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Discover simple tips for refreshing your outdoor Christmas decorations with creative twists and a few fresh accents. Transform your porch into a festive, welcoming space using items you already have with just a couple of new seasonal touches!
Around here, nothing says “new season” quite like a freshly decorated front porch! With Christmas just around the corner, our porch has officially been transformed into a cozy, festive welcome for the holiday season. Each year, I rely on a tried-and-true decorating formula that brings every detail together perfectly—and I can’t wait to walk you through it.
5 Steps To A Beautiful Christmas Porch
- The front door is the star of the show, and a beautiful wreath is its spotlight. I used a wreath that’s been around for a few years, but I still love it, so there was no sense in buying something new.
- A seasonal doormat makes all the difference. It’s the first thing guests see, and it’s a great way to add personality and charm. For Christmas, think festive colors, classic patterns, or a cheerful holiday message.
- Planters are my secret weapon for seasonal décor. But this year, I shook things up with a fun twist—something unexpected and totally festive. I hung pine garland around the door, and then added white lights. More on that later.
- Cozy up your porch seating with plush pillows and throws that are both comfortable and Christmas-ready. It’s these soft, layered touches that make the space feel inviting. The base for this end of the porch hasn’t changed for several years. The white rockers stay the same, but by switching out the seasonal accessories, the space gets a whole new look.
- From bowls of greenery, to twinkling lights, a few well-placed accessories bring everything together. Add some holiday magic with simple but elegant decorations that reflect your own personal style.
By updating these five elements, you can create a porch that radiates holiday cheer and welcomes the season in style. Grab your wreaths, cozy up those pillows, and let the holiday magic unfold.
How To Hang Garland Around Your Door
I debated about this for a long time, but after doing a little online research, I decided to use 8 large cup hooks. I screwed them into the wood trim around the door, and I was able to hang the pine garland in under 30 minutes. (Adding the lights took longer than that!)
My garland pieces have a loop on one end, so that was very helpful. When I needed to attach part of the garland that had no loop, I used florist wire to attach it to the cup hook. (See image below.) Each piece of garland is 60 inches long, and I needed 6 pieces. On the top corners, the vertical piece of garland hung from the hook by a loop, and the end of the horizontal piece tucked right in behind it. The pieces on the top overlapped in the middle, and they droop just a bit, but I love the way it looks.
About the holes in the door trim: first of all, they are very tiny. When I remove the cup hooks, it will only take a minute to fill them in with white caulk. If they need sanded or painted, I’ll worry about that in the spring!
How to Refresh Outdoor Christmas Decorations
It’s can be a challenge to look at your old outdoor Christmas decor, and see ways to refresh it. Here are a few tips that will get you started:
- Sometimes a few new touches are all you need! Adding even a couple of new items—like a bolt of festive ribbon or a fresh wreath—can work wonders to revive your holiday decor. You don’t need to start from scratch; just keep an eye out for a few special pieces that will blend right in with what you already have. For example, the only new item on my porch this year is the doormat—everything else was a rediscovered treasure from my own basement!
- A simple rearrangement can make all the difference. Try using indoor decor in your outdoor space. If your favorite wreath usually hangs above the mantel, bring it outside and use it on the front door. Or, take your stairway garland outdoors to wrap around your porch railings. If you have a collection of snowmen or Santas, let a few of them add cheer to your porch.
- Create interest by mixing heights and layers. Stack planters, place lanterns at different levels, or add a little stool with a cozy holiday blanket draped over it. This layered look adds texture and visual appeal to your display, making it feel both welcoming and festive.
- Get creative with the items you already own. For instance, if you have a favorite bowl or basket, use it to hold fresh or faux greenery, bright ornaments, or pinecones. Look around, and you might find plenty of unique ways to reuse and repurpose your favorite holiday pieces.
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Door wreath | Norfolk pine garland | Merry + Bright doormat (24×36) | small Norfolk pine trees | tree basket | tree crock | white rockers | wood garden stool | plaid pillows | blue knit throw blanket | striped bowl | pine branches
Past Christmas Porches
- Our last Christmas on Sutton Place
- Our first Christmas at the Sugar Maple house
- Christmas 2022
- Christmas 2023
I have lost count of how many Christmas porches I have assembled. I always wonder if I’m going to be able to come up with new ideas, but somehow, inspiration always strikes at just the right time. With Thanksgiving around the corner, the holiday season is in full swing. The coming weeks will be busy for everyone, but I hope you enjoy the hustle and bustle, and grant yourself grace when you don’t. So until next time, may your days be merry and bright.
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Hi Anne,
You ideas are always so pretty and always look so put together. I always like seeing how you are going to decorate your porch. Long time follower so I can honestly say the garland on the door is the best yet!!!Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!!
Ann, your front porch looks beautiful! You always do such a great job with your seasonal decor. The garland that you put around your door looks so pretty and the lights will look so nice in the evening. Thanks for letting us know about the cup hooks — such a great idea! Love the trees by the door! Your plaid cushions look so pretty, too. Enjoy!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving. So thankful for you, Ann!
It looks so pretty. I love everything. I am using cup hooks tomorrow on a window frame. Command hooks don’t always work and I am tired of doing things times 2 lol so cup hooks it is
So pretty! Love all your ideas❤️. Simple and easy to replicate.