Back to Back Issues Page
Front Porch Appeal: Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and Glorious Fall
November 01, 2024


Welcome to Front Porch Appeal!

Welcome to November, a month filled with seasonal beauty and cozy traditions! As autumn deepens, porches transform with warm, inviting Thanksgiving décor inspired by nature’s harvest and bounty.

Let’s take time to celebrate the simple joys this season brings!

We’re so grateful to have you with us.


These Savannah GA porch steps are so beautifully decorated for autumn

November is a month of transformation and reflection, a time when nature shows us the beauty of change. As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the cycles of life and the importance of embracing every season.

This month invites us to pause and give thanks, celebrating the abundance in our lives. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, share stories, and create lasting memories. In the spirit of gratitude, we can reflect on the lessons learned from the past and the hopes we hold for the future.

As we move toward the end of the year, let us take this time to dream big, set new intentions, and cultivate a mindset of positivity and possibility. November is a gateway to reflection, connection, and hope. Together, let’s embrace the spirit of this month, carrying its lessons forward into the days ahead.


Quiet November Life

November porches reflect the season's colors and harvest

November brings a gentle pause to the year, inviting us to slow down and savor the season. The leaves have mostly fallen, the air is crisp, and there’s a cozy quiet that settles in as we prepare for winter.


One year we created this wonderful T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L garland

November is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the past months, and embrace the little comforts of home. Whether it’s sipping a warm drink on the porch, enjoying the last bits of fall color, or simply taking time to catch our breath, November encourages us to lean into a slower, more peaceful rhythm.


In this season of stillness, our porches become cozy retreats where we can pause and appreciate the simpler things. A blanket, a warm cup of tea, and a few quiet moments outdoors can feel like a gift amidst the busyness.

November reminds us that slowing down allows space for gratitude and joy in the little things, making each crisp morning and quiet evening even more special.






Your Voice Matters



The right to vote is a powerful expression of our voice and our values. It’s not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility that allows us to shape our communities and influence the future.

Every vote matters and participating in elections is essential to uphold our democracy. For our USA friends, we encourage you to honor this right by making your voice heard on Tuesday, November 5th.



Tribute to Our Veterans

On November 11th, Veterans Day, we honor the courageous men and women who have served in our armed forces, our nation’s veterans. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and values is a testament to their strength, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

Each veteran carries a unique story, shaped by their experiences and the challenges they faced while defending our country. They stood on the front lines, often far from home, facing unimaginable hardships with bravery and resilience. Whether in times of war or peace, their service has made a profound impact on our lives and our nation.

As we reflect on their sacrifices, let us remember that their courage extends beyond the battlefield. Many have returned to civilian life, carrying with them the weight of their experiences, yet they continue to contribute to our communities in countless ways. Their spirit of service persists, reminding us of the values we hold dear.

We owe a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid. It is our responsibility to honor their legacy by supporting them, advocating for their needs, and ensuring that they receive the care and recognition they deserve.

Today, let us stand together in appreciation and respect for our veterans. May we strive to embody the ideals they fought for—freedom, justice, and unity. Thank you to all who have served; your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Please stop by our page to see why Veterans Day is important. Thank you.



Gratefulness Month

Happy Thanksgiving!



This Thanksgiving, may your heart be filled with gratitude and your home be overflowing with love. As you gather with family and friends, take a moment to reflect on the blessings that surround you—the laughter shared, the memories created, and the warmth of connection.

May you find joy in the simple moments and strength in the challenges you’ve faced. Let this day remind you of the power of togetherness and the importance of kindness. As you give thanks for all that you have, may you also share your blessings with those in need, spreading hope and love beyond your table.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, joy, and cherished moments. May your heart be light, your spirit be bright, and your gratitude be boundless! Please enjoy our Thanksgiving Decorations page.


Illustration courtesy of Art_Dreams on pixabay

Will you be enjoying some delicious homemade pie this month?



Wonderful Month for
Neighborly Gratitude

November is the perfect time to celebrate Neighborly Gratitude! Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be elaborate; small gestures can brighten someone's day and strengthen community bonds.

Here are a few easy ways to spread a little gratitude:

- Share Seasonal Treats

Surprise a neighbor with a seasonal baked good or homemade treat. A small plate of cookies, a mini loaf of pumpkin bread, or even a warm cup of spiced cider delivered to their porch is a thoughtful gesture.

- Leave a Thank-You Note or Send a Card

A handwritten note is a simple, meaningful way to express thanks. You could thank a neighbor who helps with yard work, checks in on others, or even just brings a friendly wave to your day.

- Lend a Helping Hand

As fall leaves pile up, offer to rake leaves or clean up a neighbor’s yard, especially for elderly or busy neighbors. Small acts of service, like taking in their garbage cans or bringing in packages, can be a big help.

- Create a Gratitude Tree

Start a gratitude tree for the neighborhood! Place a small tree on your porch with blank tags or paper leaves and invite neighbors to write something they’re thankful for. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a porch full of shared gratitude.

- Gift Fall Flowers or Plants

A small pot of mums or an autumn plant left on a neighbor's porch with a little note can be a wonderful way to brighten their day and remind them they’re appreciated.



Some Themes to Enjoy on Our Site

Perhaps one or more of these are of special interest to you:

- Mobile Home Porches


- Christmas Decorating Ideas


- Ranch Home Porches


- How to Make Privacy Panels for Your Porch


- Wheelchair Ramp Designs and Specs





2025 Calendar in the Works



In next month's newsletter, I plan to include a link to the 2025 calendar I am creating. The calendar will feature lovely wildflowers that I have painted for you. I will have it in my Etsy shop! Perfect for gift giving, or for yourself.

This is a sample page. I hope you like it!



Stars on Porches

We appreciate our friend Karen sharing this photo
of her screened porch with us

We have a page all about the meaning of stars on porches. We always find it an interesting topic to share with you!

Stars on porches often symbolize warmth, protection, and a welcoming spirit, and their meaning can vary by region and tradition:

Hospitality and Welcome: A star on the porch is widely recognized as a symbol of welcome. Many people hang stars to convey friendliness and let neighbors know they’re welcome to stop by.

Good Luck and Protection: In some areas, porch stars (especially five-point barn stars) are thought to bring good fortune and protect the home. This tradition comes from Pennsylvania Dutch folklore, where stars on barns or homes were symbols of protection and good luck.

Patriotic Symbolism: Stars are also associated with patriotism in the United States, symbolizing pride, especially in rural areas, or as a way to honor military service.

Simple Decoration: For many, porch stars are purely decorative. Stars are classic, versatile symbols that add charm, especially when hung on porches, walls, or front doors.

Symbol of Stability and Guidance: Stars are often associated with constancy and guidance, reminding us to “follow our North Star.” For some, this can mean representing personal values or hopes, adding a bit of extra meaning to a welcoming porch.


This star is on our friend Maya's home



We Appreciate Our Sponsors...

We greatly appreciate your support of our treasured sponsors. Each of them is like family to us and we are very proud of their products. They have been with us for a long time!

Photo courtesy of The Porch Store, Nashville TN They ship all over!

Isn't this a welcoming staircase? The Double Cathedral Porch Railing Panels surely add to the appeal.

The Porch Store products featured in this photo surely do level up the wonderful appeal of this beautiful home.

We welcome you to take a look at all of The Porch Store products on their website.

They have long been sponsors to us and we could not be more proud.




Photo courtesy of PCA Products

Look at these beautiful French screen doors - and no center post. Aren't they so lovely on this welcoming porch?

We've been proud to share PCA Products with you for many years and this is one of our favorite products.




Photo courtesy of Vintage Woodworks

This beautiful home features arch brackets, providing a series of graceful arches across the porch.

We are very proud of our sponsor, Vintage Woodworks, a leader in handcrafted house trim since 1978. They can assist you in choosing just the right design options for your home.




Till Next Time...



We appreciate this lovely photo courtesy of Peggychoucair on pixabay.

We all live busy lives, so thank you for being in our porch family. We appreciate you.

May you enjoy the month of November and all that goes with gorgeous autumn. We hope there are pleasant, colorful days to enjoy your porch. How wonderful that will be!

See you on the porch.

Our best always,

Mary and Dave

Mary and Dave



Back to Back Issues Page