know that most of the items adorning the entryway table were found at a discount store called Lot Less. For those looking to recreate a similar look, you can either check out Lot Less or explore comparable items available on Amazon. I believe in making holiday decorating accessible and affordable, and I hope my entryway transformation inspires you to create your own budget-friendly and delightful Christmas decor.


To achieve the perfect Christmas look for your entryway, the first step is to clear the table of all existing items. Begin by removing any decor, personal belongings, or clutter that might be occupying the space. Creating a clean slate is crucial in order to set the stage for a festive transformation. Once the table is empty, you can dive into the delightful process of decorating for the holiday season. Whether itā€™s adorning it with shimmering ornaments, a festive centerpiece, or other Christmas-themed elements, starting with a blank canvas allows you to infuse the spirit of the season into your entryway, making it a warm and inviting space for your guests and loved ones to enjoy.

1) Christmas Time 9-Ft. White Pine Snowy Garland with Warm White LED Lights


After clearing your entryway table, the second step in achieving that perfect Christmas look is to introduce the enchanting ā€œChristmas Time 9-Ft. White Pine Snowy Garland with Warm White LED Lightsā€ from Walmart. This beautiful garland will infuse your space with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Its snowy, piney elegance, combined with the warm white LED lights, creates a charming and festive ambiance that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Draping it gracefully along your entryway table adds a touch of holiday magic, setting the stage for a heartwarming and welcoming Christmas display thatā€™s sure to delight both you and your guests.

2)32.8ft Christmas Tinsel Garland


As we progress with our holiday decorating, the third step involves adding a touch of festive charm to the ā€œWhite Pine Snowy Garland with Warm White LED Lights.ā€ To achieve this, consider wrapping the garland with a 32.8ft Christmas Tinsel Garland, available in a brilliant gold that sparkles with seasonal allure. The combination of the snowy pine garland and the glistening gold tinsel creates a captivating contrast and adds a warm, enchanting ambiance to your entryway. This elegant and timeless choice perfectly complements the seasonā€™s decor, setting the stage for a Christmas display that is both inviting and visually stunning, making your entryway an inviting and radiant part of your holiday celebration.

3) Ceramic Vase

4) Artificial Flowers

5) Artificial Flowers

With the garland beautifully adorned, we move on to the fourth step in your Christmas entryway transformation. Now is the time to introduce the decor that belongs on the table. A ceramic vase for home decor serves as a delightful centerpiece, and it can be filled with dried flowers or artificial ones to suit your preference. This vase adds a touch of timeless elegance to your entryway table, creating a focal point that harmonizes with the festive surroundings. Whether you opt for the natural charm of dried flowers or the convenience of artificial blooms, your chosen arrangement will add a finishing touch to your Christmas decor, making your entryway an inviting and picturesque part of your holiday celebrations.

6) NYC Snow Globe

Continuing the enchanting journey of decorating your Christmas entryway, next to the vase and flowers, place the captivating ā€œChristmas Snowglobe New York Skyline Water Globe.ā€ This stunning globe features iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge, all nestled amidst a snowy New York skyline. This whimsical snowglobe encapsulates the essence of the season and adds a touch of holiday magic to your decor. With a gentle shake, it transforms your entryway into a miniature winter wonderland, offering a heartwarming visual spectacle for you and your guests. The combination of this exquisite snowglobe and your vase of flowers creates a harmonious and inviting tableau that makes your entryway a delightful and memorable part of your Christmas celebration.

7)Christmas Tree Figurine

Our journey to deck the entryway for Christmas continues with the addition of the ā€œ10ā€ Flocked Christmas Tree Figurineā€ in a rich, earthy brown, found at Target. This figurine exudes the festive spirit, bringing a touch of seasonal warmth to your entryway. The flocked texture lends it a cozy and inviting appearance, evoking the charm of a classic holiday setting. Placed alongside the vase of flowers and the New York Skyline snowglobe, it contributes to a heartwarming tableau that captures the essence of Christmas. Together, these elements transform your entryway into a welcoming and picturesque space, turning it into a cherished part of your holiday celebration.

8)Natural RibbonĀ 

Enhance the festive charm of your entryway decor by incorporating the 2-1/2 Inch x 10 Yard Natural Solid Wired Edge Ribbon. This ribbon adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garland. Create beautiful bows on each side of the garland, accentuating its appearance with a delightful twist, and watch as your entryway transforms into a welcoming and enchanting space that captures the magic of the holiday season.

9) Flower Decor

10) Flower Decor

11)Flower Decor

In order to align the flowers in the vase with the overall ambiance of the entryway decor, we can seamlessly integrate matching blooms into the garland. I recommend exploring a variety of options available on Amazon to complement your desired look.

12) Golden StemsĀ 


13) White, Gold or Champagne Stems


As we progress with the next step in creating your Christmas entryway masterpiece, itā€™s time to introduce the captivating Artificial Glitter Berry Stems. These stems add a touch of glimmer and seasonal charm to your decor, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Carefully placing them within your garland and other decorative elements brings a dose of enchantment to your entryway, setting the stage for a radiant and heartwarming Christmas celebration. These sparkling additions make your entryway truly shine and will leave a lasting impression on both you and your guests throughout the holiday season.

14) Ā Gold Candles Holder

In the next step of my holiday decorating journey, I plan to add Modern Iron Candlesticks paired with frameless candles, which will infuse the space with a warm and inviting glow. These sleek and contemporary candleholders create a striking visual contrast with the festive decor, bringing a touch of sophistication to the entryway. The flickering candlelight will add a cozy and enchanting ambiance, making it a perfect addition to the overall holiday look, and setting the stage for a memorable and heartwarming Christmas celebration.

As we reach the culmination of this journey, I want to express my gratitude for joining me in this endeavor. Decorating my entryway table for a heartwarming Christmas party has not only been a creative expression but a testament to the power of love and acceptance. In my role as an HIV couple coach, Iā€™m proud to promote the message that people with HIV deserve the same love and fulfillment in their relationships as anyone else. Our small yet meaningful entryway transformation symbolizes the bonds we share, the support we offer, and the togetherness that defines the holiday season. Together, weā€™ve shown that the spirit of the holidays knows no boundaries when it comes to spreading joy and celebrating love with family and friends. Thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey, and I hope it serves as a reminder of the beauty of loving connections during this magical time of year.

Ā 

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