Tuesday, July 2, 2013

A Porch for All Seasons


Today I'm honored to feature my parents' front porch.  When they built their Craftsman-style lakehouse nine years ago, my parents envisioned their front porch as the centerpiece of their leisure time.  That vision became a reality, for whether throwing boisterous porch parties in the fall, or casually entertaining friends for happy hour, or hosting their granddaughters for tea parties, or reading the newspaper in the morning, or napping on the porch daybed on hot summer afternoons, when home, my parents can almost always be found on the porch.  All year round.




The porch is long and spacious, and with ceiling fans, good lighting, composite flooring, and comfortable furniture, very functional.  You'll also note the the "haint" blue ceiling, traditional in Southern porches to ward off haunting spirits (and wasps!):



My mom takes porch decorating seriously.  From the vintage red bicycle at the porch steps to the antique croquet set and roller skates, to the worn quilts adorning the rocking chairs, every element of the porch decor encourages guests to relax and have fun.
  




But it's the dynamic seasonal decor that helps the porch make memories. Here are some views of this Porch for All Seasons.

On spring mornings:







On the Fourth of July:























During Autumn:










And at Christmas:









On a personal note, this porch is also my daughters' favorite place on earth, a magical retreat for them when life gets hectic.  They perch on the porch on summer evenings, spying fireflies. They feed visiting deer carrots between the porch rails.  They spend winter afternoons reading under blankets on the porch swing. They host tea parties with their dolls on the vintage ice cream parlor table. They love it here.







As for me,  I can actually feel my blood pressure drop every time I sit on the porch swing, wine glass in hand, lakeviews in sight.  The cares of the world melt away.  How lucky we are, to have such a place.










P.S.: Are you new to the cul-de-sac?  I blog about nestingnurturingreadingtraveling, and most of all, celebrating life with my family! If you like what you see, please consider joining the conversation via BlogLovin', GFC or email.  I would love to get to know you! :)

14 comments:

  1. Oh, what a lovely place! And the memories you and your parents are making for your daughters!! I, too, have a "thing" for porches, so I really enjoyed your post! ~Zuni

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  2. Oh my goodness. I love the porch and all of the seasons of decor. I think this would be my favorite place too. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that is ongoing - http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/07/171st-inspire-me-tuesday.html Hugs, Marty

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  3. What can I say? Perfection - with each season.

    I have always wanted a great porch like that.

    My favorite thing is the this is the life tray. I think I have just the try to copy it.

    Have a great 4th of July!

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  4. What a beautiful porch! I have neglected my porch this Summer. You have inspired me to get out there and make it beautiful! Pinning!

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  5. What a beautiful place! And so many great ideas! thanks for sharing. Pinned lots.

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  6. So lovely! I enjoyed each and every photo!!

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  7. Such a great porch! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  8. Your front porch is absolutely stunning. The place looks great with the color scheme. What’s nice about it was that you designed your porch in a way people will feel the love and patriotism towards the country. That was an odd yet extremely great idea. You have wonderful sets of flowers and greenery too! This is a perfect place to relax indeed!
    John Gwaltney @ Nehemiah ReConstruction

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  9. Nice post. Thanks for sharing.
    Inkmonk

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