“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” Rainier Maria Rilke
2015 has been a difficult, tragedy-filled year from Paris to Charleston, and I am struggling to find the Christmas spirit. It even seems trivial to post the décor of the front porch although it is my readers’ favorite. Then I stumbled upon this quote by Norman Vincent Peale: “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” and thought, if I can brighten even one person’s world, I should.

The wreath was created by layering a red berry wreath over a twig one, adding glittery pinecones, white berry sprays, clusters of silver mini ornaments on florist pics, suspending a glitter star ornament in the center and crowning the wreath with a cascading red ribbon bow sparkling with silver snowflakes and a cheerful pair of silver sleighbells on a velvet ribbon. The wreath set the theme for the rest of the porch décor. The wreath was repurposed from what was in the Christmas closet and is probably my favorite wreath ever. It really shimmers when the light catches the glittery bits.

Black urns flank the door and are filled half way with soil then topped to overflow with pinecones collected from the yard. I placed another red berry wreath on the top of the urn then inserted 5 kinds of branches: silver spraypainted, snow-flocked, red twigs painted red, red glitter sticks and curly natural willow. I nestled a silvery bird/dove ornament on top of each urn with a few more clusters of silver mini ornaments. The pictures don’t do justice to these urns. They are restrained but so beautiful especially as the light catches them just right and they sparkle.
In a large elevated planter which is always on our porch I created a story corner. Our sons have all been away at college and a mother is never complete again until all her children return home. The planter showcases a twig tree topped by a red star layered with a heart. On a blanket of snow, I created a village with our family’s narrative: a university building, a village clock tower and a little house. Above this I hung an old frame recently painted red in which I framed a chalkboard message for my sons. Waiting nearby for the boys’ return in a red wicker chair is our family’s first and favorite Santa, nestled on a faux fur throw with fresh greens and red velvet cushions. Elements of this natural-red and spakle theme continue throughout.
Beautifully done Johanne!!!! This will be sure to brighten MORE than one persons’ World. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Thank you so much Kath. Was actually thinking of you as I was working. Missing you. We need a get together! Xoxo
Johanne Lamarche
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Just gorgeous! Love your front porch decorations! 🙂
Thanks so much Linda! Happy holidays to you. 😍
Johanne Lamarche
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You’re welcome Johanne…Happy holidays to you and your family as well! 🙂
Thank you very much for some really beautiful ideas and a reminder of why we celebrate the holidays.
Thank you so much Fran. I teared up writing this one thinking of all the families that are shattered this year. Wishing yours peace.
Johanne Lamarche
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You know Johanne I do at times just think why? Why do we do it all? Your post is a good reminder of how good it is for us all to keep up traditions and simply continue to add good in any way we can to this world. Lovely images.
I just came home from a gathering of the International Women’s Club of Philly where the hostess’ home was decorated top to bottom and it was so joyous and uplifting. I guess that’s why we all do it. But I do a lot less now and try to spend quality time with loved ones more.
Johanne Lamarche
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Really lovely!
Thank you! Happy Holidays!
Johanne Lamarche
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Rilke is one of my favorite poets. Thank you for that quote, and the sentiments about Christmas spirit. I can relate to how you feel, and I appreciate your words and beautiful decorations.
When I read that quote it was just so powerful especially after California and Paris. Thank you for your kind words Jenny. I appreciate hearing from you.
Johanne Lamarche
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What lovely Christmas decorations! Can you come over and decorate my house?
Sure! 🌲🌲🌲 Will you make me that awesome spinach avocado pomegranate salad after I’m done?
Johanne Lamarche
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It’s all beautiful, and will brighten lots of people’s days xx
You brightened mine Elaine. Thanks and happy Sunday!
Johanne Lamarche
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And to you xx
Very festive Johanne, love the red and silver sparkle and all your detailed touches!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna! Hope you are enjoying the holiday season!
I like the quote you shared. And thanks for posting these beautiful photos!
That quote made me stop in my tracks. So profound. Thank you for your kind words Nancy.
Beautiful and very festive 🙂
Thank you Nandini! Hope you are getting in the spirit!
Johanne Lamarche
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With my kids around they just get me in the festive spirit. Have a great weekend Johanne 🙂
Christmas is all about them isn’t? enjoy the weekend!!
Johanne Lamarche
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Very beautiful, Johanne. Thanks for co-hosting this week’s FF. 🙂
It was my pleasure Jhuls. Thanks for stopping by.
Johanne Lamarche
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Lovely! I especially like the subtle dove theme, too, but that droll little Santa caught my eye! There’s still time to bring this to Throwback Thursday – check my blog, second post down – we’d love to have you! 🙂
Thanks so much Mollie! I just added it to TT and linked back to you since you were so kind to invite me back to the party!
Johanne Lamarche
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🙂 You’re the best!
🙂 Consider your invitation an open one!
Your porch is absolutely lovely! I also sometimes wonder why we go to all the trouble. A friend recently wrote a blog piece thanking her neighbors for their beautiful gardens (even thought the neighbors may only see the weeds in their own garden). You never know how you might brighten the day for a total stranger. Your love for your sons shines through, what a lovely homecoming for them.
Thanks so much Liz. Your words brightened my day, I have been known to write notes and leave them in mailboxes thanking a homeowner for the beauty of their gardens. I always have my name and address so they don’t think I am a weirdo and I have gotten back the most beautiful responses, as I did with yours this morning.
Johanne Lamarche
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So beautiful! what a lovely display of beautiful Christmas spirit! Happy holidays to you Johanne!
And to you as well Lynn!
Johanne Lamarche
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🙂
Merry Christmas Johanne,
You are amazing in making your entrance outstanding ,for all of us to enjoy, even those far away like me. We get to enjoy your lovely photos and posts. Everything you touch turns gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. You sure know how to get us in the mood. Enjoy the holidays.
Marlene
Good morning Marlene! Thank you so much for your enthusiastic comments. I always love to hear from you! And it’s often when Dona and I are getting together which we are doing tonight for a Christmas concert. Wish you could join us!! bet you are baking up a storm of your gorgeous cookies! Regards to John. Love Johanne xo Johanne Lamarche
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How beautiful, Johanne! You’e quite the decorator extraordinaire! You won the blue ribbon award IMO 🙂
Aww Angie, thanks so much! Glad you liked the porch. With this balmy weather we’re having it feels like it should be Easter we’re getting ready for!
Johanne Lamarche
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