7 Ideas for Decorating Your Porch for Christmas

A front porch is an invitation to your home. When it comes to decorating for Christmas, don't forget this important extension of your indoor decorating. Here are a few ideas for decorating your porch for Christmas to create a warm and welcoming area that visitors and passersby will appreciate.

Add a Christmas Tree
If your porch has enough space, a decorated Christmas tree is a must have. Many stores offer slimline Christmas trees that are perfect for porches. There are also special Christmas trees that are flat on one side to fit snug up against a wall. This type of tree would also be a great choice for a porch. Add lights and decorations to create a great display that visitors will love.

For a special touch to go along with your Christmas tree, wrap a few boxes and put them under the tree and even at other spots on the porch. Be sure to add festive ribbons to complete the decorative effect.

Garland
Wrap pine garland around pillars, posts and handrails. If you want lights for nighttime, wrap them with the garland. Top off the garlands with festive red bows. You can also drape garland on railing and from underneath the porch ceiling for a classic look.

Christmas Flag
If you have a decorative flagpole on your porch, change out your flag for a Christmas-themed flag. Check your local stores for a flag that suits you and be sure to change it with the holiday season.

Welcome Mat
A Christmas welcome mat on your porch serves a couple of purposes: Visitors can wipe their feet and keep them clean before entering your home and a Christmas mat offers a touch of color and decoration. Choose a mat that is sturdy to stand up to traffic but is attractive and suitable in appearance.

Porch Sitters
If you have a swing or some type of seat on your porch, look for a "porch sitter." I have a stuffed reindeer made of nylon fabric that can sit on my porch. A stuffed reindeer, Santa Claus, snowman or some other type of porch sitter can add a bit of whimsy to your porch decor.

Poinsettias
Live poinsettias won't survive a cold winter on a porch, but artificial flowers will offer the same appearance with the ability to withstand the cold. Choose artificial poinsettias to add to decorative flower pots and create a floral arrangement that will look great on your porch. Place other stems of fake poinsettias at other spots on your porch for more color and decoration.

Snowman and Fake Snow
Add fake snow and a stuffed snowman to your porch for a touch of whimsy. A snow shovel positioned on the porch adds a bit of fun and practicality. Go a step farther by adding spray snow to house windows.