Decorate Your Porch for Christmas

Welcome to our Deck the Halls party and the 98th Metamorphosis Monday!

I can’t wait to see all the wonderful holiday decorating you’ve been doing in your home!

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a Pottery Barn hack where I made and decorated my porch columns in garland very much like the PB ornament garland, but for less than half the price. (You can read that post HERE and you’ll find the tutorial to make the garland here: Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland.)

Here’s a photo of the porch with the garland. As you can see, the porch was definitely not fully decorated when this pic was taken.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Every door needs a wreath, basket, or something for Christmas. Right? 🙂 I found this wreath at Lowes , but once I hung it on the door, it looked a bit too small. I started to return it, but then I got the idea to just beef it up a bit.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

I’ve been using a lot of magnolia in my decorating this year…like in the mantel I posted, HERE.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

I added magnolia leaves all around the outer edge and a little to the wreath itself.  Much better!

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

I made the bow from some ribbon I already had.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

I hung pine garland around the door and added additional magnolia to the garland to tie the look in with the wreath.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

Clusters of magnolia were added to the corners, along with ornaments left over from when I created the garland.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

I have three of these angels…used them in my Christmas decorating years ago.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

I placed one over the center of the door…I just love her there.
Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine
The dove cote gets a wreath each year.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

And the gas lantern gets a touch of Christmas, too.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

One of the best parts about decorating a porch is enjoying it from inside as you pass the window.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

 

A few pics from inside…

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Found these lanterns at Virginia Metal Crafters many years ago.   Unfortunately, they are no longer in business.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

A little silliness for the entry.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

A few pics of the porch lit up at night…

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

For so many years I didn’t have a front porch.  This one was added at the same time the screened porch was added and I can’t resist dressing it for the holidays.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Don’t you just love walking or driving slowly down a street at night and sneaking a peek inside to see how a room is decorated or furnished.  I love that!  Especially if it’s cold outside and the home seems to be glowing from inside. It just says family, safety, warmth, love, security…all those things that give me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

A few more views of the porch decorated for Christmas…

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Christmastime is just so magical.  Even the most diehard Scrooge would have to be charmed by all the sparkle and glow of the season.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Let’s go sledding or ice-skating?  Ready?

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

I purchased a wreath locally and embellished it with magnolia leaves from the huge magnolia in my front yard.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

I also added magnolia to the garland that surrounds the door.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Thanks so much for stopping by.  If you would like to make the garland for your front porch, you’ll find the full tutorial here:Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland.

Decorating for Christmas with Magnolia and Pine

Merry Christmas sweet friends!  Hope every single one of your Christmas dreams comes true!


Deck the Halls for Metamorphosis Monday:
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Comments

  1. Melissa Miller says

    Susan your front porch is the prettiest and cheeriest I have ever seen! Love it all!

    Thank you for hosting. How fun! 🙂

  2. Thelittlebrownhouse.us says

    Oh my goodness! Your home looks amazing! I would so love to have a front entrance that looked like that! Fantastic job!

  3. the cape on the corner says

    just so gorgeous! i love the sled and the skates. nice touch!

    http://www.thecapeonthecorner.blogspot.com

  4. Judy @ In His Grip says

    The magnolia leaves are so great, I wish we had them around here. I also have a sled with skates hanging off it. Come on over and check out my front porch!

  5. Candy @ The Little Round Table says

    Happy Holidays Susan, your decorations are gorgeous!

    Candy

  6. Tammy@InStitches says

    Your porch is beautiful and so is your blog header !

  7. Red Door Home says

    Magnolia leaves say southern Christmas to me. Love how you used them in your garland and on your front door. So very pretty.

  8. Gosh, Susan…I almost hate to put up my post after seeing all your wonderfully creative displays! Your front of your home looks spectacular & I love what you've done on the inside as well.

    Thank you so much for allowing us the share our decorations with you & all the others this way. I really appreciate all the work you put into your blog & the parties you hold.

    Merry Christmas!

  9. Really beautiful. Very nice pictures too. Love the close-ups. Thanks for hosting.
    Sherry

  10. Just beautiful Susan (well as always :)) unfortunately, the giant magnolia doesn't work for me in this area and have we have to compensate…but I love the pine mixed with it. It is so interesting to me that decorating needs to be done in odd numbers, for accents…just awesome, can't wait to see what everyone else offers up!
    Cheers!
    Lisa

  11. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    Thank you for hosting Deck The Halls Party and inviting all your blogland friends to participate! I always gain much inspiration and motivation from these parties. Your porch is a vision of loveliness! The enhanced wreath is gorgeous! Detailed touches like the ice skates hanging on the sled filled with greenery always catch my eye! Again, many thanks! Now, I've got to peek at what the ladies have posted!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  12. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    Everything looks amazing!!! I especially love the sled with the ice skates on it!

  13. Hi Susan! Oh, your porch is absolutely gorgeous! The way your spiffed up that wreath is wonderful – love those magnolia leaves! Your garland swirling up your columns is beautiful! I love that! We have columns too but they're two storied and we don't climb that high! 🙂
    Thank you for always hosting the most fun parties! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  14. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! Your home looks so festive and pretty! I love your new porch decor…especially the fresh greenery! Have a great week and try to stay warm! Brrrr!…hugs…Debbie

  15. Susan your house is beautiful, I love how you decorated your entrance. Beautiful.

  16. Your front porch turned out stunning. I love the magnolia leaves on the wreath. It's very beautiful. Thanks for hosting this lovely party.

  17. Your entry is so pretty and so inviting, Susan! It's really all dressed up for the holidays! I bet your neighbors just love passing by your house…Christine

  18. Your entry is so pretty and so inviting, Susan! It's really all dressed up for the holidays! I bet your neighbors just love passing by your house…Christine

  19. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    Your home looks so warm and welcoming! I love the idea of enhancing a store bought wreath!

  20. Patti's Artful Design says

    Your entry is just stunning, and I love the dove cote! I like those white ice skates too….see what I did with my pair! Happy Holidays, Susan!

  21. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    You just need some snow on your front porch, Susan, and you'll be good to go! ; ) I heard we might have some snow flurries here tomorrow ~ the first for the year if it happens.

  22. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    Your porch is beautiful Susan, and how great to have a gas lantern-enjoy:@)

  23. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    You've been busy! It's a good thing you quit work, huh? 🙂 Your new garland is great, and the night pics are especially nice! Thanks for being such a gracious hostess!

  24. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    So pretty, Susan! I just love your front porch with the fresh greenery, that always makes it so festive &fun. All those touches with magnolia leaves too, gorgeous! Great job. Merry Christmas!

  25. tales from an oc cottage says

    So, WHY is your porch not on the cover of a magazine????!!! Tres fabu!!!!!

    m ^..^

  26. Olive Cooper says

    Hi Susan, you really added a steak to that wreath. Magnolias are very Georgia. This my first time linking. Thanks bunches for the party and I am in Washinton county Georgia! merry♥O

  27. Susan, your front porch is exquisite! I love your angel perched above the front door to welcome your guests. The magnolia leaves are my fave … such a true staple of Christmas! Thanks so much for hosting, allowing me to share my Christmas dining room. *Becca*

  28. Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top says

    I love your front porch even more with the wreath and the additions you've made. Your home is so gorgeous. I just love your traditional style.

  29. Designs By Pinky says

    Your entry (and whole house) look beautiful!!!!!!!!!! I love how you added the magnolia leaves! It just MAKES it all so much better! Hope you like my entry too!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

  30. A Hint of Home says

    Your home is beautiful and always an inspiration to me.

  31. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Your home is gorgeous and your entry is stunning. Love the use of the magnolias. They add so much. The sleigh and skates are wonderful also. Everything is just beautiful. Hugs, Marty

  32. Splendid Sass says

    Susan, everything is gorgeous! You have done a wonderful job.
    Have a great week.
    Teresa

  33. Dear Susan,
    your house loooks amazing nice with all that decoration. I wish we ad magnolia leaves, they make a lovely decoration. All is very festive.
    Greetings, Johanna

  34. Jenny at Henrietta's House says

    Simply stunning! I'm speechless.

  35. LUCKY 7 DESIGN says

    Susan it just gets better….I thought the first post looked great. I too added fresh greens to my store bought wreaths this year. Beautiful!

  36. Jacqueline says

    Susan, I loved Pottery Barn's but I think yours is even better! The red door of course is outstanding and makes it fabulous. I loved your tutorial on making the garlands, such a great idea and so cost saving. I can't wait to visit as many as I can, it is so hard with the holiday preparations! I could blog hop all day and enjoy everyone's talents.

  37. Your front porch is so pretty. It just speaks Christmas to me. And don't you just love Christmas in the South. Instead of snow, we have the last of the fall leaves on the ground. In fact, I think the leaves have hung around way longer this year.

  38. Cozy Home Scenes says

    I love the new additions, especially the sled and skates. I bet you'll have a lot of cars driving slow and/or stopping at your house to see all your goodies so they won't miss anything!

  39. Julie Harward says

    This is all so gorgeous! We have two things in common here…a red door and a sleigh with old white skates…but yours is so much more! ;D

  40. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Beautiful! Absolutely Beautiful!
    Makes me want to do a little more – I am really slacking this year.
    Have a great week!
    Glenda

  41. Wow, that is one decked out home! Lovely job on all the details, Susan!

  42. Your porch looks so beautiful Susan…I just love it! Thanks so much for hosting a wonderful Christmas party! ~Deb~

  43. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien says

    The porch is spectacular!!! WOW!!!
    I love how your porch decor looks; way better than PB!!
    The photos themselves are beautiful and I'm jealous of your gas lantern and grandfather clock!
    After seeing your photos of the lights outside, I definitely need a new camera that can take pics like that!

  44. Your entry is utterly gorgeous! How I'd love to walk up those steps at night. What a welcoming treat for any visitor! Thank you for the fun party!

  45. Kitty@Embraceable Life says

    Susan, GORGEOUS porch – as is everything you do.

  46. Fifi Flowers says

    My post isn't my home decorated but it is about a FABuLOUS holiday commercial and it inspired a metamorphosis painting!

  47. Fifi Flowers says

    I will be posting my home decorations on Tuesday and I will link them here too!

  48. Susan, I think you home must be magical during the holidays. This is all gorgeous! Wish I could walk right up those steps into your beautiful home. I'm just beginning to decorate so I've shared a vignette for the party. Thanks for hosting!

  49. Michelle @ Sweet Something Design says

    Susan, breath-taking! I love the mag leaves, so pretty and such a great look! Thanks so much for hosting!

  50. Every time I drive up to my house, I look at the pine roping and think that it needs a little more help. Thanks to you, I have found the inspiration for just what it needs. The magnolia in the neighbor's yard is getting ready to lose a few more leaves. I am new to the Linky business and not sure that I did it correctly! Oh well, thanks for your great idea and Merry Christmas!

  51. Your home is beautiful as always, but at his time of the season it is the most beautiful. Thanks for hosting this little party. Kathy

  52. Just stunning!
    Words cannot describe how fabulous the entrance to your home is at this special time of year. So welcoming too.
    Thank you, Susan, for hosting this amazing party.
    Maggie.

  53. Purnima@a creative project says

    Your house looks so beautiful.. warm and cozy!! Thanks for hosting this party!!

  54. A very pretty front porch — I just love entries like that to decorate and I wish Linderhof had one — but alas, it doesn't! Love what you did to that wreath– increased the value about tenfold, I'd say and I love the "PB" garland — don't you love doing things like that so much more inexpensively!

  55. Wow!!
    Your decorations are absolutely beautiful, bravo:))
    Thanks for hosting, hugs Biljana

  56. Mel's Cabin says

    I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it….there is nothing more to say, but "I like it!"

    Mel's Cabin

  57. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    Love your entry!!! So beautiful! I can't wait to see what everyone else has done! 🙂

  58. Grammy Goodwill says

    Your porch is beautiful. What a good idea to add to your existing wreath. I would never have thought of that.

  59. You've certainly been busy in the decorating dept. Glad someone has it done. No one's in a very festive mood where I live. Thanks for hosting.

  60. Your porch and decorations are wonderful!!!! This is a great idea!!! Next year I will join to this fantastic party!!! Have a nice Monday, hugs, Flavia

  61. I love, love, love everything about your house, especially the front entrance!! It is just made for Christmas decorating!!!
    Thanks for hosting!!

  62. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    Love your entryway decor! Thanks for hosting this blog party. Love looking at everyone's Christmas things!

  63. Just love using fresh greens on a store bought wreath. That is exactly the kind of inspiration which draws me to your blog. It's fun to read about ideas that I might actually be able to implement. I am planning to paint my front door soon and love the color of yours. The shade of red looks so good with your holiday decorations. Can you share the exact color? Thanks so much for all the great ideas you share with your readers.

  64. Curtains in My Tree says

    I am just blowed away with how beautiful your pictures are so clear. I really enjoyed them.

    Janice

  65. Aunt Amelia's Attic says

    OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH beautiful! Breathtaking! Lovely! 🙂

  66. Your home and decorating is phenomenal. You can tell a lot of love, thought, and time went into your home…amazing! Thanks for sharing and allowing us to link up. There are a lot of wonderful ideas to be shared. ~Happy Holidays~ Liz

  67. Vewry nice…but may I suggest you lose the topiaries in the urns…they muddle the look and diminish the beauty of your Xmas porch.

  68. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    So delightful. All you are missing is snow. Looks like a lot of effort! Thanks for hosting the party.

  69. BEAUTIFUL! You just can't beat Magnolia leaves for the texture and elegance they add. The sled and skates are such a nice focal point too. Have a great day, Nan

  70. Debbie@Debbie-Dabble says

    Susan,
    Thanks so much for hosting this party!!
    The outside of your home is spectacular!!

    I am posting my Home Tour of my home with it's 14 trees! Still a few more posts to do as i am going room by room…

    Hugs,
    A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

  71. You porch makes me want to go inside- so gorgeous and welcoming! The perfect feeling for the front door! You're awesome.
    Danielle

  72. Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea says

    I must say that your decorations don't disappoint, Susan – I knew they would be fabulous and I was right.

    Thank you so much for hosting this Holiday party…I've been looking forward to it for several weeks & can't wait to see what everyone has put together.

    Happy Holidays!

  73. Brambleberry Cottage says

    Everything is gorgeous, Susan! Glad you decided to "beef up" the wreath, instead of returning it. It looks perfect on your door now.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

  74. I just love all the magnolia & nandina. It's really pretty.

  75. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    Susan, your front porch is amazing. I read the tutorial on the column garland which I found very informative. I can't believe I am #314 on your linky party!! I would say that is a successful party! Thanks for hosting!

  76. Cass @ That Old House says

    Gorgeous! I love your attention to detail.
    Merry Christmas!
    Cass

  77. begin with a Sunny Outlook says

    Classically beautiful! Merry Christmas to you & your family!

  78. jodi@Pleasant-Home says

    Absolutely Gorgeous! I must add greenery to my skates now! ;o)

  79. Hi Susan!
    I love your Metamorphis Mondays….but even MORE so at Chrsitmas time! There is just SO many wonderful blogs to visit and lovely things to see! Thanks!
    ~Hugs, Heidi

  80. As always, everything is just gorgeous on your blog – it puts me to shame! Thanks for visiting my blog today and leaving a comment – it meant the world to me!

  81. April from HomeHinges.com says

    Thanks again for a great party. I love the new Christmas banner across the top of your blog as well.
    April from HomeHinges.com

  82. Life in Rehab says

    You are seriously giving me porch envy.

  83. Terry @ La Bella Vie says

    Oh Susan,
    this is so beautiful my friend, it just makes the front door the picture perfect post card!
    Great job!
    Terry
    PS thanks for hosting this fun MM again!

  84. Donna (Timeless Settings) says

    Wow,I am amazed! Your decorations are so beautiful!

    Thanks for hosting this wonderful party! I can't wait to see everyone's posts!

    Donna

  85. Carmie of the Single Nester says

    What a warm and welcoming entry!

  86. Susan, your house looks wonderful. Your home should be on the Christmas Tour! Love what you did to the wreath.
    Meg

  87. Susan, your home looks fabulous all decked out for the holidays! I love the addition of the magnolia leaves.

    Thanks for hosting!

    Jane
    frugalfineliving.com

  88. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Jodi…thanks so much for those sweet commments! The paint color for my door is Heritage Red by Benjamin Moore. Hope that helps! 🙂

  89. A Delightful Design says

    Wow. Your porch is a dream to me! Very Normal Rockwell Christmas–and I love it!

    Thanks so much for hosting. I'm your latest follower. 😉
    abby

  90. ara133photography says

    Oh my gosh, you did such a beautiful job!!! So cheerful and Christmasy. I love the classic look too – just gorgeous. -amy

  91. Heaven's Walk - says

    Susan – your porch and mantel are so worthy of being in a magazine! So stunningly beautiful! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  92. FABBY'S LIVING says

    How come you're not on a magazine, or something? Your porch needs to be on a cover of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING…at least!!!
    Hope you can visit my blog, I've decked the halls and posted a couple of Xmas tablescapes…I'm not as talented as you, but I hope you like them.
    I love you to show us how you make the Xmas big bows. Thank you for explaining about the Thurs. TS…I found it!
    XOXOXO
    FABBY

  93. Debra "Deb" Dresden Disney-Dior says

    Oooh, Susan, I love EVERYTHING you touch. You're the "Midas" in the world of interior/exterior "ooh's and ahh's." I would cringe if I saw a photo of myself viewing your snapshots. My jaw is ALWAYS hanging open, my forehead is crinkled, my eyes have nearly popped out of their sockets and I can only imagine the drool. Ewwww — the drool! I've been coming here for a "long time," and I ALWAYS intend to join in on the fun, but I never get around to it. I think I'll make a New Year's resolution to participate in 2011. For the fun of it, I decided to see where I fit in as a follower. I started with the current number of followers — 3799. I clicked back, through a sea of friendly faces, until I found my photo. I clicked back 74 times and I'm the fifth face, from the left, on the top row. So, there are 28 faces on every page — times 74 = 2072 + 5 = 2077. 3799 – 2077 = 1722. So, I'm follower 1,722. Gosh, you should see the things I do when I'm bored! 🙂 All in all, I'm in awe of everything you do! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year — I'll show you around my house in 2011. 🙂

  94. Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says

    Wowzer are there ever a lot of people linking up today. What fun!

    I love your porch decorations, especially the sled and skates. I put skates out as well, but never thought of putting greenery in them. I put white pompoms on their ties to dress them up. Thanks for the inspiration.

  95. Your home looks beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  96. Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch) says

    Your front door and pillar decorations look fantastic! LOVE the addition of the magnolia. You are very creative and it looks so pretty and adds so much. I just took pics of my porch lights yesterday (my son put the up for me, I've had bronchitis). I should link up to your party if I get the gumption! 🙂
    Best,
    Gloria

  97. So inspiring. Your mantel is wonderful!

  98. Your front entry is beautiful! So festive and welcoming. I like the mix of evergreens with the magnolia leaves for a little different look. Thanks for hosting this holiday party and for all your inspiration all year around. Happy Holidays! 🙂

  99. Wow stunning pictures! Beautiful home!

    Now following you!

    Kelly
    http://mysimplewalk.com

  100. would love to participate in this but havent found a description of what exactly this is… ?? is it too late? recurs throughout dec? just mondays?

    great job, btw, on your front porch and doorway!

  101. Cristin @ Simplified Bee says

    Wow… your entry stunning! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

    xo,
    cristin

  102. Tis the season to be BUSY – but better late than never! Thanks for hosting the party Susan. Your home looks as beautiful as ever – I REALLY LOVE the skates hanging from the sleigh on the front porch – brings back A LOT of memories of living up north in NJ =)

    I linked up my moms townhome I decorated for her this past Saturday.

    Have a lovely week and I can't wait to see all the amoazing creativity everyone has posted!!

    😀 Lynda

  103. FLOWERSHOPGURL says

    Hi Susan, Your home looks so festive and welcoming. I love how you decorated your wreath it is so beautiful! Every detail is just perfect. Thank you for hosting another fun party, I'm so happy I was able to join in.
    Hugz,
    Kim

  104. Dragonfly Treasure says

    Thats the prettiest porch I've ever seen!
    *hugs*Deb

  105. Farmer's Wyfe says

    What a magnificent porch you have: what a lot of work you've done…but soooo beautiful and worth it! Makes me want to go outside and do my porch RIGHT NOW!! Can I have yours instead!! I'm following you now.

  106. Susan, thanks so much for the front door paint color. I showed your photos to my husband and he is ready to buy the paint right now! I don't think I'd have gotten that response without your help!

  107. Honey at 2805 says

    The front porch is just splendid and I love the front door! I am a nebee blogger, a new follower and have joined your party for the first time. It's such fun visiting all the great blogs posted here. Thanks for being such a great hostess.

  108. Your porch decor is fabulous! I bet you have the best house on the block.

    I hate that I did not see this early enought to join the party. But I am going to have so much fun checking out all the other posts.

    Happy Holidays! ~Z

  109. Gorgeous and magical! Wow Susan. It is such a winter wonderland. I feel terrible that I missed this Met Monday. 🙁 Life just keeps intruding. But I want to still participate even though the link is closed, so here is my very late contribution: http://myownsnugfireside.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-tree-2010.html. Merry Christmas!

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