When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me that a front porch was a postcard that gave a glimpse of who lived inside the house. Back then, I was not quite sure what grandmother meant. But now, years later, I see the front porch as my grandmother did.
The porches in my life have been important threads in my family tapestry. They were where the greetings and partings of family and friends took place. Our time on the porch bound us together and I imagine our front porch in a rather old-fashioned manner, transforming it into an outdoor living room as people used to do before the days of television and air conditioners.
Over the years of living in our house, I've collected stories and ideas about making the front porch special. While the old adage about fences making good neighbors is probably true, I prefer to think that porches make good friends.
Especially this Christmas season, I invite and welcome you to my front porch.
I think perhaps of all the seasons on the porch, winter is my favorite. Above, a monogram personalizes a cheery wreath welcome at my door.
Our front porch is filled with greenery of Christmas- pine, boxwood, juniper, fir, holly, cedar and of course....magnolia!
"Don we now our gay apparel..." The words of this favorite carol
can be applied to our porch as velvet ribboned hurricanes light the
stone entryway as the evening hours fade into darkness.
"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."
- W.T. Ellis
Fresh evergreens with silver birds, twigs, and bright red
amaryllis offer a welcome in an antique concrete urn.
My friend Ruth, remembered our antique sleigh down at the barn.
She surprised me with a vintage thermos, sign and tartan red plaid blanket.
Black & white checked ribbon intertwined with fresh evergreen branches and red berries
embellish a lantern for Santa and his tree.
The past is brought to life as timeworn cobblestones on the porch columns
come alive with red plaid ribbon.
To properly fill garden urns, fit them with watertight liners
and plenty of floral foam.
Look closely and you will see a birds nest tucked in among the greens.
I love our real birds in the aviary and work the theme into our Christmas trimmings.
Beyond the traditional elements of Christmas, Buddy's red Chevy truck
makes its way onto the porch.
A few more bright red truck welcoming accents
Drive by at night to see Buddy's truck all aglow.
My grandparents were farmers...cotton farmers.
As a nod to our heritage, we always have to have a bit of cotton in our decor.
A few more red trucks !
Toss a blanket over your lap and enjoy a swing on the porch even in the winter.
Bring a toasty cup of cocoa out to the front porch and listen to the quiet of winter - the creak of snow laden branches; the soft dripping of icicles; the sound of animals padding across the yard. Or simply be still and take in the quiet.
The colors and textures seem to compliment each other
on my bakers' rack with warmth and sweetness.
Vintage wedding cake toppers from the 1940's are under glass and part of our white porch decor
with white vases, more greenery and a bit of cotton.
"All hearts go home for Christmas, for love is always there."
A delicate detailed display of deer on a silver tray are some of my childhood treasures.
The deer inspiration adds a bit of coziness and
Christmas cheer to a corner skirted table on the porch.
But winter....During the bustling holidays, we eagerly await friends and family and those we love making the traditional journey home.
"Hellos, Good-bye's, Hugs, and Kisses" ...come in and get warm.
...Christmas on the porch !
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