27 Best Christmas Porch Decorations to Welcome Your Holiday Guests
You'll be sitting pretty with these gorgeous holiday displays.
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A lot goes into Christmas entertaining prep: finalizing your Christmas dinner menu, baking Christmas cookies to swap with your guests, and trimming the tree. But, every hostess worth their salt knows that the party starts well before guests walk in. And, while it's totally normal for outdoor Christmas decorations to escape your mind or get pushed to the bottom of that list (who actually wants to stand out in the cold and untangle Christmas lights?!), your Christmas porch decorations are the first thing your guests will see.
Here you'll find how to wow them on the walk up to the front door with porch decor ideas for Christmas garlands, DIY wreath ideas, Christmas trees, and more. Whether you have a wraparound porch or just a balcony, we're of the mindset that you can never have too many seasonal details or too much flair. To help inspire you, we've rounded up some of our favorite ideas here that'll make your home ready for the holidays and wow your Christmas party guests.
Trim the Porch with an Outdoor Christmas Tree
“I love the idea of having an outdoor tree, and this is a perfect way to do it,” says designer Heather Taylor of the 10-footer on the screened-in porch on her Idyllwild cabin, where—yes, even during the winter—the family bundles up and gathers to enjoy the view under the glow of a moonlike light fixture.
Go Big or Go Home!
A big porch calls for an oversized wreath adorned with giant jingle bells and a plaid bow.
SHOP OVERSIZED JINGLE BELLS
Let the Snow In!
A side porch set with upholstered wingback chairs and sheepskin throws provides a great escape for moments of holiday contemplation or the perfect place to sneak away for a sip of warm cider or eggnog.
Cozy Porch Scene
Bring the living room outside by creating a charming corner on the porch. Start by setting up a tree (here decorated with painted pine cones, dried citrus, and a berry garland) complete with wrapped packages underneath it. Add seasonal pillows and a cozy throw to a bench and finish it all off with a simple garland adorning a window.
Crock Planter
Even petite porches can pack a punch. Take a note from this Rhode Island salt box and layer in oversized freshly foraged branches into a vintage jug for a low-lift holiday twirl.
Greenery Galore
A natural handmade wreath and garland crafted from greenery and olive branches perfectly frame the front door. Add a potted tree and bells hanging from the doorknob finish the scene.
SHOP HANGING DOOR BELLS
Red and Green Decorations Galore
A vintage Ford truck adds to the appeal of this 1800s Catskills farmhouse. Vibrant red ribbons tucked amid Fraser fir garlands and wreaths pop against the vivid white of the home and snow, making for a classic Christmas color palette you can duplicate at home.
Simply Charming Sleds
This 208-year-old Connecticut farmhouse's side porch is the perfect backdrop for antique decorations such as these simple wooden sleds. A ribbon-adorned wreath adds a pop of color that mirrors the arched green door beside it (complete with jingle bells on the doorknob!).
Natural Greenery
This adorable cottage's front porch might be small, but red lanterns and pottered greenery bring plenty of charm to the space without much expense or work. Striped ribbons hang wreaths from windows and carry the eye upward from the trees flanking the doorway.
Wreaths and Garlands
Whether you have a spacious front porch or just want to feature a ton of holiday touches in your entryway, take note from this homeowner. Dress up your banisters with garlands and windows with wreaths for the ultimate Christmas porch.
Christmas Tree Decor
Why should a Christmas tree be reserved for the inside of your home? Choosing a smaller tree for outdoor use is a gorgeous way to greet your holiday guests.
Play with Texture
While pine is a great seasonal addition to your entrance, try adding in softer textures like scarves, blankets, and pillows too. They'll definitely make your porch feel a little cozier.
Accent with Garland
Play up the height of your porch's pillars with a dramatic garland. We think this idea works well on a wraparound porch.
All Green Everything
Add fresh greenery to magnolia wreaths and layer on the cedar garland to make everything look fresh and full.
See more at Craftberry Bush.
A Very Vintage Christmas
Eclectic odds and ends will set your exterior out from the crowd of other well-decorated facades.
See more at Robb Restyle.
Nothing But Neutrals
A muted color palette will make your outdoor decor look serene—especially after a fresh winter snowfall.
See more at Home Stories A to Z.
Better With Blue
Red and green are great, but try mixing up your color scheme with icy blue items, like this wooden storage bench.
See more at The Happy Housie.
Trim the Tree
Although they're usually standing tall in your living room, Christmas trees can also look holly jolly on the porch. Big, small, real, or faux—they will add instant festivity to your outdoors.
See more at On Sutton Place.
Go for Garland
Layer a gorgeous garland and other greenery on your front door to show you're in the Christmas spirit. Bonus points for extra natural elements, like this friendly woodland creature.
See more at Ballard Designs.
Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.
Chloe Gorman is the lifestyle writer for Country Living who covers food, décor, entertainment, and more.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
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