Christmas on the Front Porch-2016

I am a creature of habit and change is not something that I like to mess with too often... I know, funny for someone who is constantly wanting to paint or move furniture, right. But there are things that work for me and it doesn't take a lot of effort recreating the look year after year. Not really what you're coming here for? Well, I did change it up a little on the front porch this year.

Mister hung the icicle lights for me. I try to get this done when temps are still warmer to make it less of a dreaded chore. Sometimes lights are up for a week or two before we actually turn them on. I got some pictures taken the day after Thanksgiving, which is when I usually decorate outside. The weather was warm. A week later we got our first snow and I had to run out with my camera. You will notice the difference in the photos.

I changed the bows on the wreaths to plaid. I don't know why my decorating has taken this turn this year....

Maybe it has something to do with a side project I was working on for someone else. Their was Winter Wonderland so everything was white, gold, and silver. That is what I thought was going to happen in my home this year but then the backward hutch top happened and here I am.

I found this fishing creel last month at my trip to a local monthly market! I changed the bow out to match the wreaths.

I bought a 4 foot tree for $15 from a local yard sale Facebook page. I crammed it into the bottom of my cart and slapped my hand painted sign on the front.

I gathered downed branches from the yard, added some greens and some holly from my neighbor's huge bush. They always come over to let me know I am welcome to cut from the back for anything I may need.  I pushed all that into the old crock and placed it on the church pew.

A wreath, with a matching plaid bow, adorns the front gate.

I consider our decorated home a gift to my neighborhood. My snowman welcomes people as they go by.

I love looking at the lights and decorations on people's homes and I assume others do, too. We often take drives through pretty neighborhoods during Christmas. It makes me happy to see all the twinkling and sparkles. Even the worst home in a neighborhood looks pretty at night with the Christmas lights on. Kinda like us.... Simple humans, tattered and worn, covered in the grime of our transgressions can become beautiful when adorned with the light of Christ.

Now, I need to work on the inside! Happy decorating and preparing!
                                                           Merry Christmas!

Party time!
Imparting Grace, Lambert's Lately, My Repurposed Life, The Charm of Home, Katherine's Corner, The Vintage Nest, Joyful Homemaking, A Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, Up To Date Interiors, Craftberry Bush, Charm Bracelet Diva, Life With Lorelai, Shabby Art Boutique, Shoestring Elegance, Olives-n-Okra, Coastal Charm, Skip To My Lou, French Country Cottage, The Cottage Market, The DIY Village, DIY Vintage Chic, McCall Manor, Creatively Homemade, The Chelsea Project, Chic On A Shoestring, Ms ToodyGoo Shoes,, Pieced Pastimes, One More Time Events, Finding Silver Pennies, Create With Joy, The Boondocks Blog, Nifty Thrifty Things, Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home, The Stonybrook House, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Creatively Living, The Dedicated House, Strangers and Pilgrims On Earth, Our Home Away From Home, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Cupcakes and Crinoline, Celebrate & Decorate, A Stroll Thru Life, Common Ground, Flamingo Toes, Lou Lou Girls