A Classic Christmas Front Porch: Plaid, Bells & Evergreens

There’s something about a classic Christmas porch that feels instantly magical—like stepping into a holiday Hallmark movie. This year, I leaned all the way into traditional reds, deep greens, oversized bells, and that timeless Home Alone-ish charm. And honestly? It might be my favorite porch yet.

You can watch it all come together on Instagram:

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From the moment you walk up to the door, every detail feels warm, welcoming, and nostalgic. Here’s a look at how I styled our front porch this year—and links to everything so you can recreate it in your own home.

*You can read about the brick front porch install here (my code KEMPER10 is still good for 10% off at checkout!!) and the faux wood door DIY here.*

The Garland

The first thing you notice is the garland wrapping the entire entry and door frame. I used a flimsy, basic garland as the base and the method for holding my add-ons by wrapping the branches around the sprigs. To make it extra full, I went foraging through my yard, cutting down small bunches of juniper and cypress to place into my basic garland to make it bulkier, fuller, and as if I spent extra money doubling up my garland. You don’t need to spend a fortune on 4-5 garlands wrapped together. You can accomplish much the same with greenery you find in your yard or along the walking trails.

In addition to my foraged stems, I added a few picks I purchased from Hobby Lobby to add some reds and golds to the mix. These were in the form of gold magnolia leaves, gold frosted berries, and red berry sprigs. Where I felt like it needed more bulk, I placed the pieces and then wrapped on branch (they each have metal wire in them for stability so they work just like floral wire).

At each corner and in the center, I added a large red waterproof bow. These either hold in with attached wire or with clips.

I wanted to add extra dimension and a little whimsy, so I added a few extra garlands to my mostly green porch. In the front, I found these beautiful white tufted garlands. It took two to cover the whole front of the porch.

Along the top of my doorway, I added a string of gold bells and one red bow garland.

And finally, I added in small cuttings of a 1.5″ red velvet ribbon I had leftover from my window wreaths I hung this year. I just alternated which direction the ribbon went each time I placed them in the garland to look like they were actually wrapped all the way up.

Bells

Last year, bells hit the market hard and for good reason. They’re such a fun, whimsical addition to your Christmas decor, indoor and outdoor. But the big problem is, only a few companies are making them and one of them is Pottery Barn. We all know that means they are pricey as can be! Kirkland’s started selling them this year, but again, they are PRICEY.

Because I am who I am, I did a great DIY last year to make my own front porch bells.

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I took two large plastic serving bowls from Dollar Tree and glued them together rims and then painted them with a soft gold outdoor paint. I painted the “holes” in the bells using a black matte paint. Finally, I took a wooden ring and cut it in half, gluing the half circle onto the top of the bell as a hook. I added pine and ribbon to each bell to really make for a beautiful golden bell.

I had no issue with these tucked in along with lanterns and pots last year, but some people even recommended putting a heavy rock before you glue them together for a little added weight. Great idea!

This year, instead of having them on the ground, I decided to hang them above my porch, alternating large and small bells and I love the way it brings your eyes up when you come onto my porch.

The Wreath

I took a basic wreath and built it in with layered textures—cedar greens, white frosted stems, mini pinecones, and bright red berries. At the center hangs a trio of gold bells on a rope, giving it that classic farmhouse Christmas feel.

Then I tied everything together with a long plaid ribbon that trails down the door and adds the perfect traditional touch.

Twinkling Gold Trees

I can’t get enough of these twinkling trees this year! I purchased them originally for my back deck, but I have been popping them in every space now – front room, deck, and now on my front porch! They come in 4 foot, 5 foot, and 6 foot sizes and have the most beautiful look, whether it’s twinkling at night or off in the daylight. They are stunning no matter what.

I draped my white faux fur rug at the base to cover up the bases and make a great bed for my Dollar Tree gold lanterns I found this year (HUGE SCORE!) They carry a large size and a small size in stores right now. I used these remote controlled indoor-outdoor candles in each one.

I’ve had this large front porch rug for years now, and I layered it with this adorable gingerbread mat.

Planter Filled With Winter Greens

I had these large blue pots that I brought up to my front porch this past fall (you can see what I did to my front porch this fall HERE!). The blue is…fine…but I wanted something more copper for a more mixed metal look on the porch. I lightly sanded the pots, spray painted black first, and then finished with a copper spray paint.

To keep it similar to the garlands, I added sprigs of juniper and cypress from my yard, as well as some cut holly and pine cones. To make it shine on both sides of my porch, I found these great light up sticks that I pushed in. In front, I found these beautiful poinsettias and red berry sprigs from Dollar Tree that add that little something to an all green pot. I think it really brings the whole porch to life and ties the garland and wreath together beautifully.

The Whole Look: Traditional, Cozy & Full of Holiday Charm

When everything comes together—the bells, the greenery, the ribbons, the plaid—it creates the sweetest, most nostalgic Christmas entryway. It’s festive without feeling overdone, full but not cluttered, and so perfectly classic.

If you’re looking to style a traditional Christmas porch of your own, this is such a fun and timeless direction to go.

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