Holiday FAQs
Wondering where to start?
Gold Coast Stoops turns your entryway into a festive, photo-worthy moment — without you lifting a finger. We source, design, install, and leave you with a sparkling stoop (plus an after-care guide). We offer clean-up services, too.
Our 2025 Holiday a la carte menu includes: Wabash Wreaths, Goethe Garlands, Franklin Front Door Bows, State Street Staircases, Elm St Evergreen Trees, and Palmer Winter Planters.
For something else or a fully customized decor package, select Magnificent Extra-Mile Bespoke Design. (This is where the magic happens!)
How do I order?
Choose your items, select a delivery/installation window at checkout, and complete the quick design form (palette + preferences). We’ll confirm by email, then follow up within a few business days to finalize details.
Why do you offer rentals instead of permanent decor?
Outside of our natural materials and ribbons, which are yours to enjoy for the season, all other decorative elements (like ornaments, lighting, accents, and structural pieces) are part of our rental program.
Rentals help us reduce waste while keeping every stoop looking fresh, elevated, and one-of-a-kind year after year. It allows us to reuse high-quality materials responsibly, refresh our design inventory each season, and ensure your decor always feels new — not dated or faded.
The best part? There’s zero storage stress for you. When the holidays are over, we’ll return to carefully remove your decor, pack everything up, and make it disappear as seamlessly as it arrived.
And honestly? We love to change things up! Renting gives you the freedom to try a different look each year — whether you go Classic Christmas one season and Modern Metallics the next.
Of course, if you grow attached to something, you can absolutely purchase it. Certain items may be available for sale depending on our inventory.
Within our Magnificent Extra-Mile Custom Decor package, we can source pieces specifically for you to own — items you can bring out year after year as a part of your personal holiday collection.
When are the installation windows?
We book in week-long windows to navigate Chicago weather and logistics. For the 2025 Holiday season, we have four options:
Week 1: Nov 17-23 (SOLD OUT!)
Week 2: Nov 24-30
Week 3: Dec 1-7
Week 4: Dec 8-14
Do I need to be home during the decorating?
Usually no. Clear access instructions will be ironed out before installation.
Exception: Front Door Bows require the front door to be opened during install.
How long does install take?
Typically 1-2 hours, depending on the design scope. We’ll message you when it’s complete and send your after-care guide.
Fresh vs Faux — What’s the difference?
Fresh Greenery = lush scent, classic holiday feel. Natural variation over time, including shedding. Compostable!
Faux Greenery = consistent look, great for high-traffic and direct sunlight.
How long do fresh greens last?
Heat and/or direct sun will shorten the lifespan of fresh greens. Shake off any loose or dry needles and mist with water daily to prolong the fragrance and the life of the evergreens.
With Chicago’s cool temps, fresh greens typically look wonderful for three weeks outside.
Longevity varies with direct sun and wind exposure, as well as indoor heat from your vestibule or front door. If in a shaded area, fresh greens can last up to six weeks!
Pro tip for freshness: Lightly mist fresh greens, while avoiding saturating lights and battery pack.
What are your signature holiday palettes?
Each and every design is completely custom — you won’t see the exact same decor down the street. Each palette acts as a creative direction; we use it as inspiration to hand-select ribbon, ornaments, accents, and greenery combinations tailored to your home. Choose your vibe from one of our seven curated palettes:
Classic Christmas: The timeless holiday look with red and green. Think lush evergreens, vibrant red velvet bows, clusters of shiny ornaments, and touches of gold. Perfect for traditional brick homes, warm wood doors, and anyone who loves that nostalgic, storybook feel.
Modern Metallics: Glamour meets minimalism with gold and silver. A polished mix of champagne gold, sleek silver, and mirrored accents that glisten day or night. Works beautifully with city limestone facades, black doors, or contemporary architecture.
Ralph Lauren Holiday: Rich, cozy, sophisticated. Picture deep reds, hunter green, tartan ribbons, antique brass bells, and natural textures — the kind of classic American elegance that feels at home in a mountain lodge.
Neutral Elegance: Soft, serene, and effortlessly elevated. Layers of creamy whites, champagne tones, and natural greenery with textural accents like rattan and velvet. Ideal for those who love subtle sophistication and timeless design.
Jewel Tones: Moody, modern, and a little unexpected. Deep burgundy, olive, navy, and gold accents create an elevated holiday palette that feels both bold and refined. A perfect match for statement doors, dark trim, or clients craving something artful.
Colorful Christmas: Merry and BRIGHT! Playful, vibrant, and full of cheer. Pops of pink, coral, turquoise, and lime paired with glossy ornaments and bold ribbon for a modern twist on retro holiday magic. Perfect for color lovers, young families, or anyone who wants their stoop to stand out with joyful personality.
Hanukkah Inspired: Elegant and celebratory. Fresh greenery accented with icy blues, silvers, and crisp whites — festive without leaning overly “holiday.” Works beautifully for both Hanukkah and winter-neutral styling.
Can you add lights to garlands and planters?
Yes! Choose electric or battery at checkout.
For electric add-ons, please supply any necessary extension cords. We’ll handle tidy routing and cable clips. Plug your light strands into a smart outdoor timer for effortless evening sparkle.
With batter-powered lights, the first set of fresh batteries are included. Replacement batteries are not included. FYI — extreme cold can cause batteries to drain more quickly.
Please note: Gold Coast Stoops specializes in ground-level and entryway styling. We do not provide roofline lighting or elevated exterior installations. The top of your door frame is the maximum height we’re able to decorate.
How much garland do I need?
Most standard 8-ft doors look best layered: plan on at least two (2) 10-ft sections to go up one side, across the top, down the other, with a bit of drape.
For railings and fences, measure the total linear feet and divide by 10 to get section count. Add 1 extra section for necessary draping.
For plush holiday volume, plan 10-20% extra over the measured linear feet.
Do you offer bundle savings?
Yes — Stackable Savings are applied at checkout.
2 items: $25 off
3 items: $50 off
4 items: $75 off
5 items: $100 off
6 items: $125 off
7 items: $150 off
Are all sales final?
Yes — orders are final once we begin sourcing and scheduling, which happens very quickly after purchase. If you need to change something, please let us know at least 7 days before your installation window and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Do you decorate businesses or do corporate installs?
Absolutely. We design for shops, restaurants, lobbies, offices, and seasonal windows. Email goldcoaststoops@gmail.com for a quote.
Can you explain the photo permission thing?
At checkout, choose to opt in or opt out of photo sharing. We’ll never post your stoop without consent. When we do share, it’s always anonymous (no names; any address details are blurred). We may still take a proof photo for our records — never posted if you opt out.
I placed my order, now what?
First—thank you! We’re so excited to style your stoop. You’ll get an automatic confirmation email. Within 2-3 business days, we’ll send a quick design kickoff note to confirm details and timing. On install day, we’ll handle everything and email you again once your stoop is sparkling.
Do you service Evanston or any suburbs?
For this season, we’re focused on Chicago neighborhoods. Hoping to expand in the future!
Do you decorate for other seasons and holidays?
Join our email list to be notified when other holidays and spring planting packages are available! Please email us if you have something specific in mind. We’re always happy to go the bespoke route.
goldcoaststoops@gmail.com
Still deciding, or not sure how much to order?
Email a photo of your space to goldcoaststoops@gmail.com (or DM us on Instagram) and we’ll recommend quantities and options that fit your entryway and budget.