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.

Farmhouse Decorating for Early Fall {Wheat and Galvanized Buckets}

We're just four days back into the school routine and I've never been so ready for the weekend. 

Wow. I forgot about just how early the mornings are, how late the evenings are - getting backpacks and lunches prepped, and how many forms (and checks) need signing this time of year! But... all three of our boys have had a good back-to-school week and so I'm feeling grateful. I imagine your week has been full too, and I hope it has been going well. And if you happen to be a teacher, thank you for all you do! :)

Farmhouse Style Entertaining...

Farmhouse style and entertaining are a natural fit... 

Relaxed and welcoming, a farmhouse gathering is about enjoying time with family and friends, and putting guests at ease. I picture long farmhouse tables with mismatched chairs and weathered benches. String lights, and fresh herbs and flowers in simple pitchers and jars. Plenty of food to go around, laughter and conversation between friends... 

Our Farmhouse (Spring!) Porch...

Welcome to our front porch, where we're looking forward to the arrival of spring. It feels so good to have cleaned up the porch and added fresh flowers and plants. I think it's my way of trying to give nature a little nudge that we are ready for spring! Here in the Pacific Northwest, it's not feeling very "springy" yet, but we know its on its way...

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

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.

What I Love About Farmhouse Style...

There are many reasons I adore farmhouse style (you too?!). 

Here are a few reasons why...

It's fun to repurpose aged items in unexpected ways. Here, we used an old galvanized chicken waterer as a vase. For easy ways to dry your hydrangeas, click here.