A Farmhouse Christmas Porch...

Hi friends ~ so happy you stopped by today! Welcome to our front porch, where I wanted to create the feeling of a mini Christmas tree farm. I found the small trees (above) at our local feed shop one day as I ran in to grab a bag of layered (chicken) crumble. It just goes to show I can shop anywhere. Ha!

Vintage Galvanized Planters on the Porch...

I hope you are enjoying these long, sunny and warm summer days! 

You may remember when I did a similar grouping of galvanized planters on our porch a few years ago. I really enjoyed the simple farmhouse look of summer herbs and collected containers. So I did it again this summer, but changed up some of the containers since I had found a few more vintage galvanized buckets...

New Chairs and Greenery in the Dining Room...

Did I tell you that my family gave me the rest of the Restoration Hardware dining room chairs I'd been wanting for Christmas? I love them! (My family, and the chairs.)

You might remember when I scored the first two of them at a thrift shop and was obnoxiously giddy. 

2017 Top Ten Posts...

I want to start by saying thank you for reading our blog, and for the support you've shown us this past year. It really means so much to me! What a blessing to have this community of people who share a love for family, for home, for farmhouse design, and the simple joys of country living. It amazes me that we can be separated by miles (some of us by thousands of miles!) and still stay connected here. Turns out I am grateful for technology! And I am definitely grateful for each of you.

For the past almost four years now, I have blogged on farmhouse decorating, DIY projects, parties and gatherings, bits of our family life, mini farm living, and faith. If there are any topics you'd like to see more (or less) of here on the blog, I would love to hear about that in the comments section below. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

There will be some changes coming soon to the blog that I'm really excited about, and hope you will enjoy. 

Below is a roundup of the top ten posts of 2017, based on views. 

(You can read the whole posts by clicking on the pictures or links.) 

1. Farmhouse Porch Ideas: Thanks to your support and a little love from Country Living, this post came in at number one! Galvanized buckets, including chicken waterers and a mop bucket, were the stars of the show.

A Farmhouse-Style Herb Garden in the Dining Room...

It may still be awhile until we plant herbs in the garden outside, but it's never too early to enjoy them indoors. 

They add some life, greenery, and freshness to the house... and smell so good!

Plus, it's good gardening warm-up. 

Farmhouse Porch Ideas

Our porch is looking very January meets February. 

Not in a good way. 

I'm needing some inspiration (and a few hours to clean and refresh). Until then, I thought I'd share some decorating ideas from when our porch was a little more welcoming.  

(Some affiliate links have been provided for your convenience.)

1. Galvanized Buckets and Containers

Our Farmhouse Family Room (A touch of Christmas)...

Happy new week, friends.

One of our sons loves to help me hang the advent buckets from our nesting boxes in the family room. I guess we're counting down...to the countdown. 

A Galvanized Grouping {Farmhouse Porch Style}

 When it comes to galvanized containers, the more the merrier!

It was time to freshen up our front porch, so I gathered several of our galvanized buckets (including some rusty chicken waterers and an old mop bucket) to use as planters. Vintage containers can be found at local yard sales, flea markets and antique shops. New galvanized buckets can be purchased at home improvement stores.

Repurposing Farmhouse Items...

When we moved here two years ago, we discovered a few horse jump pieces had been left in the arena, including the red "X" below. 

When considering what items we had on-hand, that I could use for simple Valentines touches, I thought the chippy X would make a cute "Xo" (kiss, hug) message on our entryway dresser.

Fall Nesting Boxes (Farmhouse Fall Decorating)

There are hints of fall in the air and on the trees. While I love summer, I must confess I've already begun burning vanilla pumpkin cream scents.

There's something about the crispness and colors of fall that call us to nest, creating cozy and inviting spaces. 

Speaking of nesting, I just added some tin buckets with dried hydrangeas to our nesting boxes. A simple chalk message reminding us to "give thanks" is an attitude I hope will be echoed in our home this coming season.

Some old books and a pumpkin or two...

Are you looking forward to fall or holding on to every last minute of summer?

I'm so glad you stopped by today. 

I'll be sharing more of our early fall family room soon...

Xo

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French Country Cottage
From My Front Porch To Yours
Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style

How to Bring Farmhouse Style Outdoors {10 Ways}

Comfortable. Casual. Welcoming. Rustic. 

These are some feelings that come to mind when I think of farmhouse style outdoors... Where a hurried life seems to slow down and the quiet beauty of nature is all around.

A place for family and friends to gather.

Whether you have an actual farmhouse with acreage, a suburban home in a neighborhood, or an apartment with a small entryway and balcony, there are ways to incorporate farmhouse style right where you live.

1. {Wood crates} A vintage bulb crate next to our front door serves as a rustic shelf for a pitcher of flowers. Fresh cut flowers are a quick & easy way to freshen up a porch.

Wood crates are also good catch-alls for toys and balls.

2. {Ticking fabric, grain sack and burlap} for cushions and pillows add that classic farmhouse feel. 

3. {Old tin buckets} as planters for a simple "just grabbed these out of the barn" ambience. ;)

A repurposed chicken waterer is right at home on the front porch. I found this one at a yard sale for just a few dollars  (I loved the rust for decorating, though it wouldn't work well for chickens ;). You can also find them at antique stores. New, you can expect to pay $20 - $25 for this size (2 gallon). 

4. {Chippy, weathered furniture} brings a comfortable feel to a covered porch. Use an old dresser for a plant stand, gardening tool storage, or simply a focal point.

5. {Vines} I'm so grateful to our home's previous owners for planting beautiful vines around the property. Here they are, growing up the side of our laundry/mud room.

And along a fence, vines, grapes and hops add old fashioned texture and greenery.



6. {Gates} are functional, but can also add farmhouse appeal. 

For an easy way to incorporate a gate or two, prop them up on a porch or entryway. The picture below is from our fall porch last year. I used an old gate and section of fencing on the porch to add more of that "pumpkin patch" feel. ;) I found the gate and fence at a yard sale, but similar pieces can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot. 

7. {Arbors} add architectural interest year-round. They can support beautiful vines and wisteria during the growing months. In winter, string lights up on arbors for a "happy" dose of light, when darkness comes early. 

This arbor, set off of our gravel driveway, marks the entrance to our front yard.

8. {Outdoor seating} invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. I recently moved this bench out near the chicken yard so that we could sit and watch the chickens (may sound weird, but it's peaceful :). Is there a special place on your property - maybe in the garden - where a bench might encourage you to enjoy the view awhile longer?

9. {Outbuildings} like a chicken coop or garden shed open up lots of possibilities, as well as provide you with another charming backdrop. 

10. {Farm fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers} evoke simple country living perhaps more than anything. If you don't have space to plant fruit trees or build raised garden beds, consider a container garden where strawberries, tomatoes and herbs can be tended and enjoyed.

Find ideas on decorating with farmhouse style inside here!

And now I'm wondering, where is your favorite spot at home to enjoy some time outdoors? Or, is there a view you most love, looking out your window? I'd love to hear!

So glad you stopped by...

Xo

Sharing with:
French Country Cottage
From My Front Porch

Share Your Style
Savvy Southern Style
Cozy Little House