How To Decorate And Appreciate Your Porch

Close your eyes and think of a memory that involves sitting on a porch or balcony.  Were you in a mountain cabin?  A condo at the beach?  A friend’s home?Chances are your memory takes you to a place of relaxation.  I want to share with you ways to make your own porch memorable.Porches were originally built for practical purposes.  They kept the direct sunlight from pouring into the house during the hot summer days and protected the home from the elements in the winter.  It was not long before the residents of the home saw this area as an extension of their living space.  It became a place to read, eat and even sleep on a hot night.    Coveted SpaceAre you using your covered space in the best way possible?  Do you need a space for entertaining friends or a quiet place to drink your coffee.  Will your goals change with the seasons?  My porch is for eating and relaxing three seasons of the year.You should decorate your porch regardless of the season, because you will invariably see it everyday. It is fun to view my porch from my kitchen, as my mind will quickly savor a memory of a relaxed time spent there.  We have hosted many memorable parties on our porch.  In my mind's eye I can clearly see the guests we entertained and I can still feel the faint echoes of laughter in my heart.  It is just so wonderful when your home facilitates love between family and friends.  Porch Of DelightsWhen the weather is warm, everything is renewed with green healthy plants, bright colored pillows and a freshly set table.  It calls to me to come out and enjoy!In the winter I can change the focus to a winter wonderland.  During that season, I use decorative snowmen, a tabletop tree, and stuffed animals to brighten the area.  Strands of lights bring a bit of magic to the area during the gray months of winter.Quick Tips for Making Your Porch More Enjoyable* Set up your seating so that it is encourages easy conversation.  Make sure there is a place for a beverage glass within reach of each chair.* Installing a ceiling fan will bring a much appreciated breeze on a stifling night.* Bead board installed on the ceiling adds texture to a forgotten space.  Paint it light blue to portray the sky.* An unused chest of drawers or dresser can be pulled outside and put to work holding placemats and napkins.  Store playing cards, checkers and puzzles in the drawers so they will be within easy reach.* Hang a wreath, ironwork, inexpensive art or a poster of your favorite vacation spot on the wall of a back porch.* Craft and floral stores have ready made garlands made from greenery, grapevines or silk flowers.  Weave strands of small lights throughout the garland and hang as a border around your outdoor room.  Cup hooks spaced around area will hold most intertwined materials.Life Is Short, Your Porch Is CallingWhether you have a deep porch with columns or a tiny covered balcony, it can be turned into a mellow retreat that beckons you outside to enjoy the day.  As I look out my window I see a thunderstorm approaching.  I have got to go claim my spot on the back porch to watch the show.