The weather has been practically tropical for December in these parts (60 degrees) and I spent about three hours outside decorating. The entry is sort of recessed, about 5' square. You can see how I've decorated in the past HERE.
First, I cleaned and swept...and I think the door could use a coat of paint...but I am not doing that right now. Anyway, please notice my fantabulous Smith and Hawken black metal planters. Total yard sale steal...I think I ran to them...I could not believe anyone would give them up, they are perfect. They sort of led the way for the look this year.
Now, you might think it's odd...but for some reason, I have been reusing a lot of things that I used for Halloween for Christmas. I know, right? Weird. I used these branches for 'spooky branches' with orange lights (you might have seen the picture on Instagram)...but they are perfect for Christmas too. I wired several of the branches together to form the base...they nearly go top to bottom.
Then I used some pine and berries and pine cones to create the focal point. I kept hem-hawing about whether to use the red berries or not, but decided with allllll the greenery the red would draw your eye.
So what is missing? You'll be shocked, I know I am...no ribbon!!! It's not that I didn't want to use any...I was too lazy to drive to my studio and get any but I think it's ok without it...but don't be shocked if I throw some plaid or burlap in there. It's my natural tendency to gravitate towards using ribbon, so we'll see how long it stays ribbonless. ha, ha
For the planters, I cheated a little. They are pretty tall and I didn't have enough greenery to fill it completely, so I popped a terra cotta pot in there to fill up most of the room.
See what I did there? Sneaky.
I only had a few branches left after making the swag....but it's just enough to give the planters some interest.
Some garland and lights above the door and I'm calling it done. I don't think I'm going to do anything else. I usually do lights on the gutters and wreaths on the windows, but unless Justin volunteers to help, this is it. (Justin, if you are reading, that's not a hint.)
Have you decorated outside yet?
Beautiful front porch I love the big twigs on the front door.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam!
DeleteLove what you did! And those planters wow total score! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know,right?! Total steal :)
DeleteThis is gorgeous! I'm ganna do the branches on the door, sometime or other ;) Our sons strung our outside lights on the gutters & around the porch post, but that's about the extent of it this yr. I put my antique sled out & tied on a ribbon {totally skimped out on making it prettier}. Next year, next year ;)
ReplyDeleteAngela, that sounds pretty good to me!
DeleteLove it! It is just right.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSoooo pretty. I love the free-formity (okay I made that up) of the branches - brilliant idea with the pots inside the planters! And I love the greenery above the door - full, yet airy. It's all just.... perfect. Yet another one of your photos that will end up on my Pinterest boards!
ReplyDeleteKaille
Thank you Kaille, you have know idea how many made up words I have in my vocabulary! Thanks for pinning!
DeleteI looked at Scot's decorating contest...those are like huge homes, I don't stand a chance! :)
Oops, I forgot - you should seriously consider entering your front porch in theadventuresoftartanscot's Holiday Decorating contest!
ReplyDeleteKaille
Oh Michelle, as usual, simply stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYour entry is beautiful! What a transformation :)
ReplyDeleteThe simplicity is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel!
DeleteSo pretty! You have a very artistic eye and it shows in your lovely arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elizabeth!
DeleteSuch a welcoming display! I'm curious as to how you attached the garland and swag to the siding and door? I'm always hesitant to hang items (even on my mantle) for fear of damaging the base.
ReplyDeleteKelly, There is a screw in the door. When I wired the branches together, I made a little loop on the back and hung the branches on the screw. As far as the garland, don't laugh, I just used the corners of the siding to hold up the garland. I bent the siding around the door out just enough to get some of the garland behind and let it go. It's pretty tight and it worked. And for the mantle, have no fear, you'll probably use the nails/holes every year...OR that's what they make wood filler for :)
DeleteI love the lighted swag around the top of the door. I might try that. We have some lights out front and a small crab pot tree but the large one just returned from the crab pot tree doctor yesterday - half a strand of lights won't work. He suggested a temporary fix of just wrapping a new strand of lights around it and replacing the strand after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel, it's probably just me, but I'd replace the strand!
DeleteI think the branches are the most unique entry decor ever. Loved it all. But how did you get a bundle of branches to attach together and then to a door?! I'm impressed as its not as easy as it looks!! I loved the berries and greenery and then the S&H metal pots. Perfect color too. I think it is a bit comical that you the ribbon gal I did not even notice the absence of ribbon until you pointed it out!!! Love love love it!!!
ReplyDeleteGwen
Hi Gwen, thank you so much! There is a screw in the door so it was easy to wire the branches together and then hang them on the screw. I cannot believe I didn't use ribbon! I do have visions on just a touch of plaid though!
DeleteIt's gorgeous and nature inspired can never go wrong!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAs always....stunning!! You always have a unique twist. Thanks for the lovely inspiration!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Skip the ribbon....it's perfect!
Thank you Diane, I probably will! :)
DeleteI love the front porch and I love the tree and I love the mantle! Keep up the inspiration for us all. Hope you have a super blessed Christmas and that you are feeling good.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you've transformed the porch!Simple but stunning!I always make my own classic wreath but made a xmas swag this year.
ReplyDelete