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Fresh Pine Garland Christmas Porch {Christmas Tour Part 2}

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It was 1975 in the middle of Winter and my parents took my brother & I sledding at a New York state park called Beaver Island.  I’m not sure why my 2 sisters weren’t there, but they must have been busy with friends (I am the youngest of 4).  I remember my brother, who died from AIDS in 1995, taking this photo.  How I wish a stranger had been there so he could be in it with us.  On a happy note, I was very proud of not only my purple coat, but my red boots.  I remember my grandmother made the purple mittens and they had a string attaching them that went through the coat.  The best part though…hanging out with my Mom & Dad together and having fun.  That was the best.  My Mom & Dad are 83 now, so that makes me 48.  Gosh how time flies.  I hope you enjoy the “Fresh Pine Garland Christmas Porch”.  I’ll dedicate this one to my brother, whom ironically enough loved to decorate, too.  This is for you, Bobby.  I miss you.  PS:  Keep an eye out for a toboggan…

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

I am going to be straight up front door and tell you that I have never worked with real pine garland before.  I have no idea what got into me this year, but when I saw it…I had to have it.  Then I had my oldest go out to get more.  I fell in love with it instantly, and oh there is nothing like the scent of fresh pine.  The hanging part goes relatively smooth (I used nails), but getting up there on a step ladder was the tricky part.  I tend to get a little dizzy  :mrgreen: .

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

I got it up though, and even the wind that day didn’t stop me.  It looks a little bit different than what you see with faux garland.  It’s a more “natural look”.  FYI I used wire in the corners and made sure it was wrapped around the nail so wind couldn’t knock it off.  In addition, I pretended to go all the way around the white poles that are attached to the wall.

You may be wondering if it sheds?  It does a little, but if you get it early enough it should be nice and fresh and shed very little.  The tag said to mist with water to help it last longer, but I have a feeling I won’t bother.  It’s going to be too cold.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

Remember the thrift store end table that I painted white?  Well, I took out the mums from Fall and added ornaments and my favorite red & white striped ribbon that I also used on our Candy Cane Door last week.  I am absolutely in love with it.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

This festive red ornament wreath made the front door last year, too.  I love it against the crisp white.  The red & white striped ribbon carries through here as well.  I went a little lower than usual this year, didn’t I?  I didn’t notice until just now.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

On the other side you’ll spot the toboggan that I scored a couple years ago from an antique store (thank you Chic Antiques).  I think I got it for around $30 which was great I think.  I love the red trim and rustic appearance.  It totally works, too, I just need snow.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

The mailbox needed something fun so I put candy canes in there.  Ornaments would have been cute, but I was afraid they might fall out.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

Oh, and that gorgeous snowman luminary is from The Home Depot.  If you want one, you better hurry.  They had Santa, too.  You can’t tell here, but I put a string of white lights in there to light it up at night. It was around $40 and it is very heavy.  First I picked the Santa, then I went back and got the snowman.  Rick was carrying it for me, what a guy.

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

Oh yeah…while I was flying around like a little redheaded fresh pine garland fairy, I added some ornaments to a lantern I recently hung on our mailbox.  Did I hang that hook upside down?   🙄

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

What have you decorated so far this year?  Don’t worry if you’re feeling behind.  If you want, I will decorate and you can relax and skip it this year.  Just make sure you stop by and tell me what you think, okay?  That makes it all worth it to me.  The Christmas tree is coming up on the 7th.  Guess what the theme is?

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Read full disclosure policy here.

Red Ornament Wreath

Real “White Pine” Garland -Home Depot

Faux Pine Garland w/ Lights

Gold Lantern

Ceramic Snowman Luminary- Home Depot

Red & White Striped Ribbon

Black Ice Skates – Thrift Store

Toboggan- Antique Shop 

 

Amazing thrift store nightstand makeover using paint, and a few Christmas decorations.

What a cute idea!  Just go get a night sand at the thrift store.  Then paint it and add decor each season!  Summer, Fall, Winter!

Christmas Front Porch 

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

Left Over Pine Swag Wreath

Michigan woman tries Fresh Pine Garland for the first time for her Christmas Porch. She explains how to hang it.

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28 Responses

  1. Regina says:

    Love the porch!!!!!! Do you have a pattern for the decor on the mail box . LOVE IT!!!! Put a small grapevine wreath on mine might take it down and put the candy canes in it!!!!!! Keep on with the wonderful decorations look forward to you new post every day!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Nancy says:

    You did an excellent job! I like that it is not cluttered but has enough elements to draw my eyes in a circle. I had not seen the chest before (new follower). Wow, did you ever do a great job painting it. Your front door is beautifully painted too. Did you paint it? It seems whiter than it would have come from the factory.
    Also, sending kind thoughts – I had a son born in 68 who was murdered in 86. (A naive boy who went as a teen where he should not have gone.) I treasure every photo of him.

  3. Karlene says:

    You put a lot of festive items on your porch! It looks inviting and festive. Thank you for pointing out the details and where you discovered them!
    Happy Holidays to you and your family. Thank you for taking your time to share your decor and great ideas!

  4. Bonnie says:

    I love the remake of the thrift store stand! What a fabulous idea!

  5. BETTE QUERIN says:

    Hi Julie:
    Wow! Your porch looks wonderful and so festive.Not having too many original decorating thoughts, it’s so nice of you share your expertise. I love the black skates, I remember when I was a kid I wanted to go iceskating and all my Mum could afford was a pair of black skates from the secondhand store. I put red pom poms on them and felt they were more “girlish”looking.
    Hope your holidays are healthy and happy.

    Bette

  6. Shelley says:

    I love your front porch! Enough fun and interest, without being cluttered – – just perfect. I love that you used your toboggan, I have an old red wooden sled from when my son was a child, and I think I may put it on the front porch this year. I have used it inside before wrapped with colored why her as a place to hang Christmas cards, and loved it, but I like your toboggan so much I may copy you 🙂
    Looking forward to seeing your tree.
    Cheers!

  7. Sarah says:

    Hi, Julie, thank you for sharing the memory of your family and the very nice front porch Christmas decoration. Love it! What a shame there’s no porch in my house.

    • Julie says:

      Thank you, Sarah! Mine collects leaves & cobwebs, so at least you don’t have to deal with that part 😉 Thanks for stopping over! ~ Julie

  8. becky says:

    Love the family snow picture Julie! Reminds me of 1 I have where me, my sister & brother are sitting in a sleigh with Santa & my sister is crying & reaching out to my Mom. My brother has a smirk as big as California on his face! His name is also Bobby! My bro is a real cut up, always, talking in foreign voices & one time, imitated Paul McCartney for my 50th birthday ….couple years ago….; ), I thought I was actually given a birthday call by Paul!… I think of your brother & how u miss him & the memories u treasure, which are so important to us all ~~ The front porch is so lively & inviting! Cute white 2 drawer table with the overflowing red & white ornaments & the pretty red/white ribbon look that is your signature this year! Also like that the gold handles on the drawers, match those gorgeous gold lanterns…..u know how to remember the décor u have & reuse it elsewhere Red!
    The candy canes in the mailbox is a ‘sweet’ idea 2! ~ $30 for the toboggan was a great price…..on one of my sites here on FB, I saw one selling for $45 – Love Mr. Snowman luminary, he is just so happy!

    • Julie says:

      Thank you, Becky! I love how you notice all the details. Your Bobby sounds like my Bobby! My brother had a big personality and was always making us laugh ♥️

  9. carol bittner says:

    Fantastic job Julie; the porch so very nice. All your special touches makes it ‘yours’. The toboggan, the snowman, candy canes, boots, and the fresh pine and cute balls n ribbon. You did good….no……you did great!!

  10. Pam Beck says:

    Julie, your porch is amazing! I love all the little details, like thinking the mailbox “needed a little something” so you put the candy canes in. I catch myself adding a little something here and there, after I’ve said “I’m done”. The husband says I’ll be done Christmas Eve. Also, you crack me up! You’re talking about how you decorated something, then….”did I hang that hook upside down?” Lol! As always I loved your post! Thanks for sharing all that you do and feel! Always looking forward to the next post! Can’t wait to see your tree….Candy cane theme? I’m just saying!

    • Julie says:

      Hi Pam! I’m so happy I crack you up!! You crack me up! ??? Be prepared…the tree looks a bit different this year. I did do candy canes for a theme but I added something else, too.

  11. JaneEllen Jones says:

    I love to read comments your other readers leave you, always interesting and fun.
    I haven’t been a subscriber for long but am so glad I found your blog.I love your honesty and sense of humor. If have told you this before do forgive an older (77) woman her forgetfulness, especially lately, too much going on. Between making things, trying to get decorating done and keep up with everyday chores EEEEKKKK! Not enuf of me to go around it seems.
    We’ve also been shopping for a new washer. Lowes had some incredible deals so we did the deed, new washer should last us rest of our lives. Don’t use dryer as much as I love to hang my laundry out which I do as long as it’s nice enuf into Nov/Dec.and then in Spring as soon as I can.As far as we know dryer we have came with house when built in 1997. We had such a warm Fall and still do, has been unseasonably warm. Usually have snow for few weeks by now. Have you had snow? I love the snow, wearing my boots, sweaters, etc.
    I was so sad to hear about your brother and other reader whose son was murdered,how absolutely awful to go thru. Many people have hard things in their lives.
    Our 22 yr.old grandson died June 8, 2016 from recurring testicular cancer. Pretty much all his teen years (14-17)were spent being treated. He was declared cancer free at 17 then year before he died he got cancer again only worse. Has taken me so long to be able to deal with his loss.
    Have wonderful Sunday, have fun decoratiing

    • Julie says:

      Good morning, JaneEllen! I am so sorry to hear about your grandson. I bet you think of him even more this time of year. I know I do that with my brother. It has snowed here a little, but nothing like it use to. It’s going to be 51 today. So crazy!! Maybe I’ll hang my laundry ?

  12. Stephanie says:

    Can’t decide what I like best. I love it all !! ?

  13. Ivory says:

    OMG, thank you so much for bringing be back to life. Because I have not gotten a post from you in a while now, I was slowly dying because of that. You must know by now, how I look forward to getting your fabulous post. This post of your Chrstmas front porch is outstandingly gorgeous. I love everything about it. As always, thank you for sharing your fabulous, creativity, decorative ideas.
    Happy Holidays!

    • Julie says:

      Oh no! I’m so sorry you haven’t been receiving them? I’m sending another one tomorrow (12/6) and then again on Saturday 12/9. Please let me know if you don’t receive them, Ivory. Thank you, my friend! ~ Julie

  14. […] Christmas Porch with Fresh Pine Garland & Repurposed Nightstand […]

  15. CJD.Sign says:

    Julie! I love the porch and the garland! I too love the fresh smell of pine, though allergies have me leaving out of the house. I really like how you did your Fresh Pine Garland! I know it is just a week away, but you have given me such inspiration that I’m going to do this for the tiny porch I have! Thank you and love the site!! Congrats on the layout in Cottages & Bungalows!! Bravo, CJ

  16. […] you’ll find both sides displayed on our Christmas front porch this year.  Last year’s “Fresh Pine Garland Christmas Porch” was all about the fresh garland, however this year it is all about the fresh wreath…and a few […]

  17. Charlotte says:

    Hi Julie love your site I was wondering are the contests open to a Canadian? Take care Enjoy the Holidays

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