Martha Stewart's traditional front porch Christmas decor is simple yet so effective – and it can make a world of difference in an instant with these seasonal buys
Whether trailing up gates or walls or defining a doorframe, a festive garland will transform any home

This year's festive garlands and wreaths are showpieces – big, shapely, and inspired by the rustic nature of the natural world. Use them to add a festive touch to every part of your home: hang them above fireplaces or over a mirror, in a window, or in multiples up the staircase, or do like America's favorite TV personality Martha Stewart and use a garland to frame your front door.
Festive arrangements needn't just be kept to grand staircases and fireplace mantels. Create an impact on the entrance by adorning your doorframe with lavish, verdant Christmas foliage ideas. Consider pairing Christmas garland ideas and Christmas wreath ideas to take the festivities to a whole new level.
The front porch is often forgotten about when choosing to decorate for the festive season, but styling this area is a wonderful way to greet guests and set the tone for the rest of your home.
A post shared by Martha Stewart (@marthastewart)
A photo posted by on
Shop the look
This lush-looking 9ft garland from Walmart is an excellent buy and will work both indoors and out. It looks so real that it will fool your neighbors. I've already added two to my cart.
If you don't fancy crafting or foraging your own Christmas garland, worry not. This gorgeous, fully-decorated design comes pre-lit for minimal effort and maximum style.
This gorgeous garland is ideal for those keen to replicate the traditional Christmas decor they've always loved. Laden with warm LED lights and red berries, this festive favorite will see you through every Christmas.
If you want your Christmas decorations to look high-end, than Crate & Barrel are loved by everyone at the H&G offices. This faux cypress design could almost pass as real. It certainly fooled me...
Affordable option
Decorating your door doesn't have to cost the Earth. This cost-effective option is a great way to introduce festive cheer for a fraction of the price of a real or designer option.
All-season design
This faux magnolia and eucalyptus garland is a lively and lush winter accessory that can also work year-round. It celebrates the natural beauty of magnolia and eucalyptus.
Statement garlands are some of my favorite Christmas porch decor ideas for the simple fact that they are so easy to decorate with, and they make a world of difference to the overall look of a space.
From classic garlands crafted from Christmas foliage to more modern faux designs, a beautifully designed garland will always be a wonderfully versatile decoration to use over the festive season.
'I love the abundance of evergreen garlands at this time of year,' says renowned florist Phillipa Craddock. 'They are much hardier during the winter (as it is outside of their growing season) and will last for several days, both indoors and out.' For a full, more dramatic look, collect pine cones, rose hips, holly, and other foraged foliage to bump up the volume and texture.
'Fresh foliage is always my first choice for a garland because of the natural scent and texture they will bring to your home's exterior and interiors,' says Lucy Searle, content director, of Homes & Gardens. 'However, if you don't fancy making a Christmas garland yourself, faux will do just as well. There are so many fantastic faux garlands – Walmart's Holiday Shop and Crate and Barrel always have a great selection. I always like to enhance mine with a few fresh blooms, which can be easily replaced as they die off.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
This Christmas, take your cue from Martha Stewart's floral creation and make a statement with a fabulous festive design.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for several years in both the US and UK, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing and occasionally dabbles in the social media, commercial, and the e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling houses designed by some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances, and even writing a few news stories or two.
-
Paloma Elsesser's living room color scheme is an unorthodox spin on 'bold neutrals' – it layers earthy tones with timeless textures
Warm neutrals and mid-century modern furniture unite in a unique way in the living room of the model's stunning Brooklyn townhouse
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
French chefs swear by this powerful food processor – and I can see why
I made perfect hummus, pastry dough, and chopped vegetables in the Magimix food processor. Here's my professional review
By Lydia Hayman Published
-
Martha Stewart's vertical kitchen storage changed everything I knew about open shelving – it's one of the cleverest uses of spaces I've seen
Martha's Bedford home has long served as a source of design inspiration – but nothing has stopped me in my tracks quite like her ingenious kitchen storage
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart designed a neutral chair with a sophisticated presence that's strong enough to set the tone in your living room – and it's hiding on Wayfair
Martha's ultimate accent chair embodies country farmhouse living – designers say you can use such a piece to elevate a space completely
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart's 'homekeeping room' is a sophisticated twist on a classic garage – it's changed how I think about essential storage solutions
Martha transforms a room in her home into a storage space that is both highly functional and elevated thanks to its layout and accessories
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart painted her entryway in the style of a muralist known as the 'Yankee Da Vinci' in the '70s – her look remains a staple of New England design
Inspired by the artist Rufus Porter, Martha painted her foyer to encompass the beauty of the North Eastern outdoors – 55 years later, it's just as stylish
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart designed a chair inspired by her rustic Bedford farm – it's the perfect accent for 'discerning interior enthusiasts' (and nearly 50% off now)
Stewart created a '60s-inspired coastal chair in a neutral colorway that promises 'year-round beauty' – and it's currently at one of the lowest prices we've seen
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart designed the perfect knife set that includes 'everything a home chef needs' – and it's currently discounted for a limited time
Cook like an icon with this high-quality knife set that works amazingly and looks great on your countertops – shop it for less before it sells out
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart called her unique Fifth Avenue kitchen her 'galley alley' – its metal surfaces teach us a lesson in modern home functionality
Stewart's New York home played host to a space unlike any other in her kitchen portfolio – years later, we're taking notes on its eternally practical design
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart designed the perfect neutral accent chair, and it's hidden on Wayfair (with over 20% off) – it's the ultimate living room must-have
We've found a chair that translates to every kind of living space, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it's designed by none other than Martha Stewart
By Megan Slack Published