Your front porch for Christmas should be the starting point when dressing your home for the holiday season. After all, first impressions are everything, so make sure your Christmas porch ideas are ready to dazzle and delight.
American media personality Khloe Kardashian is never one to do anything by half measures, and her magical outdoor Christmas decor display is a masterful testament to that sentiment.
If your frontage is decidedly off-putting and unfestive, a simple holiday makeover can transform it from ugly duckling to prime property this Christmas.
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Nothing says 'festive season' more than rows and rows of twinkling string curtain lights – and for under $20 you can turn your porch or garage door into a wonderland.
Instead of styling your outside space with new Christmas trees, make the most of the existing trees in your yard by adorning them with these inviting Christmas lights. Alternatively, decorate around your door or on railings.
Crafted with water-resistant materials, these highly-rated, pretty trees will make the perfect addition to a festive pathway come Christmas, or flank a front door.
The Christmas lights for outdoor trees you plan to use in the evening are crucial in a front yard. For interior designer Monique Tollgard, a beautifully decorated porch at Christmas is also a prelude for the style that lies within: ‘The entrance is the first encounter for you, your guests, and your home this season. The materials and colors we use at Christmas allow us to introduce the "red thread" of the house immediately.’
Design it with your planting to highlight special features but ensure that areas where you will gather enjoy sufficient light to be functional. That all-important ambiance at dusk will make evening arrivals feel special and upgrade your curb appeal.
Effective illumination allows you to use this space for longer. In the same way you plan indoor lighting, aim for a variety of sources, from solar-powered lamps to motioned-sensitive wall lights and traditional string fairy and festoon lights.
'Up-light trees and shrubs, and use warm LED strip lights below steps and benches for atmospheric light,' says garden designer Tony Woods of Garden Club London. 'Install outdoor power outlets so you can add temporary lighting, such as festoon bulb strings.' And think about the color of your bulbs: 'A warm white makes the night-time patio look inviting,' advises garden designer Katie Gould.
A festive front porch can be transformed into something quite otherworldly with a little effort and imagination. Follow in Khloe Kardashian's footsteps and create a first impression that will last throughout the winter months.
