the gilded entry

Not only do holiday decorations look nice and give us a reason to welcome the changing of the seasons, but they also have a positive effect on social well-being.

Holiday and seasonal decorations evoke nostalgia which reminds us of the deeper meaning of the season. The process of decorating can be a tradition and an event that strengthens social bonds. Decorations signal friendliness and approachability to onlookers and neighbors.

That being said, it can also be a huge mess, take a lot of time and effort, and maybe the process evokes more stress than the actual upside of enjoying the finished product. If this is the case for you, hiring a professional might be the ticket.

Meet Kara of The Gilded Entry — a decor expert transforming, what should be the most welcoming area of your home, your entry, into a seasonal experience.

Background & Inspiration

After leaving my career in renewable energy to stay at home with my two sweet boys, Jack and Wyatt, I found myself missing that creative spark that came from building something and collaborating. A close friend had launched a floral design company, and I loved being part of it in small ways — helping her with workshops, swapping ideas, and building our cut flower gardens. Watching her grow her business was inspiring.

I’ve always loved the outdoors and how every place I’ve lived has its own kind of beauty — the changing seasons in St. Louis, the cherry blossoms and year round greenery in Portland, and now the bold fall colors and Mountain View’s here in Colorado. Watching nature transform through the seasons is what truly inspires my work — it’s my way of celebrating that beauty right at your front door.

The Plan

The idea clicked after I came across a woman in Dallas who built a thriving business decorating porches for fall — she completes over a thousand installs a year! I was instantly intrigued.

As I researched, I realized there was a gap here in Colorado. Between our busy schedules and love for beautiful outdoor spaces, many people want a festive porch but don’t have the time (or car space!) to haul and arrange dozens of pumpkins or greenery. That’s where I come in — I handle every detail, from sourcing to installation, so my clients can simply enjoy.

Now, I can’t drive through a neighborhood without noticing every porch and imagining how I’d style it. There are still so many “naked porches” out there waiting for a little magic.

The “Why”

My favorite time of year has always been the “brrr” months - September through December. Fall leads to Halloween, which flows into Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and finally the beauty of a new year and a fresh start. I simply love this stretch of the year — the coziness, the gatherings, the cheeriness.

So, the more people I can help get into the spirit, the better! It brings me joy to create something that makes families smile and helps them celebrate this magical season in style.

Offerings

The Gilded Entry offers seasonal porch decorating services for both residential homes and small commercial spaces throughout the Denver metro area.

       •        Fall installs feature heirloom pumpkins, specialty gourds, hay bales, mums, and corn stalks — all thoughtfully arranged for balance, texture, and color.

       •        Winter installs include fresh Douglas and cedar garlands, custom wreaths, velvet ribbons, rustic cowbells, and potted mini trees and evergreens — achieving that luxurious, real-greenery look without the premium pricing of pop-up lots.

Each display is unique to the home or business, and my goal is for it to feel personal — like something that belongs there naturally.

It’s also such a wonderful gift idea — for a grandparent, a new mom, a friend recovering from surgery or even surprising your spouse with a decorated front porch.

How to get started?

Once onsite, installs take an hour or two. Kara is currently accepting a limited number of Christmas installs — so now is the perfect time to book your complimentary consultation. Reach out by text or email, and browse design inspiration on her Facebook or Instagram. She’s also opening early reservations for Fall 2026, with just a few spots left for the first week of deliveries.

My favorite part of an install is when I get back into my car to “leave”, only to drive by again. I love seeing the completed look!

Contact

Phone: 720-275-5545

Email: thegildedentry@gmail.com

Social: Instagram and Facebook @thegildedentry