Holiday Porch Tour 2016

Every year I tell myself that I am not going to go all out with the Christmas decorations, and, every year, I fail miserably at keeping that vow. This year was no exception. I did shake things up a bit on the porch, however, partly because I wanted to keep things fresh and partly because I am lazy. The biggest change was the omission of the Christmas tree that I usually center in the largest section of the porch; the tree was Hugh and my original indoor tree twenty-some-odd years ago and it is really starting to show its; age, so, instead of using it, I piled packages on the table and called it good.

Another change to the porch was the addition of the kids' old True Value Radio Flyer wagon; it has been quietly rusting away in the back yard for years now and I decided that it was worth salvaging. I imagine I will use it on the porch for other seasons as well.

This year I also decided to change out the deco-mesh garland that usually frames the door and window with a mixed pine garland, which I ended up liking quite a bit (tomorrow, you'll see the deco mesh garland repurposed on the staircase in the house); it pairs nicely with the fresh greenery that I always use on the table, and, this year, on the old steamer trunk that I picked up at a barn sale earlier in the year.

Another purchase I made this year was an old milk delivery box; it was a perfect receptacle for more faux greenery and bunches of holly. I especially love this piece because it reminds me of growing up in Mayberry, where we had a milkman and a similar delivery box (why, yes, I am old; thank you for noticing).

And, speaking of old things, I used this old milk can to hold even more seasonal greenery (it was on sale at JoAnn's and I had a coupon! Look at me being all thrifty and shit!). I am thisclose to admitting that I have a slight antique hoarding issue, but, don't schedule an appointment with a therapist just yet; I'm not ready to admit that I need help.

My vintage blow-mold Santa was a gift from my sister, Barbie, on my birthday two years ago; it is dated 1968, which happens to be the year I was born, making it 48, now. So, again, old shit: LOVE IT.

I've been told that the porch during the daytime looks like a winter wonderland (I think it's the ribbon candy-striping that I did on the columns this year).

But, the porch at night is my favorite. The lights are so warm and welcoming, and, if I had portable heaters out there, I would probably host winter porch nights.

Hmmm... heaters....wonder when they go on sale....

And, I digress.

So, that is it for the porch decorations this year. Tune in tomorrow when we tour the inside of the house, where, in the words of the Man-Cub, "Christmas threw up all over the place". Sounds inviting, no?