(Source: Pixabay)
Dropping temperatures signal the start of the winter season here in the Lowcountry, and what better way to spend a crisp, cool day outdoors than on your porch with a mug of delicious hot cocoa?
While we don’t see snow too often in the area (although there have been exciting exceptions!), that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own winter escape for you and the family to enjoy. Because front and screened porches are common features of Lowcountry homes, we’ve come up with a list of three ways you can convert these outdoor living spaces into gorgeous winter wonderlands!
Add Plants
(Source: Pixabay)
While we often associate winter with bright white snow, a little bit of greenery can go a long way toward adding depth to your winter wonderland.
Short pines (think mini Christmas trees) are perfect for the porch. They require little sunlight and upkeep, and you can decorate them with pinecones, ornaments, or even white flocking to give them a frosty appearance. Faux pine trees and poinsettias work just as well, and an added benefit is they can be stored away after the season is over.
If you’re not a pine tree fan, there are plenty of other cold-hardy evergreen plants that will provide the same effect. And if you prefer to add a bit of color to your winter wonderland, you may be interested in incorporating some of these florals or bushes into the landscaping surrounding your porch, too:
- Sweet alyssum
- Honeywort
- Pansies
- Violets
- Winter jasmine
- Winter honeysuckle
Note: Garden Gate Nursery in Bluffton and The Greenery in Hilton Head and Palmetto Bluff are great spots to find more seasonal plants!
Add Lighting
Holiday light shows remain a seasonal must-do for a reason, so why not bring the show to your screened porch, too?
- Hang icicle-shaped or string lights around the perimeter of the porch, either on the railings or along the edges of the awning.
- Add white string lights to a potted pine tree or around the door or window trim to create a magical winter glow.
- Use a lantern with a white (faux) candle inside as the centerpiece for your outdoor table, and dress it up with a little greenery. You can also add lanterns to the mantle of your outdoor fireplace for additional decor.
- No outdoor fireplace? An outdoor heater with artificial flames will provide both light and warmth on those colder nights.
- With the help of a projector, you can create the illusion of snowfall or host a “light show” of your own on the exterior of your home!
Add Decor
(Source: Pexels)
When you’re finished setting up your greenery and lights, round out your winter wonderland with some great decor.
- Stacked Logs – Logs not only make a great winter statement, but also have a practical use for screened porches equipped with fireplaces and outdoor patios accented by fire pits.
- Blankets – Keep things cozy by draping a few plush blankets over the chairs, rockers, or hanging swing bed on your front porch. You can find some great outdoor furniture options at Lowcountry Furniture.
- Throw pillows – Whether they’re solid, accented by a wintry tartan print, or feature holiday greetings, throw pillows are another way to make your seating more seasonal.
- Large rug – While blankets and the crackling flames from your outdoor fireplace will keep you warm, a nice rug will keep feet toasty too.
- Swags and Wreaths – Hang a few swags of garland off porch railings, and add a wreath to your front door or windows to create a wintery welcome.
- Sled – While you might not be able to actually use a sled here on the South Carolina coast, an antique sled makes a great winter statement when filled with greenery or poinsettias.
- Faux Snow – You can’t have a winter wonderland without adding in a bit of artificial snow! This doesn’t have to be messy, either. In combination with the rest of your decor, a few artificial snow blankets will be enough to inspire the imagination.
- Other holiday decor – Ornaments, mistletoe, snowflakes, faux presents–anything that sets the tone for the holidays is always a nice addition.
There are several home decor stores local to the Lowcountry that may have just what you’re looking for. Check out a few of our favorites here!
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With the right decor, your screened porch will be well equipped to rival the North Pole when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. Porches are a quintessential feature of homes in Lowcountry communities like Palmetto Bluff, and make wonderful flex spaces all year round. Is a new home in the Lowcountry on your wishlist? Contact our team today to begin your search!
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