So Thanksgiving came and went. And with that went my mums, kale, and petunias. Right now, I’m feeling a little guilty that I never showed you those. Oops. Of course, winter tears through up here and leaves my porch looking a little less…uhhh…welcoming.
Don’t worry (you aren’t worried, are you?). I’ve got a remedy for that. This is my backyard, remember? And yes, I am totally showin’ off m’deer. We don’t see a ton of buck, but this guy paid us a visit recently. Back to my point (Get it, point? I was just talking about a buck?)—the trees. Lots of ‘em.
So I ventured into the forest and cut off a bunch of varying branches.Who knew there were so many evergreen species back there? I just kind of stuck them in the dirt in random directions until I liked the way it looked.
I found some red branches (with a bunch of life-ending thorns, mind you) for some height, but I bought some red glittery picks at Hobby Lobby to bring in a little more color. I’d say it cost me $8.00. Not bad.
The outside decorating is coming along nicely. I wanted to save a couple dollars this year and bought a different fresh garland. NEVER again. I’m so displeased with it. Bummer.
I’m not gonna lie. I was pretty much banking on some snow for the whole house pictures, but we don’t have any. In Michigan. In December. Write that down, Farmer’s Almanac. Hopefully, I can get some this week.
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I really love the porch pots! I also miss my fall pots….but I worked my green and white cabbage into my winter pots and I like the texture it adds. You can see it here http://homedaybook.blogspot.com/2011/12/door-decorholiday-style.html. I wish I had a bunch of evergreens to cut from!! I’m hoping to pick up some cheap pine pieces on sale this week for mine…right now I have fake greenery in mine. Well done!
It looks beautiful, Jennifer! Great idea. Thanks for sharing!
It looks so pretty! I love all the greens with the bright red ribbon. So festive!
It’s beautiful! I love it : o )
Thanks so much, Tricia!
Did you get that garland at Home Depot, by any chance? I bought some there for $5 a coil, felt like I was getting a great deal…and yeah, it was terrible. I ended up buying more at a Christmas tree farm down the road. (BTW, I’m also in W. Michigan and it does feel strange not having any snow. Oh well. We’ll get plenty before it’s all over. But it is nicer to have it for Christmas.)
I bought it at Sam’s Club. I saved $10, but it wasn’t worth it. Do you go to Hart’s Farms? They have beautiful stuff!
Another comment. I hit send too soon. Is your wreath battery operated? How long before you have to change out the batteries?
It’s not, Barb. It’s rigged. 🙂 I’ll write up a post on that soon. It’s not the prettiest from the inside, but the outside looks great. 🙂
So pretty! I love the height of the branches and picks! Your entry looks just perfect for this happy season.
Everything looks beautiful! I love all the greenery!
Thank you, Maury! Happy Holidays!
No snow in Minnesota either. In fact it was 45 degrees yesterday. Crazy but I am kind of liking it.
It was 57 degrees here on Thursday! I’m not really complaining, but it is throwing me off just a bit! 😉
That is all SO gorgeous! Lucky you to have that resource so handy!!!! (Great picture of the buck too … wow, love it!)
I guess living up north has its perks, eh? Thanks Polly Dove!
Disappointed with the garland that is on the porch columns? I think it looks lovely! Very natural and fresh. I prefer it over the super thick and bushy garland you see everywhere!
I always use fresh garland, Melissa, it just wasn’t bundled properly,and it looks quite snarly. 🙂 I appreciate your comment though. Maybe it’s not as bad I think?
I love before and after pictures! Also the buck, wow! Awesome!
Chris! It looks like a postcard!! Absolutely gorgeous!! And we get a lot em deer, here, too.
🙂 xoxo,
shaunna
Hi there! Merry Christmas! I wouldn’t think on it too much. Your home is beautiful and when I look at it, I think Christmas. Out where I live, we’ve had Thanksgivings that were up to 100 degrees. Needless to say, we never have the Christmas feel, that I feel when I look at the pics you posted. Take Care!
Thank you, Julie. Well said!
Love love love it! So natural and beautiful!
Look amazing!
Great job!
xo
I just love your porch and your garland from the other post! Your home is gorgeous 🙂 Merry Christmas.
XO
Kristin
Love your decor — I’m in Michigan, too and could really use some snow to go with my decorations (at least for the weekend?)
First I must comment on the nice buck. Next I shall comment on the nice transition of the front porch, it looks wonderful. I am from Michigan and I am completely amazed by the fact that there is no snow on the ground (and in a few weeks when there is lots of snow on the ground I will regret saying that.)
Ha! Exactly, Lyndsey. We should be careful how much we complain, but it sure doesn’t feel like Christmas without snow. I don’t know how Southerners do it! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Chris,
That greenery is amazing and best of all free. I do like the variety you selected. I hope your friend Bucky in the woods doesn’t come up and eat it!
Looks lovely!
We didn’t get much outdoor decor done this year. I
do have wreaths on chairs I like and our house has lights on it.
Maybe more can get done next year.
Melinda
There’s always next year, Melinda! Happy Holidays!
Love, love, love what you’ve done. The porch pots are my fave. Your house has such a classic exterior, perfect for holiday decorating!
gorg. I am sharing this lovely link on my CraftOManiac FB page. xo jen and Merry Christmas
I value the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Wonderful.
I so appreciate another “thrifty” decorating gal! It’s the Michigander in us!! I have thoroughly enjoyed your pics and posts. Keep them coming – creative, clever and cheap (in the good sense of course!)
Thank you so much, Kathy!! Glad to find a fellow Michigander out there! There’s not a lot of us in blogland.