A Welcoming Holiday Entrance

This past weekend was beautiful weather for this time of year in December in Northeast OH, so I took advantage and decorated the front porch. This year I did not buy much new holiday decor. Everything used on the front porch was from prior years. 

Looking up from the street I added garland and a wreath on the railing. (Side note, I can see from the pictures that a coming spring project definitely needs to be painting my railings and screen door.)

I have a swing I leave year-round on the front and threw a buffalo print throw over it to add some holiday color. I replaced the old barn wood sign usually to the left of the front door with an antique sled and threw some old ice skates over it with a sprig of greenery cut from the yard and a bow that matched the front wreath. 

To the right of the door is a cozy chair and topiary that are also there year-round. I did update the ribbon to match the rest of the decor as well as wrap a grape crate to appear as a gift sitting on the chair. I did add a treat box for the delivery drivers and postal workers though, however, I used items I already had to create this. I simply found the sign online and printed it off then glued it to cardboard cut to size for stiffness. I then added some bottled water inside and a made up some Dollar Tree treat bags with snacks inside. 

The wreath I used on my front door is from prior years as well but also matched quite well. 

Here is a view of the entire finished look. The door mat also was from previous years. The bottom rug was bought at Hobby Lobby last fall, though I do think they still carry them. The red mat was found super cheap a few years back at Ollie's.

I am happy with how it came out and the delivery workers seem to be appreciating the treats so far. Comment below.... how did you do your front porch this year? Did you reuse decor from previous years or buy new?

A Wreath Making Party

For the past several years, I have been aware of a local tree farm conducting wreath making classes. It is a lot like a "Paint and Sip" night, I guess, except that you pay to decorate a holiday wreath and BYOB. But sadly, every year they sold out almost immediately. This year I was balking about missing out again to a friend on the phone who promptly suggested that I just throw my own event... What a great idea! So that is exactly what I did!

I sent out the invites to some girlfriends and my mom and aunt and a party was planned. I provided the supplies then had guest BYOB and bring an appetizer to share to keep the costs down. It was a fun and creative night!

To maximize space, I drug a long buffet table up from the basement which I sat up in the middle of the living room and split some into the dining room. I sat up boxes of supplies on end tables and in the middle of the tables. Guests mingled and shared the supplies they had near them with others.

Dante wasn't too sure what was going on with all these women all over the house.... but he patiently waited for every crumb that dropped on a chair near where the appetizers were set up.

The night was a huge success resulting in good conversation and some wonderful creations!