Instead of decking the halls, I've been decking out the front porch.
It was such a beautiful day here in South Carolina with the highs in the mid 70s. So it was a pleasure to decorate the porch.
This will be our 4th Christmas here, and this is the first year that I've put a garland around the front door. I made it using grapevine, burlap, and Leyland cypress cuttings.
The plaid ribbon and the initial were used on a wreath last year.
It's the same ribbon on the tabletop tree that's on the porch.
The tree sits on this wooden table, and the tree skirt is an extra curtain that matches the ones that are hanging on the porch.
I'm not using a traditional wreath this year. Instead I hung some additional cuttings of greenery on both sides of the front door.
And on the front door I hung this mop angel that I found this past Monday at the auction! Isn't she the cutest thing? I named her Lila Mae.
I have an old window frame on the porch and it got dressed for Christmas.
There's a Santa hiding down inside the planter. He's actually a doorstop that I've had forever.
We've had a few frosty nights, but the asparagus fern in this plant stand still looks fine. I tucked a few Christmas items into it as well.
I'm so glad I painted the table top red a few months ago. The table runner is from Sutton Place Designs.
Here's Henry checking out the garland.
I bought this plant in the fall, but its colors are perfect for Christmas. I can't remember the name of this plant and it's driving me crazy. Would someone please tell me?
This wooden Santa has been around many, many years. But it doesn't seem like Christmas unless I put him out somewhere.
And when the Santa hats hit the frogs' heads, you know it's close to Christmas.
At the end of the day, Leo and I enjoyed a cup of coffee on our holiday decked out screened porch.
Paulette
Love your outdoor room!! I am wanting to add curtains to my front porch which is open not screened, but I'm wandering how is it when you get rain or a thunderstorm? I noticed you have carpet .....
Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker
Your porch is gorgeous, Jane!
Dot
The plant is a Croton.
Maria
You're porch looks gorgeous! I've been dreaming of a big covered porch for a while. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy
Everything's lovely and warm.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles
Your Christmas porch is beautiful! I'd love to have a big ol' front porch! 🙂
Kathy
Jane,
Your porch is a favorite of mine at any season. I love what you did! Do you mind my asking where you found the open mesh ribbon you used on the wreath on your old window? I've been looking for some and can't find any. You two have a wonderful Christmas, and enjoy your beautiful porch!!
Jane Windham
Kathy, I found the open weave burlap ribbon at Hobby Lobby. It was in the section with all the ribbon. I used it as a garland on our indoor tree, too. Hope you are able to find some, too!
Mary Ann Eckles
Absolutely beautiful. Your plant is called Croton. It only needs to be watered when very dry. They grow quite well in Florida. At some houses in Cape Coral, Florida, they are grown as shrubs. So very pretty.
You guys have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Kelly
Yes the plant is a croton. Your porch looks lovely, the mop angel is adorable!
Sue
What a wonderful porch. I would spend all of my time out there too! You have added lovely touches of Christmas. Love them all.
Merry Christmas
JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose
Simply Beautiful! Love all the plaid!
debbiedoos
WOW Jane your porch looks amazing! So festive, cozy and just a great place to hang out with family and friends. When you cookin some chili?
kristin
Love your porch it is just gorgeous! Always dreamed of having a porch like this!
XO
Kristin
Keeping it Cozy
It all looks beautiful and how wonderful to have a screened porch! I've been using cypress this winter and I love it... so soft and easy to work with!
Carol
Oh, I so want to come and sit a spell, Jane -- I take my coffee with everything, please! Your front porch is so absolutely charming, cheerful and very inviting! Your door swag is lovely, and that mop angel is adorable. I just love it all!
Carol
Glenda Childers
Your porch is so charming. And I love the round table.
Fondly,
Glenda
Nancy
I love all of your Christmas decor. I know you all are loving hanging out on your beautiful screened porch in this warm weather. Hope to see you soon!
Sherry Humphries
Love, love, love the plaid ribbon and burlap, Jane. So cozy, Makes me want to bring my morning cup of coffee to your house!
Ann
I'm so glad that after all that work you and Leo were able to sit and enjoy it. It all looks just amazing! Thank you for the shout out too. I love that you reinvented things you already had. I hope your weather holds for at least a day or two so you can hang out on that porch!
Karie {Girl Going Country}
Absolutely LOVE your porch! (I long to have such a porch in our forever house.) And it's so festive and beautifully decorated. Don't know if I'd ever leave it. 🙂
Kris
Very pretty, Jane! I love the greenery swags on both sides of the door instead of a wreath, so simple and elegant! 🙂
Terri
Just Beautiful Jane!!!! Very inviting!!!! I love the bows on the tree!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs
The porch is so beautifully decorated ... Your friends and family will want to stay on that front porch as they enter your beautiful home....and Leo adds such a special touch to all of the decor!!!
Jean Windham
We can see the porch is ready for everyone to enter The Crossroads for the holidays. The porch has the theme of a natural Christmas and is lovely. I love all the natural elements you have added. Happy Holidays from The Woody Windhams to The Leo Windhams. See you on Christmas Eve. WE cannot wait. Jean
Barbara F.
It looks beautiful! The mop doll is adorable and that is a cute name for her. Love the red table top, too. Looking good. xo
Robyn
I love your front porch.....my favorite part of the house! Loving that red table too!!! So homey and cozy! Wish I could join you for a cup of coffee!
Vickie
I love the decorated porch,wish I still had one. The red table is perfect! Aren't you loving this weather? It was 79 here yesterday!
Liz @ Infuse With Liz
Ooh I'd love to have a porch to decorate! You've done a fabulous job! Your plant is called a Croton plant- (Codiaeum variegatum pictum) it is tropical so it won't take to freezing. They are so colorful aren't they! I like your use of the burlap and the cute cat looking through the door!
Dawn
Jane,
It is all fab looking (even Leo). Like the use of the tree on the porch and the seating area. All the colors look so good together, it has a country rustic feel. Great decorating skills.
Sue B.
Such sweet country decor...Love it! Aren't crotons wonderful?? They seem to cover all of fall, Halloween and Christmas, too, like plaid ribbon.
Carlene @ Oganized Clutter
Wow, stting on a Christmas porch in shirt sleeves. Not in Minnesota. Love the plaid ribbon you used. Great with burlap too. I like what you did to the wall or window baskets.
Mary
Porch Love Jane! It's been porch weather here too, although to be honest I wouldn't mind it be a little chillier so it felt more like Christmas! Your swags of cypress with plaid & burlap are wonderful and I love your tree! Your wonderful red table looks like you painted it just for Christmas! Deb is right, your plant is a croton, I looked at them at Lowe's thinking their tropical foliage was so festive 🙂
Danni Baird
How beautiful! I love those swags of greenery with their plaid bows! The frogs made me laugh! Nice job!
deb
I believe the plant is some kind of croton, not sure when kind... Anyway, the porch looks gorgeous!
michelle
All I can say is WOW. Its lovely. It looks like something from Country Living.
Linda@Coastal Charm
Jane,
The porch looks outstanding...love all the fresh greens with the plaid and burlap. You and Leo will have so much fun hanging out there.
Blessings,
Linda