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5 Easy Farmhouse Front Porch Christmas Decorating Ideas

Welcome guests with these farmhouse front porch Christmas decorating ideas. Whether you have a larger or small front entry, you’ll find lots of unique and creative ideas to spruce up your front porch for the holidays.


I am SO excited to get in the holiday spirit and decorate the front porch this year for Christmas.

It’s been a lifelong dream for my husband and I to own a front porch where we can sit and enjoy the day, and after moving last year, we finally have one!

If you’ve been following along on our big move from our family home of 23 years to our new-to-us 1850 farmhouse you’ve heard all about it.

But if you are new here, it’s been a fun year sprucing up this home to make it ours.

And I just finished decorating it for Christmas and can’t wait to share all the details with you!

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Christmas Porch Blog Hop

Thanks to my good friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse for pulling together such a beautiful group of talented bloggers with the most incredible front porch inspiration for the holidays. Thanks for hopping over from my good friend Michelle from Thistle Key Lane, welcome!

Whether you have a covered, small vestibule or another type of front entry, this post is chock full of pretty farmhouse front porch Christmas decorating ideas.

If you are new here, I’m Stacy, a self-taught master gardener who lives and gardens in northern New Jersey, zone 6a.

We recently moved to a beautiful 1850 Farmhouse with 10 acres of gardens, sculptures, and statues.

I’ve been gardening for over 20 years and enjoy helping beginner gardeners find their inner green thumb, as well as discover a love for all things plants and flowers. I love to bring the outdoors inside my home too.

I hope you enjoy visiting my home today and hope you come back so we can grow stuff and create beautiful spaces together.

blogger stacy ling with black lab on front porch swing decorat4ed for CHristmas

5 Easy Farmhouse Front Porch Christmas Decorating Ideas

If you are as excited as me to decorate for the holiday season, you are in good company.

I just wrapped up decorating the inside of my home with lots of holiday cheer and now, it’s time to get the outdoor decor ready on the front porch.

Have you gotten started yet?

Here are 5 easy farmhouse front porch Christmas decorating ideas to try this year.

front porch swing decorated for Christmas with festive greener, red cascade area rug from Well Woven and thrift store flips that are now planters
farmhouse front porch Christmas ideas with winter greenry, farmhouse pillows and other cozy decor

Front Door Decorating Ideas

First things first, we’ve got to decorate the front door. Whether you use natural wreaths with plaid ribbon or a basket full of Christmas greenery with red berries and pine cones, don’t skip decorating the front door.

Because it’s a great way to welcome guests to your home. I have a few porches here to decorate and approached the front doors differently.

For the main front porch, I used a faux green wreath with pine cones so I didn’t have to care for it so much.

We don’t use this entrance often and I had some faux winter decor I could use there. Plus, it allowed me to get started on my outdoor winter decor a little earlier as the greens will always look fresh.

two natural green wreaths with pine cones and red berries on mustard colored front door
farmhouse porch decorating ideas for christmas with fresh green wreaths and christmas greenery in black urns on front steps with mustard colored doors

Our small front entry that we use all the time, I added two natural wreaths with lots of pine cones and red berries.

Aren’t they so pretty?

Since they are double doors, I needed two of the same wreaths to balance the look for this outdoor space.

I love the smell of fresh greens as you enter the home, don’t you?

And while we are talking about the front door, don’t forget to spruce up the welcome mat too. They can get tired pretty quickly so I try to freshen them up seasonally if they need it.

fresh evergreen branches at the local nursery
Fresh-cut evergreen branches can be found at local nurseries

Add Fresh Greenery

Another great idea for decorating the front entry or porch, is to add lots of greenery. From wreaths to garlands, a galvanized bucket or two and planters filled with fresh greens is the best way to decorate.

It can be as budget-friendly as you want if you have access to evergreen trees and shrubs in the landscape.

If you don’t, that’s fine too. Most, if not all nurseries, sell fresh-cut Christmas greenery this time of year.

If I wait until December and keep the greens hydrated, in my zone 6a climate, they will look good through February.

Here are some ways to decorate with fresh Christmas greenery on the porch this year.

fresh evergreen trees in the garden with blue spruce and pines
If you have access consider cutting Christmas greenery from the landscape

Winter Planters

One of my favorite things to do for the holidays is to flank the front door with fresh greenery

I love to pot up my beautiful black urns with fresh-cut greens from the garden tucking in red accents and other natural elements.

They are really easy to make and can be very budget-friendly too if you forage from your own landscape.

close up of winter planter filled with christmas greenery, cedar branches, white pine, boxwoods, red berries and oversized pine cone in large black urn

Here are a few design ideas to try:

We have a lot of options for Christmas greenery here, so I cut a bunch of branches to make winter planters and hanging baskets for the porch.

Pro-Tip: Cut or buy more than you think you need. I stuff my planters to get a full look so I go through the greens pretty quickly.

outdoor winter planter ideas with fresh cut cedar garland, variegated boxwood, white pine, nandina berries, oversized pine cones and dried hydrangea flowers
easy outdoor winter planter with fresh greens, sedum autumn joy flower heads, cedar branches and dwarf alberata spruce in black urn on front steps

Fresh Garland

If you’ve got railings, consider draping fresh or faux garland around the porch railings to add a festive vibe.

I’ve seen them with red or plaid ribbons together with lights and it always looks so pretty so I decided to try something similar here.

For our porch, I simply tucked some fresh white pine garland and added some string lights to get that cozy Christmas glow.

farmhouse front porch decorated for christmas with fresh garland and other Christmas greenery plus and outdoor winter planter

Kissing Ball and Hanging Planters

While you can purchase kissing balls at any market, nursery, or big box store, they are super simple to make too!

If you have easy access to greenery, the only thing you are really buying is the sphere and floral wire. The rest is free!

I saw a few at the nursery that started at $40…EACH!

Kissing balls would look beautiful when hung between porch posts, doorways and windows.

To learn how to make a Christmas kissing ball, click here.

Simple kissing ball at the nursery with red ribbon and pine
close up of kissing balls

In addition to kissing balls, you can also add hanging baskets filled with greens instead.

Just be sure where you hang it can handle the weight of the soil and greens because it can get pretty heavy!

I follow the same approach to design as my outdoor winter planters using the thriller filler and spiller method of container design.

For the porch, I decided to go with hanging planters this year and just got started on making them.

evergreen hanging basket

Christmas Trees and Mini Trees

This year, I tucked in different sizes of Christmas trees as well as a few mini trees with lots of twinkle lights. If you don’t have a lot of room, opt for what fits best in your front entry outdoor space.

In my former home, I had a very small entry with just a few small stone steps and a front door. But I decorated the front door, added some festive planters, and called it a day.

But you can still tuck in varying sizes and types of fresh or faux Christmas trees in lieu of potting up winter greens.

Either way, adding festive winter greenery to the front porch says Merry Christmas to all that drop by.

close up of farmhouse front porch christmas decorating ideas with porch swing, buffalo check pillows and planters filled with christmas greenery and a red cascade area rug from well woven

Provide Seating with a Porch Swing, Wooden Bench, or Porch Rockers

If you have room on the porch, consider making an outdoor living room or seating area so you or your guests can linger.

To me, it’s the perfect addition to any front or back porch living space because it’s a change of venue when you want to hang out!

Here at the new house, I’ve got a few covered outdoor living spaces to decorate and enjoy that include a covered front porch and back porch by the zen garden.

So it’s important to me to create seating areas in each of them so we can enjoy them year-round with a hot cup of cocoa, morning coffee, or glass of wine. And we make it a point to use each seating space depending on the day and what we are doing.

front porch bistro set with vintage egg wood sign on front porch with small christmas tree in galvanized bucket

The Back Porch

On the back porch, I created a small conversation area on the back porch too so we can enjoy the zen garden and small koi pond year-round.

To cozy up each seating space, I incorporated simple ideas with a festive flair like galvanized buckets, boho planters, and thrift store vintage tins with winter greenery or a small Christmas tree.

We aren’t out here as much as we were during the warmer months but spend more time here on the weekends.

backyard porch seating area with cozy red snowflake pillows and red throw blanket with christmas greenery - farmhouse porch christmas decorating ideas
Our cozy back porch seating area is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening cocktail.
farmhouse pillows on the back porch with red and gray snowflake design

The Front Porch

On the front porch, you’ll find a spacious swing that was here when we purchased the house, a bistro set that sits beneath a thrifted wood sign from Vermont, plus some porch rockers.

But my favorite spot on out of all the porches is the porch swing that came with the house when we bought it. I love hanging out there and am out here all the time with my dogs.

To decorate this area, I added a beautiful bright red boho area rug, Cascade, from Well Woven, fresh winter greens, and string lights going down the swing chain to cozy it up at night.

home and garden blogger stacy ling with her black lab on front porch swing decorated for Christmas
Cozy front porch swing decorated for Christmas

It’s the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful winter sunrise or close out a long day at the office.

Other porch seating ideas include benches, porch rockers, conversational seating areas, or Adirondack chairs depending on the space you have.

Choose your own style that works best with your aesthetic.

I love cozy farmhouse porches, so that’s vibe I was going for when I decorated mine this year.

white porch rockers with red buffalo check throw pillows, christmas throw pillows and area rug
Front porch rockers that overlook the gardens

Christmas Lights

Of course, no farmhouse Christmas porches are complete without lots of lights! And there are so many different options now to decorate with!

From string lights to fairy lights, globes, or cafe lights, there are so many different ways to use and decorate with them.

I personally love a classic look with white lights on the foundation plantings and battery-operated candles in the windows, but go with what brings you joy.

And I also LOVE these pretty snowflake like string lights too.

Rustic Farmhouse Christmas decorating ideas with twinkle lights on the exterior of our center hall colonial
Our former home all lit up for Christmas

Buffalo Check Pillows, Throw Blankets, and Other Farmhouse Front Porch Christmas Decorating Ideas

To cozy up seating spaces, I added a few throw pillows and cozy blankets for those chilly mornings and nights. It makes such a difference to have them available because it’s readily available to keep you extra warm.

I add them to my porch swing and rockers. Without them, the seating spaces don’t look nearly as inviting.

Where the throw pillows are concerned, I use outdoor pillow covers that can handle the elements like these:

close up of red and black buffalo check pillow on white porch swing with hot cocoa farmhouse pillow

And as for the throw blankets? I just toss them in the wash every now and again to keep them fresh.

But if you lack the space, you could even tuck a few pillows and blankets in a small basket to cozy up the front entry too.

A great thing about farmhouse decor is the casual, almost effortless style. So here are a few more ideas to try this holiday season.

  • Tuck in some side tables to hold drinks, light snacks, and small Christmas vignettes.
  • Add some jingle bells to a side table, fresh garland, or front door wreath.
  • Tuck in some rustic lanterns with battery-operated candles set on a timer so you don’t have to think about it.
  • Add small area rugs to anchor a seating space or welcome guests at the front door.
black labs on front porch with swing decorated for christmas on a well woven area rug - red cascade

That’s it! Thanks so much for dropping by my home today and hanging out with the dogs and I.

Next up on the Christmas Porch Inspiration Blog Hop is my good friend Kim from Shiplap and Shells who is sharing some pretty Christmas decorating ideas for small porch spaces.

And… If you’re catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign-up to get my newest posts via email to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on the blog and more.

Christmas Porch Inspiration Blog Tour

Click the highlighted link below each image to follow along on the tour.

Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse / Wendy at WM Design House / Michelle at Thistle Key Lane

Stacy Ling at Bricks N Blooms / Kim at Shiplap and Shells / Kelly at The Tattered Pew

Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill / Jessica at Old Barn Company / Kristin at White Arrows Home

Want to Learn How to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays?

Sign up here to get my email and get a discount on my ebook, 15 Easy Ways to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays which offers beautiful, budget-friendly, and sustainable holiday decorating inspiration using fresh greens from the landscape.

This 40-page guide is full of simple DIY holiday decorating ideas that include how to cut, care for, and design with fresh greens, as well as tips to purchase and incorporate faux greens with your holiday decorating style to create a cozy, beautiful, and organic vibe.

From porch styling to cozy centerpiece and tablescape inspiration, wait until you try these budget-friendly holiday decorating ideas using fresh greens for every room in your home.

outdoor planter idea using fresh cut greens from the garden in large black urn on front porch -Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas
Outdoor Planter Idea for Winter

Looking For More Christmas Decorating Ideas?

I love looking through festive holiday inspiration to get ideas for this year’s decorating aesthetic, don’t you?

Wait until you see these holiday decorating, entertaining, and food ideas to create a cozy home for Christmas.

christmas in the front entry hall with thrift store cabinet, sansevieria snake plant, christmas trees, stair garland with neutral christmas decor

The 10 Days of Christmas

Did you catch the 10 days of Christmas where my friends and I shared daily inspiration to get you psyched up and ready for the holidays?

From Christmas decorating ideas to gift-wrapping ideas, these posts have you covered with lots of creative and budget-friendly ideas.

In case you missed it, you can catch the 10 Days of Christmas lineup here:

easy mantel decor for chirstmas ideas with christmas greenery, candles and fairy lights.

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close up of front porch swing decorated for christmas with fresh christmas greenery and cozy pillows and outdoor area rug from well woven
close up of farmhouse front porch swing decorated for christmas

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Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

Stacy Ling

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Home and Garden Blogger Stacy Ling cutting zinnia flowers in her cottage garden with wood picket fence in front of garden shed

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20 Comments

  1. All hail the Queen of the Winter planter…no one does it better!!! I think I need to send the pups some little elf hats for Christmas…

  2. Your porch looks so festive for Christmas. Love all of your tips, especially those beautiful fresh greenery planters.

  3. Very pretty Stacy. No one near us had any cedar which is my favorite. In our area of Jersey garden centers are disappearing. It’s sad because we have less access to items, we normally add to our greens.

    Luckily, I save birch logs and large pinecones over the years.

    1. It’s hard to come by! When I saw it at the nurser I scooped it up – some different varieties than I’ve worked with too! Your porches look so pretty!!! And thank you!

  4. Stacy you have such an amazing variety of outdoor decor. Love the idea of the winter hanging basket arrangement and the kissing ball. I’m taking notes on your beautiful winter planters too, since this is the first year I have attempted to create one. Pinning!

  5. Oh Stacy the outside of your home is just beautiful decorated for Christmas! I pinned the picture of your front doors and the two wreaths! I can’t get over how beautiful it is! Merry Christmas!!

  6. Stacy, your front porch swing is so inviting! And your dogs are adorable. Thanks for the planter tip ideas. I have one on my front porch that I am filling with greens, magnolia leaves and hopefully some ornaments and pinecones today. Your home is just magical for the holidays. Enjoy!

  7. I love how you use greenery on your porch Stacy. Your 2 wreaths are so pretty and look lovely with the winter planters you created. It all looks so beautiful my friend. Happy Holidays!