Decorating for Christmas

Welcome to the 48th Metamorphosis Monday!

Hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend! I’ve been busy finishing my Christmas decorating, inside and out…so, I’m exhausted, but in a good way. So happy to have it all done…now I can just enjoy!

For this Met Monday, I’m sharing a metamorphosis that took place on my front porch this weekend.

Here’s the summer view…

Ok, ready for the “After?” Before I let you see it, I wanted to show you an unexpected view. I never realized how pretty it was going to look from the inside. Love little surprises.

Welcome Christmas!

Last year I used faux greenery and really wasn’t very happy with it. This year, I bought the real stuff from Lowe’s. I can’t believe how inexpensive it is…less than $7 for 20 feet of garland. Twenty feet will go one full time all the way around a standard door. I used two strands of garland this time. I may go for three next year…or maybe I’ll just add some magnolia leaves for some extra fullness.

The wreath came from Lowe’s, also.

All the pine cones are real, including the HUGE ones clustered at the top. They have just a little touch of glitter.

I added a few red bells…for a bit of whimsy.

I intertwined this ribbon all throughout the garland. It’s covered with pinecones, too. 🙂

A little close-up…

I, also, took a few pics out in the yard to share…
This guy greets guest as they start down the walkway…

A nighttime view of a large wreath that hangs on the gate to the backyard.

The dove cote got a touch of Christmas…

As did, the gas lantern…

Thanks for stopping by for my porch metamorphosis.

Looking forward to seeing all your “Before and Afters.”

 

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Fabulous “Before and Afters” await your visit:

 

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Comments

  1. OH Susan..your front porch is gorgeous! Love the sled with the skates. Wonder what my Mom did with all our skates. Geesh, we must have had 15 pairs at least, all different sizes!

  2. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    Your porch look lovely, as always. Love the Christmas-y look. Looks like you are doing great in the Home Goods contest. Let us know if you win!!!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

  3. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    oh wow, your entryway is so fabulous!!! The sled and the skates are so cute too!

  4. That's just stunning! I love the ice skates! Your outside decorations are so inviting. Just beautiful
    Thank you for hosting
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

  5. Susan,
    Your porch is beautiful. I love all the little extra touches you have in the yard, very traditional, warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing and hosting.
    Sandy

  6. Susan, you have the perfect porch for seasonal decorating. Gorgeous red door. Thanks for the tip about the real greenery.
    Happy Holidays!
    Jane T.

  7. Kelee Katillac says

    Gorgeous and charming-love the skates and sled!

    love, kelee

  8. Michael Lee West says

    Everything looks beautiful, Susan. The night-time gate looks magical. Your porch is, as always, breathtaking! I'm so glad to know about Lowes' greenery. \XX00

  9. Your front door and other outdoor decorations look fabulous. I love those big pinecones and your sweet sled and skates.

  10. Nancy @ La Chambre Rose says

    Beautiful! I do love the real greenery. And, I LOVE magnolia leaves. Do they have those in Vermont? LOL! I don't know…

  11. Hi Susan…

    Ohhh my goodness, Girl…your front porch looks fabulous in all of it's Christmas finery!!! I love your pine garland…gorgeous!!! You know, I didn't realize that it was so reasonably priced…next year I will have to consider finding some! Of course, if I were real ambitious…I'd just go cut some out of our pine trees in the yard! Hehe! I think my favorite is that darling sled and ice skates though! I love it!!! Love, love, LOVE all of your beautiful wreaths…your yard is beautiful, my friend!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas pretties with us…and thank you so much for hosting Met Monday!

    Warmest wishes and Christmas Blessings to you and your family, Susan!
    Chari @Happy To Design

  12. O, Susan…your front porch looks magnificent. Everything is just beautiful and I especially LOVE the ice skates…I am searching for some to use next Christmas (for decorating…NOT skating! tee hee)
    My post is about transforming my small, uneventful house into a Christmas fairy place for my family on Christmas Eve. I was afraid I was stretching it to enter your MM but I see now it is ok….
    Thanks so much for all you do!
    xo bj

  13. Paula Grace Designs says

    What a lovely transformation of your front door. I love the sled and skates ~ very creative and original! Congrats to Cathy on her win! This week, my metamorphosis is the e~design I did for Stefanie from the fabulous Brooklyn Limestone blog. She won my Halloween context ~ the e~design was the prize. You get to see the before shots and the design. Cross your fingers for the afters!
    Paula Grace

  14. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    I love your front porch, Susan! Your garland is gorgeous! And the skates and sled are the perfect touch! Your lighted wreath on the gate is a great idea! I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas season! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  15. Things That Inspire says

    What a beautiful, beautiful front porch! I love everything about it. Did you have to put nails up to make the garland drape so beautifully?

  16. Love the fresh greenery! This is my first year to try it also. The ribbon with the pine cones is perfect and those are some BIG pine cones 🙂 Love it!

  17. Jenglamgirl says

    I will have to remember Lowes next year.. the real stuff is gorg. I am totally in love with the sled and hanging ice skates… WAY TO CUTE, the bow on the sled is darling. You have done a fab. job… AS USUAL!

  18. Troy @ I Refuse to Recede says

    I love your porch, it looks like the perfect porch to stand on and sing carols and sip hot wassail.

    My metamorphosis involved turning a pile of scrap lumber someone gave me into a self rotating can rack for our pantry.

  19. tales from an oc cottage says

    Perfectly charming! Right out of a movie!!!

    m ^..^

  20. Your porch is lovely — love the pine cone theme! And the lighted wreath on the gate . . . that I'm going to see if I can find one for Linderhof!

  21. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    Stunning. I just love seeing your posts…I always know I'm going to love what I see!

    Sue

  22. Enchanted Rose Studio says

    Stunning as usual, Susan. Such a prett and festive welcome! Love the small touches of whimsy!

    Cheers!
    Tina

  23. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Gorgeous! 🙂

  24. Susan! Your front porch is absolutely gorgeous! I love the real greenery you've used and you sure know how to make it sing!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  25. Thank you for a fun holiday Met Monday! You have such talent and every photo you post is just gorgeous. 🙂

  26. Lana K. W. Austin says

    I am completely ga-ga over the sled and ice skates! I truly want a real old fashioned sled next year. I'll be on the lookout for them AFTER Christmas 😉

    I also love the live greenery. I'm truly considering that, too.

    Beautiful as always.

    MANY blessings to you,
    Lana

  27. Peg @ Bloomfield Farm says

    Susan, your home is so festive. I didn't realize how inexpensive the live garland is! That bit of information might just motivate me to stop by Lowes to check it out. I'm having a family brunch on the 27th and that could be a perfect finishing touch for the holiday weekend. I always try to add some fresh magnolia and holly to my dining room but with the warm house, it doesn't last very long.
    Have a wonderful holiday!

  28. the skates and sled are great by your door, We can always dream of a white christmas, right? Thanks for hosting again!

  29. Hate being redundant, lol so what all of the other 28 people said. Beautiful Susan just beautiful! I know how much hard work you put into that but believe me, it is appreciated. Merry Christmas my friend.

  30. Anita @ Far Above Rubies says

    Beautiful porch transformation!! I love the sled, and it inspired me to get my grandfather's old wooden sled to put on my porch!!

  31. Susan, this is gorgeous! Of course everything you do falls under that category. I like the idea of using fresh greens when possible and feasible. You home is so welcoming. I'm eager to see photos of your tree. When do we get a peek?
    Hugs ~ Sarah

  32. Dragonfly Treasure says

    OMG! Gorgeous! Come do mine!!!
    Happy Holidays!
    *hugs*deb

  33. Fifi Flowers says

    FABULOUS front door!!! LOVE the skates!!!

  34. the porch, the door, the gate , the sled, the skates, I love it all!!! Fabulous!!!

  35. ImagineCozy says

    I love your red door! It all looks so festive and ties together beautifully. Those pine cones are huge!!
    -Angela

  36. What a great Christmas entrance you have created.

  37. What a great Christmas entrance you have created.

  38. Okay…your front door is FABULOUS! I am in love! I love everything else you've done as well. I just became a follower today and I'm so glad I did.

  39. What a gorgeous porch.

  40. Diane @ Four Paws and Co says

    Wow, your porch is gorgeous Susan! Your right – the real greenery is so much prettier! ♥

  41. Susan, Your front door is gorgeous! I love it all..the sled, the skates, the garland..everything.

  42. Linda/"Mom" says

    ***** STUNNING, SUSAN!!! SIMPLY STUNNING!!! Merrrrrry Christmas, my friend!!! *****

    XO,
    Linda
    P.S. It's AMAAAAZING how you can make the PRETTIEST of BOWS!!! THAT takes big-time TALENT~~~~ MINE would be embarrassingly "wimpy, wimpy, wimpy", but YOURS are "hefty, hefty, hefty!" ~~ XO

  43. Blue Creek Home says

    I do love the fresh greenery around your door. And the sled and skates are magical!
    Rhonda

  44. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Beautiful!! I gave up using real greenery years ago. Each year my allergies would get worse. 🙁 I loved the smell.

  45. Everything is just beautiful!

  46. Hi Susan. I love love your porch. The greenery is stunning. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for hosting Met Monday. I always enjoy visiting your blog.
    Blessings,
    Sandra

  47. Merry, Merry Christmas Susan, I love it sooooo much,in fact I am going to go to Lowes all because of you. I had forgotten that you had a gas lantern, your home is picture perfect!It is not only appointed beautifully but the person that resides inside is warm and welcoming ,what a wonderful combination, xoxo Kathysue

  48. Oh, so pretty, Susan. I have a Flexible Flyer sled that I usually put out at Christmastime (not much use for it as a sled in North Carolina). I just LOVE the ice skates slung over the sled–absolutely adorable!

    I've never done garland around the front door, but you've made me think that I should try it. This looks absolutely beautiful.

  49. Debra from Bungalow says

    Everything is gorgeous! Love the live garland!

  50. I love your porch entry. The sled and the skates look adorable and so welcoming. Thanks for hosting again and sharing your home.

  51. Your porch entry looks gorgeous…love the skates and sled.

  52. My Notting Hill says

    Love those ice skates & your whole entry! Makes me think of my childhood in upstate NY.

  53. Nina Patricia @ The Adventures of Nina Patricia says

    That was breathtaking! Love the detail of the skates.

  54. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    Your front porch looks so good, Susan! I love your gate with the lighted wreath, too. I think that makes such a great picture. I almost expected to see little wreaths attached to each opening on your dovecote!

    I hope people doubled up on linkys this week {what with all the holiday linky parties} ~ I am never going to get to visit all of them!

  55. teachermomof2 says

    Your porch looks great! It reminded me of a pic from Southern Living…the huge pinecones were the trigger! Beautiful as always!

    Lisa

  56. Cass @ That Old House says

    Susan, this is wonderful! I LOVE the fresh white pine roping, and we got ours at Lowe's too — but even my supermarket was selling it this year! I also got some cedar for the fireplace mantel — haven't done that one yet.
    Fantastic doorway — so beautiful and welcoming, it is just … perfect!
    Cass

  57. It looks beautiful. You have such an eye for making things look extroadinary!

  58. Marydon Ford says

    Breathtaking! So elegant & welcoming …
    Merry Christmas, TTFN ~ Marydon
    **NEW BLOG** blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

  59. Your home is just so beautiful and I love how you share your how tos and where you get all your lovely decorations. You are such an inspiration. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
    Hugs, Debbie

  60. Love the front door! My Dad recently bought a sled like yours at a sale. It reminded him of growing up in upstate NY. I told him he isn't going to get a lot of use out of it down here in GA though…

  61. Oh this is exactly how a front door should look this time of year.

  62. Oh this is exactly how a front door should look this time of year.

  63. Oh this is exactly how a front door should look this time of year.

  64. Oh this is exactly how a front door should look this time of year.

  65. Thanks so much for the info on the Lowes greenery. My FAUX garland got taken off and used inside this year. I may just go to Lowes tomorrow and get a new FRESH garland! Yours looks gorgeous!!! I, too, love the sled and skates. We have 2 sleds and I have searched for some "old" skates to put on them!!! XO, Pinky

  66. I hope to someday have a gorgeous entry like that!

  67. I love what you did to your porch, Susan, so festive! I bet it smells so good too. We just got back from our most amazing cruise, as much as we go on cruises, this has been the best, can't wait to show some pics. Not sure if you saw my tablescape last week but I would love for you to see it before it goes way down, since it's my favorite so far. http://christineshomeandtraveladventures.blogspot.com/2009/11/platinum-and-black-diamond.html Have a wonderful holiday! Are you all done shopping?…Christine

  68. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Everything looks so pretty! I have an antique sled that was my father-in-laws and love to decorate it too — been looking for some ice skates too for awhile — one day I'll find some at GW or thrifting. Everything looks ready for the big day!

  69. Susan, My goodness, but this is breathtaking! I ran out of time decorating my outdoor areas, so they are a little bare this year. So I will have to live vicariously through your porch.
    The sled and skate are precious, and the gate is so cute. I love using fresh greens- there is always next year and hopefully I won't be dealing with a banged up head or other body part!
    How DO you get such great night shots with lights on the trees and wreath? All I got were blurs. Oh my…
    Merry, Merry~ Sue

  70. Thank you for hosting such a fun party!! Your porch/etnry is simply gorgeous !! And, your red door is the perfect backgrop for the beautiful garland and topiaries. I love the sled parked at the front door (I have one as well) … just wish I had the snow to go along with it! I hope you don't mind, but I included my two holiday home tour posts as my links since they show my entire humble abode transformed into Christmas. 🙂 Stop by sometime! Thanks again, Becca (http://adventuresindecorating1.blogpost.com)

  71. Sea Goddess Treasures says

    The lantern and iceskates are Spectacular!! Your front door is to die for…OMG I just found your site nd I am enthralled. Thanks 🙂

  72. Susan, Thanks for the great tip at Lowe's. I love, love fresh greenery..so fragrant. Your door is stunning and you even decorated the lantern and dovecote! Looks just like a Christmas card. Thanks for sharing your home with us.

  73. Oh My … you are amazing. I have a wreath from costco on my door and a few lights … I am just blown away …

    ** please help me find a home for the boys .. stop by my blog and mention them on yours **

  74. Susan this is all stunning! I LOVE the wreath on the gate and you just can't beat real greenery! I know it smells wonderful too1!

    Looks FAB~U~LOUS!!!

    Lou Cinda 🙂

  75. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Oh the fresh greenery is so pretty. Was it hard to work with? I use my faux stuff around the doors every year, and it's all molded to the shape of my doors. It just makes it too easy. laurie

  76. Susan your house is so gorgeous !! I want to move in haha!

  77. Melissa @ The Inspired Room says

    I love the fresh greenery. We used fresh cedar on our front porch and WOW does it ever smell wonderful. No plastic smell could beat that!

    Lovely decor, as always!

    Holiday blessings,
    Melissa

  78. Your decorations are beautiful. Your front door is to wish for. Have a great holiday.

  79. Susan, your front porch looks stunning. I used the real stuff one year and loved it also. I love the skates…definitely adds to the whole look. Beautiful!

  80. Lady Katherine says

    The Garland looks wonderful with the pine cones and apples! I expected to see a few cardinal peaking around the apples! lol All is so pretty!

  81. Wow you home is so inspiring! I love your decorations. I decorated a sled too but I love how you added those skates and your pretty
    red door! Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas!

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