1. Double Up On A Door Wreath And Garland
Of all the Christmas foliage ideas, it’s a wreath that we usually associate with Christmas front porch decor, but a garland can work just as well. So, consider pairing Christmas garland ideas and Christmas wreath ideas to take the festivities to a whole new level – and a beautiful level, at that.
2. Illuminate A Festive Scene
One of the easiest ways to dress your porch is with outdoor Christmas light ideas and, contrary to popular belief, light-up figures can be a truly elegant addition… if you choose wisely! Plus they’re a great way of adding maximum impact with little effort needed on your part.
3. Choose An Unconventional Floral Display
Christmas plants and flowers have come a long way from your classic red and green: there's all manner of colorful stems and blooms you can use, and if you’re going to go bold with your display, it makes sense to take it to the porch, where everyone can appreciate it.
4. Dine Al Fresco
If you’re blessed with a sizable, screened-in porch, why not set up your Christmas table outside? We’re not saying dine al fresco every day, but on a crisp winter’s day, it can be lovely – guests needn’t even knock on the door to receive a warm welcome! Just be sure to keep a few blankets close to hand, and perhaps a mulled wine or two.
5. Be Playful With Christmas Props
If you can’t have a little fun at Christmas when can you? So don’t hold back on your props – they’re a great way of adding some personality to your porch. Whether it’s a giant nutcracker, a light-up reindeer or a stylish toy car, like in this example, choose something that makes you smile.
6. Create A Party Atmosphere
It is the party season after all, so if you’re hosting this year, consider adorning your Christmas porch with a bright and bold balloon arch to let guests know they’re in for a jolly good time. The beauty of balloons is you know they’re a temporary addition, so you can afford to go all out on the frivolity factor. We love this contemporary take on traditional Christmas colors, and the novelty candy canes make for a fun extra touch, too – kids will love them!
7. Factor In Your Front Door
Your front door color likely dictates your day-to-day porch decor, so it makes sense to factor this in when deciding on Christmas porch decor, particularly a wreath. If you’ve opted for something fairly neutral, such as white, cream or pale green, you don’t have to worry too much – just about anything will go, however, a bolder shade requires a little more thought.
8. Decorate Outside From Within
When it comes to decorating your Christmas porch, the focus tends to be on the outside of your home, but don’t forget that effective Christmas window decor ideas can offer up an inviting little glimpse of what to expect on the inside, too. Using candles or pretty light-up decorations is your best bet – not only will they look beautiful during the day, they’ll also offer up that sought-after welcoming glow when darkness falls.
9. Step It Up
The most classic and traditional way to light up your Christmas porch is with lanterns on the steps. However, if you’re after something a little more colorful, try replacing the candles for a mix of baubles instead. Battery-powered LED fairy lights are a more sensible option for decor at ground level, and easily replicate that magical, candle-lit glow. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them going out – bonus!
10. Indulge All The Senses
Sheltered porches allow you to experiment with indoor decorations, so take the opportunity to max out on the festivities – real tree decked top to bottom with baubles and lights? Why not! Treat it like you would an entryway and hang paper decorations from the ceiling in different sizes and at different heights for a truly eye-catching display. Here, muted shades of cream and green offer a charming minimalist feel, but if there ever was a time to choose bright, bold shades, it’s at Christmas!
11. Welcome Guests With A Wreath
The first step in making your outdoor space feel festive has to be adding a wreath to your door. This year, think about how you can make a Christmas wreath that feels coordinated with your interior decorations and give a hint of what’s to come.
12. Give Your Door A Festive Lick Of Paint
Painting your front entrance a festive color is among the more dramatic Christmas door decor ideas, but if you’re planning to do it anyway, why not choose a hue that works all year round, but also feels apt over the holidays? Green is hugely on trend, while red is a classic door color that makes a Christmas porch look extra fabulous.
13. Wrap Garlands Around Your Columns
If you’ve worked out how to make a Christmas garland, then why not transfer those skills into decorating your porch for Christmas? As demonstrated in this example, nature-inspired garlands look wonderful wrapped around the support columns of a porch, and are even better when filled with scented items like dried oranges and cinnamon sticks.
14. Light It Up With Lanterns
Beckoning evening guests into the warm glow of your home should always start with outdoor Christmas light ideas at this time of year. String lights look great lining the top of a porch, but don’t forget to illuminate the lower levels too. In this example, lanterns have been scattered across the floor area surrounding the boot bench.
15. Make A Statement With A Fully Decorated Christmas Tree
Sometimes, one Christmas tree just isn’t enough. If you have too many Christmas tree ideas to fit into your living room example, then consider adding an entire, fully decorated one to your porch too. It will make for a statement, showstopping welcome on your doorstep, particularly when covered in outdoor lights. While you may want to keep the presents indoors, consider sprinkling it with faux snow on Christmas morning for an extra dose of wonder.
16. Channel Chalet Style
Whether you missed out on a skiing holiday this year or are just craving the slopes, consider bringing the apres-ski party to your porch with some chalet chic accessories. In this example, the Christmas patio decor ideas take on a cabin decor twist. A cool neutral scheme is given warmth with brown wooden skis and a sled, as well as cozy fur and wool throws, all centered around a flaming chiminea (perfect for toasting marshmallows, if you ask us).
17. Dress Up The Details With Foliage
We’re sure your porch is filled with all sorts of considered design details that make it feel stylish the whole year round – so make sure they stand out at Christmas too. Have some fun with Christmas foliage ideas and use them to dress up your favorite features, from your door knocker to your boot bench, from the window sills to the outdoor lights. In this example, a wreath bedecks a wall sconce, giving it a holiday makeover.
18. Add A Festive Flourish To Your Windows
While Christmas is all about letting loose and having fun, keeping some structure and boundaries to your decor will help it stay stylish. For smaller porches, arranging your decorations symmetrically with your door at the center creates a focus on the journey indoors, and makes the design feel more intentional.
19. Keep It Symmetrical
While Christmas is all about letting loose and having fun, keeping some structure and boundaries to your decor will help it stay stylish. For smaller porches, arranging your decorations symmetrically with your door at the center creates a focus on the journey indoors, and makes the design feel more intentional. In this example, lanterns line the Christmas stair decor ideas, while two full-sized, but subtly bare Christmas trees flank the double door, which itself boasts two dangling bunches of pine branches.
20. Create A Cozy Seating Area
While you’ll likely want to be staying most of the holidays indoors, there’s no harm in making your outdoor seating spaces feel cozier than ever. Boost your boot bench with cushions and blankets in festive colors and prints. This makes for a wonderful welcome home after a long walk, but also creates a space for sitting on a crisp winter morning and watching the world go by, with a warm cup of coffee in hand.