Christmas On The Porch

 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?