Holiday Decorating
Front porches are the perfect place to decorate for 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas or other holidays!Georgia Front Porch transformed this three-story colonial in Kennesaw by extending the living area with a porch which combines form and function. Notes General Manager Gary Zielinski: “A uniquely designed entryway can give your home its own personality, especially if you are in a neighborhood where many homes share similar looks. Adding a porch or a portico can create curb appeal and in turn boost resale value. Not to mention the allure for family, friends and neighbors.”
To help homeowners Janet and Ralph McDaniel celebrate in true holiday spirit, stylist Nan McCulloch designed the finished entryway to welcome in the new season. Says McCulloch: “There is a resurgence in the traditional holiday celebration, especially when it come to outdoor Christmas decorating.” But the new addition can add flair to the other holidays around the year, such as the Fourth of July.For Christmas, sparkling twin topiaries and swags of greenery frame the porch, and all white lights create an elegant tone. Warm and inviting, the décor creates the foundation for a traditional welcome, appealing to family and friends. In July, red, white, and blue bunting wrapped around the pillars and draped across the railing, plus an American flag in the flag holder, make for a patriotic entry.
There's no need to break the bank to decorate for either holiday. Simple strategies and a dash of creativity can go a long way. Here are some fun and easy ways to deck the halls:
Back to Nature. For Christmas decorating, go outside and find "natural decorations”. Gather leaves, fallen branches, pine cones and vines. Use these items in centerpieces, arrangements and to make or embellish wreaths. Decorate simply, emphasizing wreaths and garlands of natural greenery, and add an unexpected twist, such as dried cranberries. Note: Pine cone wreaths last a long time and become prettier as they age.
Don’t be afraid to shine. Personalize your Christmas colors. Choose any color except green--green is a Christmas neutral. For a dramatic finish, think silver or gold metallic. For the Fourth of July, cover the door and the windows with shiny blue, white or red wrapping paper, and add reflective streamers to your front porch plants.
Enliven the entry. Decorate a real or imitation large plant by the front door with the appropriate colors. If space allows, flank the door with two plants. For those who crave a hint of the untraditional at Christmas, purchase a neon tree in bright pink, blue or lime green.
Tradition reigns. Nutcrackers and Santa – or Uncle Sam and Minutemen - standing by the front door make the entryway come alive.
Illuminate the season. An easy way to brighten up a window -- cut holiday-inspired shapes (like stars or trees) out of poster board, spray paint it gold or coat one side with glue and cover with glitter. Use electrical wire to create primitive folk art-inspired stars and small wreaths.
Add Greenery. Place several potted poinsettias near the front door. Use real plants if it is not too cold. In July, add colored potted plants.
Brighten the Walkway. Mark the path to your front door with illumination. The traditional standby is inexpensive and inviting: paper lunch bags, filled with approximately 4" of sand and 12" tapered candles inserted into sand and lit just before folks arrive, or just before the fireworks begin. Your sidewalk will look especially welcoming when bordered by luminaries and will make it safer for guests.
For more information about transforming your home with a porch or portico, visit www.georgiafrontporch.com or call 770-781-8234.
