Our holiday porch with garland

November 25, 2009

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I’ve always loved my tried and true Christmas decorating for our front porch and yard – it’s simple and elegant. But this year I was feeling like it needed a bit more fun…I think it’s because our son is getting older and becoming more and more obsessed with Christmas -- just like Momma. ;)

So I wanted to make it a little more whimsical and colorful this year. I started with the wreath I got on clearance last year at Target. It still needed a little somethin’ somethin’, so I just took a plain greenery wreath and smushed them together with wire, like so:

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I love how it gives it a bit more dimension (see first photo). Lurve.

For the rest of the porch, I did my regular deal with greenery and lights, but this year I added some bling and color with $5 worth of ribbon and $15 of plastic ornaments. I just wrapped the ribbon around the greenery and then hung the ornaments from the centers of each with floral wire:062

Whew hew! Color! Just want I wanted.

I take the floral pots that hold my mums in the fall and keep the soil in there so I can just plop the little trees in. I added some of the plastic ornaments to the bases of the tree just for fun (and color!):

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Not sure I’m loving the little bows on top of the trees, but c’mon, they are pretty cute.

I added some ornaments to the wreath over the garage door and the wreaths on the windows, instead of the sad little bows I’ve always had on them:

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PK at Room Remix posted about just twisting some ornaments together with floral wire and I don’t know why the heck I hadn’t thought of doing that! I love how they look on the wreaths!

Many of you have asked about the iron pieces hanging in our windows – they were actually gold “snowflakes” I got on clearance at Pier 1 years ago. I spray painted them black and hung them with fishing wire from the drapery rods:

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I took down the blinds we never use on these windows and now you can really see them from outside! They don’t look Christmasy most of the year, but they do with a wreath in the window. ;)

I love how the front porch decor looks through the transom window from inside.

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This may be how it looks with the door closed:

062 But this is how it looks when you open it:

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Holy Christmas mess Batman!!

I’ll add some daylight pics of the porch tomorrow…the ribbon looks soooo gorg during the day too.

Did I mention I was hoping to have ALL of the Christmas decor up before Monday of next week, so I can sit back and enjoy it all month? I hear you laughing at me. I can do it, I can. Only 13 more bins of stuff to go. ;)

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November 25, 2009

Comments

  1. Moore MinutesNovember 25, 2009 at 12:35 AM

    I want your wreath! :D Love that idea of putting the two together. Smart idea!

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  2. ArleneNovember 25, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    It all looks BE-U-tiful. And I'm sure you will have all of your christmas stuff up by Monday.

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  3. Amber FilkinsNovember 25, 2009 at 12:43 AM

    It all looks so fabulous!! I've been wanting to bulk up a front door wreath by layering them too. Yours looks great! You can DO it! You can get it all done by Monday!

    Can't wait to see it all!

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  4. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 12:45 AM

    Looks so pretty! Haven't started on my outside yet... still working on the inside! Love your door wreath!

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  5. House QueenNovember 25, 2009 at 12:47 AM

    It looks great! I wish I had my stuff ready! We are going to try to get it done this week while we are off from school!!!! Happy Holidays!

    YOu can come and do mine too if you really want to!!!!!

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  6. BrennaNovember 25, 2009 at 12:57 AM

    gorg-ee-ous! Love the front porch!!

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  7. Jen @ In My Free TimeNovember 25, 2009 at 12:58 AM

    I have a give-away idea.... you come decorate my house. It'll be fun, I promise!

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  8. Rocio @ Casa HausNovember 25, 2009 at 1:04 AM

    If you open the door to my house, it looks pretty much the same, so I get you. The only difference is I haven't been able to decorate yet. I DO believe you'll be able to do it.

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  9. ConnieNovember 25, 2009 at 1:17 AM

    Oh, So, Beautiful!!!! You did a fabulous job.

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  10. ArleneNovember 25, 2009 at 1:27 AM

    It looks beautiful! You can do it...I plan to have mine done to but I haven't started yet! Granted I don't have 13 bins since we are still newly married :)

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  11. Goings on at the Glenn'sNovember 25, 2009 at 1:31 AM

    Your house looks fantastic! But I do have to say that I felt a WHOLE lot better at seeing the shot of inside the house. I am glad I am not the only one! You CAN do it! Can't wait to see it all done.

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  12. Cheryl @ a pretty cool life.November 25, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    I'm not laughing at you, but....

    Good luck! :)

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  13. Sarah A Beach CottageNovember 25, 2009 at 2:25 AM

    phew, it looks like it stepped right outta the pages of a magazine

    love it

    S

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  14. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 3:51 AM

    love it .....so elegant

    Louise

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  15. LisaNovember 25, 2009 at 5:28 AM

    So Darn Pretty!!! I love it! I busted out laughing at the last picture.... :) Too funny!

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  16. {Happy Homes}November 25, 2009 at 6:31 AM

    OK, THAT is ADORABLE!!! Love it! Love it! Love it! You inspire me;0) Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas! I think I might have to decor-lift some of those FabuLous-o Ideas;0)
    blessings,
    tonyad

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  17. Paula@SweetPeaNovember 25, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    Everything looks so nice! I am going to try to get decorated early this year, too.

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  18. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 25, 2009 at 6:52 AM

    It looks great! Love the wreaths in the windows; I wanted to do that this year, but without lights. I usually do a lighted garland around the front door and was thinking of doing without it this year, but now you've got me changing my mind again.

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  19. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 7:03 AM

    Absolutely stunning! I love it all, and that wreath on your front door is so different, but so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing and hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sue

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  20. Sissie's Shabby CottageNovember 25, 2009 at 7:06 AM

    I cannot believe you have done all of this decorating already! Wow,
    it's so gorgeous! I love it, especially the idea of the balls on the wreath.

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 7:06 AM

    Do you look @ last years picture & this years picture & wonder why you thought last year looked so wonderful? I mean it did but this years decor looks SO much better.
    I do that all the time around my house. Wonder what the heck I was thinking.

    I'm behind I should go start my decorating outside.

    ReplyDelete
  22. SherriNovember 25, 2009 at 7:45 AM

    So very pretty! Love the touches of red. I plain to do all, err most of my Christmas decorating this weekend. Today it is CLEAN for family coming tomorrow.

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  23. AaronNovember 25, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    Target has those amaryllis wreaths again this year! They are so pretty.

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  24. Decor To AdoreNovember 25, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    I am catching up on my blog ready after a long semester of school.

    I adore your porch! It looks so festive and the wreath tutorial was great.

    Come by and see my $500 guest room redo.

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  25. Hopeful HousewifeNovember 25, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    Beautiful porch! Thanks for keeping it real with the inside pic!

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  26. Its So Very CheriNovember 25, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    Very pretty--I am trying to get it all done this weekend too---mwhahhhh hahaha--
    came by to grab your holiday button-I have some holiday parties too.

    Cheri

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  27. valerieNovember 25, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    I love it! I want your porch. And your windows. And your door! lol.

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  28. UnknownNovember 25, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    GORGEOUS! LOVE THAT GARLAND the most! I just re-did my wreath yesterday, and I am so pleased with it. My wreath and Garland will be up on a post Friday. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family!

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  29. JennNovember 25, 2009 at 9:20 AM

    I'm sending my Mom over to look at this. She will be so happy and probably will stick her tongue out at me (kidding, she would never do that, but the thought would be there) and say "See? There are others who take Holiday decorating as seriously as I do". And this time I would have to agree. I love it!

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  30. Nadir @ HodgepodgeNovember 25, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    13 bins? Goodness that's alt, I have about um...2 or 3...maybe. I need to stock up on deals after this season since I actually have a house to decorate now. Your porch is just lovely!

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  31. Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on TopNovember 25, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    I love it!!!! I just pointed out in a catalog to my 16 year old yesterday a porch decorated very similar to yours. haha She didn't care too much. I am going to try to get this done this year!!!! I love the red stuck in there, so much prettier!

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  32. All Things CherishNovember 25, 2009 at 9:35 AM

    Ooh la la! I opened up your blog and saw that beautiful wreath! Gorgeous! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  33. Laurel @ Ducks in a RowNovember 25, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    So funny - thanks for showing us inside! Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  34. AndreaNovember 25, 2009 at 10:11 AM

    Oh my! I literally laughed out load at that last pic! That's one of the things I LOVE about your blog...you always keep it real.

    Just wanted to wish you a happy Thanksgiving, and tell you I am thankful for YOU and YOUR blog. Your inspiration has helped this stay at home momma to five provide a warm, welcoming retreat for my family this year...so thank you Sarah...& HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!!!

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  35. Jen Beaudet November 25, 2009 at 10:40 AM

    That is gorgeous! Well done! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  36. NicoleNovember 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    Gorgeous. I wish I had half the talent you do!

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  37. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    I love it all, but I especially love the picture of the inside of your house! I'm looking forward to decorating our house this weekend, but I'm dreading the part of having to clean up all the fake pine needles, pieces of broken ornaments, and boxes galore after we're done.

    We cleaned out our basement this weekend. I thought of you as we were doing it. You're basement redo gave me the inspiration to finally get ours done. I will NEVER, EVER let it get to that state again. Now that it's done I just want to sit down there and take it all in. Of course it's still dark and cold, but it makes me giddy anyway. Wish I had a blog to show you my before and after pics.

    Thank you for your awesome blog. You're fun and inspirational. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Liz in Colorado.

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  38. HelenNovember 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM

    I'm still smiling over your last 'open door' photo ... BUT your decorating skills are really awesome and the whole scheme is lovely, lovely.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  39. TinaNovember 25, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Your porch looks gorgeous!! Can't wait to see the inside!! :)

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  40. Sabrina LawrenceNovember 25, 2009 at 11:01 AM

    What a funny post! I just love your blog!!! Your humor and decor rock!
    sabrina_lawrence@yahoo.com

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  41. JoyNovember 25, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    Wow! I have Christmas decor envy!!! I haven't even started mine yet and yours is looking gorgeous!!!
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  42. Amanda @ Little House on the CornerNovember 25, 2009 at 11:15 AM

    These pictures are beautiful! SO festive and welcoming!

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  43. Simply LKJNovember 25, 2009 at 11:32 AM

    Looks GREAT!! I actually always start with the outside decor...love driving up and seeing it all spruced up, and the neighbors think the whole house looks like that! LOL If they only knew...my neighbor across the street and I have a great time of making it a contest each year with the lights (his usually go out in a day or so...poor guy!) He inevitabley at some point yells across the street "Enough already Martha!" It's fun, and we enjoy starting our holiday season each year with the bantering/ribbing/etc. We've been neighbors for 17 years. I know YOU will get it all done!!

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  44. Jenn @ West Sac HoneyNovember 25, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    13 boxes!!! And I thought my 3 were alot!! But of course I ransack my mothers how which should equally all equal up to 13 boxes. I just finished my Dept 56 village!

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  45. nina@themissadventuresofninaNovember 25, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    It all looks so beautiful! I am ubber Jealous. Oh, and since I don't have a home now I decided to copy your Dinning room ornament wreath for my Sister. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  46. nina@themissadventuresofninaNovember 25, 2009 at 12:33 PM

    Oh- and I totally believe you can do it!!!!

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  47. Karen At Home BlogNovember 25, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Your porch is stunning!!! I love the topiary trees. Can't wait to see daylight pics.

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  48. Tonya TerryNovember 25, 2009 at 2:03 PM

    I love it! And yes you can get your decor finished by Monday and enjoy it all month. We have 25k lights up to an animated light show at our house and it is completed already so we and all our passerbys can enjoy! :)

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  49. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 2:15 PM

    It's all so pretty! Inspires me to get moving and finish mine up but I guess I'll wait until after my Thanksgiving company leaves Sunday or Monday. It's more fun to spend time with them. :-) I was surprised to see the mention - thank you! Glad you liked the idea. Sometimes it's just the littlest things - when the guy at the store told me about it a few years ago I was just thinking "why didn't I think of that?" :-)

    Have a great Thanksgiving!

    pk @ Room Remix

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  50. Kim at TennisFixationNovember 25, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    I love love your blog. I am spending way too much time reading it. And now I'm reading all of your back posts about Christmas. And I'm Jewish! And I'm in my kitchen reading and trying to make dinner at the same time. Looks like frozen pizza again. Keep up the good and funny work!

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  51. Lombardo FamilyNovember 25, 2009 at 6:51 PM

    Okay, so I've never commented on your blog and can't really imagine that you'll have the time to read all the comments anyway, but just HAD to tell you that you've inspired me soooo much with my home. Thanks so much for sharing your gift. I think I'm obsessed with reading your blog and thinking of new ideas to do on my own home. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  52. MelanieNovember 25, 2009 at 8:48 PM

    Very pretty. I will just look at all the decorations online since there will be none at my house this year. Moving 800 miles will do that to you.

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  53. PeggyNovember 26, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    Can't wait to see more!!
    13 more bins huh, you've got me beat! Have a great turkey day1

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  54. UnknownNovember 26, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    A job well done! Love everything, even the mess.

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  55. LorieNovember 26, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    It is GORGEOUS! I love the wreaths together and your porch is TO DIE FOR! You did such a good job. I can't wait to see the rest o it.

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  56. SandyNovember 26, 2009 at 1:57 PM

    The porch is so pretty. I love the flowers on the wreath and all the lights. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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  57. prashantNovember 26, 2009 at 4:18 PM

    love the topiary trees. Can't wait to see daylight pics.


    Make website india

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  58. RobynNovember 26, 2009 at 11:50 PM

    I LOVE the dimension of the wreath! YOU ROCKED IT!

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  59. LoriNovember 27, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    I love the inside shot the best!! ha ha
    Your place looks beautiful ~ the is nothing better than white mini lights and the green and red combo for outdoor decorations.

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  60. ~ ReganNovember 27, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    so beautiful! You've really pulled out the big guns for that front porch- it looks amazing!

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  61. AnonymousNovember 27, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    Lurve the front door!

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  62. Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeNovember 29, 2009 at 2:01 AM

    It's so beautiful and bright! Thanks for sharing!

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  63. PeggyNovember 29, 2009 at 3:49 PM

    That last photo of the inside of your house is SO funny - that is so my life! Anyway, genius with the two layers of lighted garland in the front entry. Mine is just like that but I always just put it around the door. Not this year! Thanks for the idea.

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  64. XazminNovember 29, 2009 at 11:58 PM

    I LOVE the bunching together christmas ornaments with wire. I learned that trick last year when I did 2 trees for the Festival of Trees (Local Christmas Charity). I totally stole that idea from some of the other entries and used it in my own house!

    ACK! I haven't even STARTED!

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  65. Lacie @ Creative AttemptsDecember 7, 2009 at 11:47 PM

    just in case you never get sick of hearing it you are an inspiration. I am not great with coming up with my own fresh ideas but i can copy an idea and make it my own like a champ lol

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  66. Elder FamilyMarch 3, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    I have posted alredy this week, but I am trying to catch up on all that you have shared since I have just found you! Love the holiday decor. I have a wonderful idea that someday I will get out all these ideas I have for my own house, when we get one that is! Thanks for the inspiration and I absolutely love the 'Welcome' on your front door, what a great idea.

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If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here!

You can find our paint colors and links to items at the "Our Home" tab at the top of my site.

THANKS so much for reading!