It’s the unofficial start to summer. I love all seasons, but summer has to be my favorite. Backyard barbecues, 4th of July parades, sundresses and sandals, fireflies, sweet tea, and hydrangeas are some of my favorite things about summer. Who doesn’t love a beautiful late night summer sunset? I know I do.

I had waited long enough and it was time to get my front porch summer ready. First off, I needed a new wreath for the front door. An Adirondack style chair wooden monogram really says summer and choosing a beachy blue and light coral paint fits my summer theme. Re-purposing an existing wreath and adding a few flowers and ribbon finished it off. I always love something personal with our name on it for the front door.

Rearranging the furniture and adding a focal piece really made the porch come alive. How gorgeous is this potting bench? My husband made it for me for Mother’s Day a few years ago and I love it. Usually I use it as a potting bench in my garage but I have always wanted to use it in my decor and thought the front porch was the perfect place to display it. Very eye catching. Adding herbs, plants, statues, and lanterns completed the potting bench.

Finally, I grabbed my outdoor pillows, new garden flag, rugs, and added a few pots of colorful flowers to make everything pop. I love the layered rugs by the front door and the flag is from our newest collection. Lavender and herbs smell wonderful as you walk up to the front door, and I enjoy having fresh herbs for my sweet tea. I decided on simple ferns this year for an organic element and to add some green to match the faux boxwood topiaries. I bought the topiaries for holiday decorating but really liked the look so I decided to use them year round. My other pots add just the right pop of color.

I think it’s the perfect time of day to grab a book and a glass of sweet tea and enjoy my beautiful porch. Care to join me?