You can check out the full article here to see why they captured so much attention.

Now, we’re excited to share a few of the simple steps we used to transform these buckets into eye-catching holiday decor!

The best part? You can customize the number. Create one, two, three, or as many as your heart desires.

If you don't have bricks or wood, no problem. You can achieve the same effect using sand or stones.

If you don't have these items, any miscellaneous ornaments you have on hand will work beautifully.

We especially love using shiny, vibrant ornaments because they create a stunning contrast against the natural greenery and add a festive sparkle.

Here’s a view from above—doesn’t it look so festive and full of holiday cheer?

At the time, we hadn’t quite figured out how to showcase this beautiful arrangement of natural elements for those passing by without stepping onto the porch.

If you have any creative ideas, we’d love to hear them! Or perhaps this little treasure is meant to be a delightful surprise, discovered only when you step up onto the porch.

When stepping up onto the porch, you get a delightful hint of the natural treasures inside each bucket. This project was incredibly simple to put together, using mostly all-natural ingredients, making it as budget-friendly as it is beautiful.

What do you think? Would you try this for your holiday porch?

Holiday Lighting Tips

Tip 1: Be mindful of power requirements for your outdoor Christmas lighting, and always plug into a GFCI-protected circuit for safety. If you’re unsure or the task involves climbing on your roof or ladder, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Safety first.

Tip 2: When adding holiday lights to your porch, consider extending the glow to nearby elements like a tree or two in your yard. This adds depth to your display, creating a more magical and layered holiday scene.

Tip 3: Light Spacing Matters!
Bob shared that the most expensive part of a light set is the wire, which is why most lights are spaced about 2 to 2.5 inches apart. However, for outdoor evergreen trees, he recommends lights with spacing of 4 to 6 inches apart.

These might not be easy to find in stores, but a quick online search can help. We found this set of commercial lights in beautiful colors (our referral link as an Amazon Associate). They’re perfect for achieving that balanced, professional look.

Tip 4: Incorporate Greenery
Adding greenery alongside your lights can bring extra warmth and dimension to your display. Garland, wreaths, and starbursts make excellent additions that enhance the festive glow and create a more natural, cozy aesthetic.

Tip 5: A Handy Tree Lighting Hack
Lighting tall trees doesn’t have to be daunting. Bob suggests using a telescopic paint roller pole, which can extend up to 18 feet. Straighten the roller, remove the supports, and turn it into a makeshift hook. Attach your string of lights, and with one person walking ahead, wrap the tree as you go. For trees 12-13 feet tall, one person can manage this alone; for larger trees, grab a helper and keep going until it’s fully lit.

To see more of Bob’s fantastic tips—like the differences between LED and incandescent lights, how to wrap lights to avoid tangles, and troubleshooting advice—visit here.

Our 2025 Calendar Is Ready for You

Take advantage of my early December special to get 25% off now through December 15th in my shop. The code is 25CALENDAR and you can get it right here.

Start the New Year surrounded by the beauty of wildflowers! I hope this calendar finds a place in your home or becomes a thoughtful gift for someone special.

Remember up till December 15th, you'll receive a 25% discount using 25CALENDAR.

Sweet Facts About Candy Canes

- Candy canes started as straight sticks and were later curved into a shepherd’s crook.

- Stripes came later; early candy canes were plain white; the iconic red stripes appeared later.

- Original candy canes were just sugar sticks. Peppermint came much later.

- Candy canes are traditional in holiday decor; they’ve been adorning Christmas trees since the 1800s.

- The majority of candy canes are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

- If you store candy canes in a cool, dry place, they can last indefinitely.

- National Candy Cane Day is on December 26th, so please enjoy several.

- Not just red and white anymore, today you can find candy canes in a rainbow of colors and flavors.

- How about having a jar of candy canes on your porch for guests and neighbors?

You'll Enjoy This Podcast About Candy Canes

You can listen to it here. It’s full of surprising interconnections and stories we know you will enjoy.

Want Some DIY Hot Chocolate Ideas?

Bring the charm of a cozy café to your porch with a festive hot chocolate bar. This setup adds warmth and joy to chilly December days especially if you have family or guests visiting, or simply treating yourself.

Make your hot chocolate with milk, cocoa, sugar and vanilla as suggested on cocoa boxes or use hot chocolate mixes.

Personally, I like the way my mom made it when I was a kid: She poured evaporated milk into mugs about half way up and then the rest of the way with hot water from the tea kettle. Then she used a nice amount of Nestles chocolate mix and stirred it vigorously.

For the porch, you might want to make a larger amount and keep it warm in a slow cooker.

The magic is in the toppings that you place in small bowls or jars. Ideas include marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes for stirring, and cinnamon sticks. Most everyone loves whipped cream, too! Be sure to have sturdy cups and a way to personalize them with their name. Add some fairy lights for extra ambiance and as a source of soft light.

We Appreciate Our Sponsors Greatly

Beautiful handrails from Vintage Woodworks

Aren't these handrails from Vintage Woodworks so attractive? With a solid hardwood core, these handrails are not only resistant to bending, but also easily maintained due to the PVC outer coating.

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

Photo courtesy of The Porch Store, Nashville TN

Can you imagine taking a nap on this wonderful swing bed from The Porch Store? And our favorite part is that the swing is adjustable. You can position the back one way for sitting and another way for napping. The best of both worlds, we believe.

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.

Till Next Time...