How to Style a Traditional Christmas Porch

This traditional Christmas front porch features cedar garland, large wreaths, and pine trees to create a classic and inviting entry.

From the moment someone walks up to your front door, it sets the tone for what’s inside. But whether you go all out with lots of greenery and trees, or simply add wreaths to the door, it’s nice to create a welcoming feel for friends and family during the holidays.

For me, a warm and welcoming porch is one of the prettiest things of the holiday season!

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This year I went with a very traditional color palette of burgundy and silver, so I wanted to continue that on the outside as well. 

Each year I tweak the decor slightly, the color or style being slightly different, and I want the porch to reflect that. Which is why I love to use simple cedar wreaths and garland. That way, it’s very easy to add a different color or switch things up with a new accent!

I used my favorite cedar wreaths (now on sale!), but simply added new ribbons and accents. Some years I’ve attached ornaments or pinecones to the wreaths, but this year I left them bare to let the burgundy ribbons shine. To me, the burgundy contrasts so beautifully with the dark greens!

I used a wider burgundy velvet ribbon along with this adorable Noël ribbon (in love!), paired with some of my favorite brass bells. These bells are so versatile! I’ve used them on everything from a wreath, to a mantel, to a stairwell newel post.

(You’ll have to forgive the slightly blurry photos! We were having outrageous winds and I was struggling to get photos where the ribbons weren’t moving haha!)

I added my brass lanterns to the porch this year – something I’ve rarely done! Here I used one faux pine as well as a little live cedar. I often mix faux and live trees on the porch depending on what I find that year.

I love the way the burgundy ribbon looks against the brass lantern! That was my motto this year – “when in doubt, put a bow on it!” It’s surprising how effective they are and how festive they make just about anything!

Adding a few presents is just a way of making it feel extra festive, but it would look equally pretty without them. And yes, they’re empty! 😉

The larger cedar on the left is live and I plopped it in this basket for a little texture and interest. I use baskets indoors for planters yet I’ve never done it on my Christmas porch and I love the look!

This year’s porch reflects how I decorated on the inside. Simple greens along with traditional colors of burgundy and white. It was simple to pull together but really adds a nice ambiance. Plus it looks so pretty when someone pulls up or stops by!

Of course, if you’ve been here awhile you know there’s something major missing from these photos and that’s our beautiful Golden, Hudson. Sadly we lost him last month and I’m still feeling the loss. So in honor of him, and what a cute model he always was, I’m sharing one of my favorite porch shots with him below.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and for sharing in our holiday decor this year. I so appreciate you being here and hope I’ve brought you inspiration for your own holiday decorating!

I’ve linked quite a few wreath options that will give you the look below, as well as the ribbons, bells, pots, and lanterns I used!

Shop Traditional Christmas Porch 

Happy Holidays!

Sheila
xo

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out some of our other holiday decorating posts below:

Traditional French-inspired Christmas in Burgundy & Silver

Holiday Decor Essentials: Our 7 Favorites

How to Style an Elegant Christmas Front Porch

Classic Christmas Decor in the Kitchen & Family Room