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    Home » Holidays » Christmas

    The Front Porch is Ready

    By: Jane · Updated: 1 Nov, '14 · This post may contain affiliate links · 25 Comments

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    The front porch has been decorated for Christmas!

    Christmas family ornament tree on  the porch | cottage at the crossroads
    Wreath and front porch tree 020

    Here you see our wreath on our front door. This wreath is one that I've had for several years, but I reworked it for this year.

    Wreath and front porch tree 001

    I had yanked off some poinsettias and pine cones from the wreath but left on these berries and gold leaves.

    Wreath and front porch tree 004

    I had already painted and decoupaged some scrapbook paper onto this wooden initial that I used on the fall wreath.

    Wreath and front porch tree 006

    I knew that I wanted some plaid ribbon for the wreath, and I had been looking for some for weeks. I finally found it at J C Penney's, and it was on sale for half price. Yay!

    Wreath and front porch tree 012

    I decided to add this bell that a friend of mine gave me several years ago.

    Wreath and front porch tree 021

    I added some artificial holly leaves that my sister-in-law passed on to me. They go perfectly with the scrapbook paper on the initial. So here's the 2011 wreath.

    Wreath and front porch tree 081

    And the front porch tree is up and decorated!

    Now that is no small feat. I have been working on some ornaments for this tree for the past several weeks. And last night we had some high winds which blew the tree over. Luckily, I had not put any ornaments on it yet because I did not finish them until today.

    Wreath and front porch tree 052

    I decided to make an ornament with everyone's picture who is coming to the Crossroads Christmas Eve. We have a big family  gathering that is always a lot of fun and special to each of us. So everyone can take home his or her photo as a memento of this year's Christmas at the Crossroads.

    Wreath and front porch tree 0321

    I made the ornaments by gluing some scrapbook paper to balsa wood rectangles and then decoupaging the photos onto them. I also glued some of the scrapbook paper to some small wooden ornaments that I already had. Last year's little burlap stockings are making a reappearance on the tree.

    Wreath and front porch tree 067

    I did add 4 of these little birdhouse ornaments that I found at Walmart for $1.99 each. I bought all they had left.

    Wreath and front porch tree 065

    Here is Leo's ornament. I'm going to show a lot more photos of the tree so family members can see their ornaments.

    Wreath and front porch tree 037

    Wreath and front porch tree 041

    Wreath and front porch tree 047

    Wreath and front porch tree 057

    Wreath and front porch tree 064

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    Wreath and front porch tree 036

    The dancing frogs on the porch are ready for Christmas!

    Wreath and front porch tree 077

    And I did get those red balls in the urns at the entrance to the front porch.

    I haven't shown you our tree inside the house yet, but I will soon. I hope all your decorating is about finished like mine. I'm ready to start thinking about food and baking.

    More Christmas

    • Gingerbread tree square
      Gingerbread Decorations in our Mudroom
    • Gingerbread tiered tray3 1
      Gingerbread Tiered Tray
    • Gingerbread rag garland square
      DIY Gingerbread Rag Garland
    • Wooden snowglobe ornament square
      Wooden Snow Globe Ornament

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    Comments

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    1. Jean Windham

      December 15, 2011 at 12:58 pm

      The Christmas tree with all the photos will be a big hit. Great idea and very creative. I really enjoy seeing what you will come up with each time you blog. Jean

      Reply
    2. Ginger

      December 10, 2011 at 11:57 pm

      Everything is so festive. The tree on the porch is so pretty and I love the handmade family ornaments. Great feature is that when everyone takes their ornament the tree will be almost cleared. Smart Girl.
      Merry Christmas, Ginger

      Reply
    3. Leslie

      December 10, 2011 at 10:59 pm

      I love your Christmas decorations, especially your family ornaments on the tree! Your home looks so inviting! 🙂
      Merry Christmas!
      Leslie

      Reply
    4. priscilla

      December 10, 2011 at 9:49 am

      Love your family photo Christmas tree !

      Reply
    5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions

      December 09, 2011 at 7:06 pm

      Beautiful tree, Jane! I love the idea of using pictures as ornaments!

      Reply
    6. Ana

      December 09, 2011 at 4:51 pm

      Hi Jane,
      Your wreath makeover turned out sweet. Love the decoupage letter. And your Christmas tree with family ornaments is such a great idea. Everything looks so very festive and pretty. Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

      Hugs and Kisses,
      ♥Ana

      Reply
    7. Chari

      December 09, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Jane...

      Ohhh...Christmas is sooo pretty at your place, my friend! I love your re-worked wreath. It looks perfect on that pretty red door! I especially like the Christmas decoupaged letter that you added to the wreath! And...your family Christmas tree is lovely! I really like how you personalized the tree with family photos! That's a great idea!

      Thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas with us today! I'm so glad that you stopped by my place for a visit! Your sweet note just made my day, dear lady!

      Warmest Christmas Wishes!
      Chari

      Reply
    8. Shirley

      December 09, 2011 at 3:44 pm

      Sencillamente maravilloso el árbol, con tus seres queridos. Me gusta. Saludos

      Reply
    9. jen

      December 09, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      Love it all!!!

      Reply
    10. Liza

      December 09, 2011 at 8:20 am

      Everything's beautiful, Jane! Everybody must surely look forward to Christmas Eve at the Crossroads.....I can't wait to read your cooking and baking posts and see what you all end up having. (besides fun!)

      Reply
    11. dawn

      December 09, 2011 at 7:35 am

      Oh, the porch looks fantastic. I really like you personalized tree, the photo ornaments was a great idea. I know what ya mean about the tree tipping over, the wind keeps blowing mine over also. The wreath turned out great and the ribbon is the best, I love plaid also. I didn't even know pennys sold ribbon. Great decorated space")

      Reply
    12. Comeca

      December 09, 2011 at 7:18 am

      Beautiful!

      Reply
    13. Melanie

      December 09, 2011 at 6:14 am

      Love your tree! Can't wait to see the inside tree!

      Not finished here, just not enough hours in the day lately.

      Reply
    14. Pam

      December 09, 2011 at 1:53 am

      I love your wreath! And your tree! It's so cute with everyone's pictures. What a creative way to decorate it.

      Well done!
      Pam

      Reply
    15. Sudha

      December 09, 2011 at 1:07 am

      Hello Jane,
      This is my first time here and I found your beautiful blog through Kitty's blog!Your Christmas decorations look amazingly beautiful and this is just the right place to look for decorating ideas-thanks so much for the details:)The Christmas tree looks like a lively family collage-I'm sure everyone will be so happy and pleased!I'm your newest follower and would be on the lookout for more such lovely posts.

      Reply
    16. Cindy

      December 08, 2011 at 10:36 pm

      Your porch is beautiful and I love your tree full of photographs...great idea and so creative!!!

      Reply
    17. Lezlee Cheek

      December 08, 2011 at 10:30 pm

      Your wreath is so sweet, love the paper you picked for your W, such a perfect match for your "plucked" wreath. I LOVE your tree, so personal. Hopefully no more high winds! Thank you so much for following my blog. I want to follow you, too! Heading to browse some more!
      Lezlee

      Reply
    18. Pattie Taylor

      December 08, 2011 at 10:26 pm

      Great tree.. Merry Christmas

      Reply
    19. [email protected] Charm

      December 08, 2011 at 10:06 pm

      Jane,
      Sorry that your tree went in the wind, but still looks great...love the photo ornaments:)

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    20. Debbie-refreshrestyle

      December 08, 2011 at 9:33 pm

      Jane, as I scrolled down, I kept thinking oh I love this...this...this. Love everything! The photo tree and frogs are my favorites!
      Debbie

      Reply
    21. Debbie

      December 08, 2011 at 9:30 pm

      What a wonderful tree. What a great idea to do pictures for everyone. I love that. Love how you did the picture ornaments too. It is wonderful. Great post.
      blessings,
      Debbie

      Reply
    22. Honey

      December 08, 2011 at 9:22 pm

      Love the tree and your beautiful welcoming wreath! Thank you for linking to the Christmas Tree Party at 2805!

      Reply
    23. Kristine

      December 08, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      Your dancing frogs made me giggle. They are so fun. Your wreath is so pretty and I love that you put the people who matter most on your tree...helps us to remember what is really important about this Christmas season...

      Merry Christmas! Thank you for stopping by! Kristine

      Reply
    24. Jane

      December 08, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      Your tree is amazing...the pictures are such a great idea! I really like your wreath, too. You're very creative, Jane!

      Happy Holidays!

      Reply
    25. [email protected] HollyhockFarm

      December 08, 2011 at 7:33 pm

      Love your wreath! The "w" is great! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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