Front porches that will have you wanting to up your holiday decorating game

Now that the last of the leaves have been swept off, and that a sprinkle of snow has found its way to some of our steps, it's high time to think about making our front porches a little more seasonal. We've rounded up the prettiest inspiration from Instagram to inspire your own ideas. With traditional touches, festive baubles, lots and lots of greenery – and even some unexpected accents, these entryways are such a special way to greet your guests this winter. Sorry Santa, the chimney's still for you.

So. Much. Fun.

Traditional red and green make a big statement with this super fun look. Lots of ribbon and oversized Christmas balls wound into garland are the key to making your front porch as festive as this one. We're thinking Santa will have a hard time missing this place.

Wrap it up

If your porch is covered from the elements, make things extra-festive by wrapping up some boxes and framing your door with them. This adds an instant holiday feel, plus a pop of colour for very little money and only a little of your time. Add bows to existing accents for an extra seasonal flare.

Charlie Brown-inspired

This look is a little farmhouse and a bit Charlie Brown. Don't leave those sparse trees on the lot this year, this porch proves that they're pretty too… and if you've got a bit of forest on your land, you won't have to look far for some ungroomed tiny trees.

Keep it simple

With a front porch as gorgeous as this, it's no wonder they kept seasonal decor to a minimum. We love how the greenery compliments the monochromatic scheme of this entryway. Styled in a flash, simply add a mat, a stack of wood, wreath, and a potted evergreen and you're good to go for the whole season.

Country cottage chic

This country cottage-inspired look is totally doable, cottage or not. Simply raid your potting shed for some of those planters you stored away and arrange them outside of your front door. Add in some seasonal evergreens and other plants that can withstand our cold climate, a wreath and some garland and you've got yourself a garden-inspired 'scape.

Deck the halls/oversized

If you've got a veranda, deck the whole thing! We love the use of garland and the hanging oversized ornaments to make this home's entryway super classic, and very Christmassy. The best part? Most of these ornaments can probably be sourced from your local dollar store, making it a budget-friendly option.

Traditional Christmas

This look is a beautiful combo of some of our favourite traditional looks – it's got urns, boxwoods, bright red bows, a wreath, and trailing garlands of evergreens. We love the layers of greenery and the rocking chair with some wolly accents make the look extra cozy. Oh and dogs. You can't go wrong with dogs.

All the lanterns

Keep your patio lanterns out of storage this season and line your walkway with them. The soft light will make your home even more welcoming on those dark winter nights. We love how the Pottery Barn stylists hung the lanterns instead on placing on the ground, adding extra character and keeping them out of the way of the shovel as the snow gets deeper.

Christmas tree forest

Trees of all sizes make for the prettiest vignette on this front porch. If your entryway is wide enough, consider adding some trees of various heights and sizes (they don't need to be perfectly manicured) on either side of your front door to create a whole forest to welcome guests this season. Stop by the dollar store for some plastic tree-toppers, throw your trees in some buckets, string some lights if you want, and you've got a very seasonal front porch that is sure to smell amazing too.

Dreaming of a white Christmas

Don't let evergreens get all the attention. This fun porch setting is so welcoming and inviting, it'll have you re-considering your use of neutrals – plus you'll stand out amongst your neighbours. If your entryway is protected from the elements, opt for a white artificial tree and wreath to match. Decorate with some plastic ornaments, string some colourful outdoor lights and you've got a front porch that your kids (and neighbours) will certainly adore.

Ultimate hygge

Perhaps the ultimate embodiment of outdoor hygge, the furs, baskets and antique touches add so much cozy we are definitely going to emulate this. Pay a visit to your local antique shop to source some old canisters for trees, and vintage winter paraphernalia, such as sleighs, skis, or even faux furs. Add in a couple of trees and some lanterns for extra effect, and your home's entryway is basically inspired by the nordic trend that continues to dominate winter decor.  

On-trend greenery

It's common to opt for a greenery-forward entryway this time of year. But this front step is anything but basic. We adore the use of evergreens for urns, a wreath and garland to create a gorgeous and welcoming entryway. Silver dollar eucalyptus is very on-trend right now and works so well with evergreen boughs – simply stop by your florist's or pick up some artificial stems from your local craft store.

Cozy and Canadian

Let's face it, our winters are pretty long in this country. We love how this Canadian blogger opted to create a cozy nook on her front porch that we'd want to curl up on despite the freezing temps. Strings of lights, some cozy wools from your local second-hand store, a lantern and some logs all work together to create a super pretty porch with a very Canadian feel.

Use what you've got!

If you've find yourself living on an estate with no porch, don't fret. This simple wreath repetition is a traditional decor method and makes the whole house look super classy and oh-so festive. You can make your own, opt for artificial, or even stop by your local Christmas tree lot and just add bows to suit your style!

Special mention

We're not saying there's a right or wrong way to decorate, but we think this is pretty much perfect...even if it doesn't fit on your front step.