I wanted to share an update on our Christmas porch progress. It’s been rainy and gloomy here, but I managed to take a few photos to show how the porch is shaping up.
Our front porch feels like two spaces: one by the main entry and the other by the living room doors. In this post I’ll share both sides so you can see the full look.
Last year my little metal whale that usually decorates our wreath went missing, and I missed seeing him on the door. Many visitors asked about him, so I’m happy to report he’s back this year, perched on our wreath and welcoming everyone to our home.
He brings a playful touch and feels like the perfect seasonal accent for our front entrance.
We added a Christmas banner, string lights, and hanging stars to create a festive atmosphere. I’ve grown to love banners over the front door as an easy seasonal tradition. They’re charming, simple to hang, compact to store—especially helpful in a smaller home—and they instantly add a celebratory feel for every season.
We’ve used banners for Halloween and Thanksgiving and will likely bring out versions for spring and summer. I prefer to rotate them seasonally rather than keeping them up all year.
I recently bought a new doormat that I love. It’s weatherproof and works well on the porch. The style is versatile and durable—perfect for welcoming guests through every season.
Finnegan is always ready to greet visitors—he loves to shake hands!
And here’s Lily saying hello as well.
After hanging the wreath I had an idea: tuck the ribbon behind the whale so he stands out even more. I like the bow both visible and tucked, and you’ll see both looks in the photos. For now I’m leaning toward keeping the ribbon behind him because it highlights the whale as the focal point.
Decorating often takes a few tries to get just right, and one reason I enjoy doing it slowly is that you can tweak and adjust until the arrangement feels balanced and personal.
Here are a few items featured on the porch and inside the window that you might recognize from the photos:
Metal whale ornament on the wreath
Hanging lit stars and string lights
Weatherproof doormat suitable for outdoor use
A seasonal banner over the door and gingham ribbon on the wreath
Window candle and small decorative accents visible from inside
Heirloom-quality nautical nutcrackers and a small round boxwood wreath can be seen through the window.
I’ve enjoyed the process of layering these simple touches to create a warm, welcoming porch. Little details—like where the ribbon sits or a favorite ornament returning—make the space feel personal and festive. Thanks for looking at our porch update; I hope it inspires a few ideas for your own seasonal decorating.