Outside of the Christmas tree nestled in your living room, no area of your home gets as much holiday love as your front porch. Not only is it a part of your lighting setup, it's also the setting for many winter activities. Be it a group of traveling carolers, your neighbor bringing over a batch of her famous gingerbread cookies, or even just the Amazon delivery guy making his 132nd stop at your home this week, your porch is where all that Christmas magic happens. So you get to have some serious fun with your Christmas porch decor.
Keeping it bare of holiday decor would be an act of Grinch-worthy proportions. Decorating your front porch for Christmas is a must. If you can decorate your home like a Hallmark Christmas movie, why not the outside as well?
While it can totally be as simple as hanging up a DIY Christmas wreath and sprinkling your steps with a few poinsettias, creating an all-out winter wonderland isn't as hard as you might think. Just keep in mind what seasonal weather may look like in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences heavy snowfall, opt for decorations that can withstand the cold and won't get ruined by harsh weather. If you're lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, you have more freedom to play with different materials and styles.
Snow or sun, these 10 Christmas porch decor ideas will have you wanting to spend all your time outside this holiday season.
Choose Thicker Garland
If you want a simple way to make a statement, then go for the bushy, thick, slightly out-of-control-looking garland. The more baubles and branches, the better. By framing your front porch or your doorway (as HLC Studio does in the photo above), you'll turn your entry into something out of a Hallmark movie.
Display Winter Necessities
Cold weather requires a few essentials, such as logs and blankets. Instead of storing them away in a closet, take a page out of Nesting With Grace's book and keep them in plain sight. Even holiday decor can benefit from a little functionality. So, brainstorm ideas for pieces that are eye-catching and practical.
Half-Frame Your Doorway
We'll let you in on a little secret: The coolest homes in the neighborhood aren't overdoing it this year. Maintain your year-round minimalistic vibe by lining only half of your doorway with your choice of garland. As you can see in Style Me Pretty's example, this design pairs well with other simple touches.
Embrace the Outdoor Christmas Tree
Minimalism is chic. But maximalism is fun. Especially when it gives you an excuse to buy not one but two Christmas trees. Whether you opt for simple spruce with lights as Clark + Adline did or something with as much personality (and ornaments) as your indoor greenery, this unexpected addition will surprise and delight anyone who rings your doorbell.
Double Your Wreaths
While we're talking twos, why stop at just one wreath? If you have double doors gracing your front porch, double up on the holiday cheer. Going this route is a fun way to embrace symmetry. So pull that look all the way down as Red White & Denim did by adding identical planters on either side of your front steps.
Spruce Up Your Porch Pots
The changing season doesn't mean you have to hide away your summer succulents. Give your dedicated front porch planters a winter makeover as House of Jade Interiors did with some pine cones, birch logs and just a few sprigs of pine-like greenery. It's a simple touch, but it goes a long way.
Pay Homage to Your Winter Hobbies
Be it skiing, snowshoeing or relaxing by the fire with some hot cocoa, everyone has a favorite way to celebrate winter activity. Whatever yours is, incorporate it into your front porch decor as Ella Claire & Co. did. Lean a vintage sled against a wall, hang up a pair of snowshoes against your front door, or simply display some ice skates on a bench. It's a fun and personalized way to get in the holiday spirit.
Make a Wreath Snowman
This is uber-specific, but we love it too much not to share. If you have a few extra wreaths lying around and want to try something different, why not turn them into a snowman? Cassie Bustamante uses those simple branch wreaths you can find at any craft store, but this would be just as cute with some greenery wreaths.
Opt For a Wreath Alternative
Not a wreath fan? No problem. You can still enjoy all the holiday charm on your front door with this adorable DIY hanging bell tutorial from Life on Summerhill. It's cozy, rustic and a downright adorable way to greet your guests.
Go Mini Tree Crazy by The Ponds Farmhouse
By now, you know that we love a big tree on the front porch — but we love a forest of mini trees just as much. The Ponds Farmhouse offers a prime example of how to do it right. Opt for a variety of sizes, shapes and even textures for the ultimate winter wonderland vibe.