Here’s a simple way to create a Christmas front door to welcome guests with the color red. I’m also sharing an easy appetizer for the holidays, a fun casual red outfit and more.
It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
1. A Welcoming Christmas Door Entrance
Nothing perks up a space like the color RED. Although understated without ribbons or ornaments, an artificial red berry wreath with faux greenery and twigs adds some punch to our holiday door decor.
See the Christmas lights on the tree through the window? You may also like this Christmas Decorating post for inspiration inside this holiday season.
I moved this antique French oyster basket out here to personalize the front porch! We got the basket in Normandy but I see that Ebay also sells them. It’s filled with pinecones and birch logs.
The planters have red impatiens which we may switch out for poinsettias if they start to die.
Do you have any Christmas door decorations?
Our red artificial Christmas wreath is old but here are some others:
2. Casual Outfit With Red
Howard just made an itinerary for our family for over the holidays…like who is cooking when (division of labor), a day at the zoo, informal restaurant reservations, etc. Very casual.
Something classic like this would be appropriate.
- red infinity scarf 40% off
- pintucked light sweater tunic 40% off now. I have this in black and love it.
- Slim demi boot cut jeans flattering 30% off
- Chestnut Rose color lip pigment Not too harsh a color but looks great everyday.
- Italian leather crossbody bag reasonably priced for the quality by Quince (Roomy for a small bag and I had someone ask me which designer made it).
- red socks cute! on sale–nice gift or stocking stuffer
- Nisolo booties on major sale (with comfort insoles–on my sister’s Christmas list)
3. Creating A Floral Arrangement To Last All Winter
I added white berries (on sale) to the existing faux eucalyptus in the terracotta vase, some pine cones and now we have a new simple vignette in the living room. The texture with the tray is nice too.
4. What To Watch: The Crown Season Six Part One
These episodes are so full of emotion. The actress playing Princess Diana is amazing and you will find yourself having some compassion for the Prince now King Charles.
5. Cranberry Pecan Sharp Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer
Do you follow Spoonful of Si on Instagram? This appetizer recipe went viral. I made it on Friday and it was easy!
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Cynthia says
This cheeseball looks yummy and bonus that it looks easy to make as well. Planning to make it for Christmas day snack. Do you know what type of crackers you served with it? They look delicious! Thanks.
Mary Ann Pickett says
We served pita crackers and rice crackers form Trader Joes.
Kim says
Your front porch looks so pretty! Cute idea using that basket. I love your door mat too!
You’re going to have a fun holiday sounds like. I love that outfit . XO
Juliet says
MA! Oh, how I love a cheeseball … I’m going to make this. Red on the front door is the best … and screams come on inside for a festive time. Your winter arrangement is so pretty. I first saw the actress playing Princess Diana in a series called The Night Manager. She was amazing in it too and If you haven’t seen it … it’s so so good. Sounds like you guys are going to have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends! xo
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
What size did you buy in the J Jill pintucked sweater. Did you find the sweater fits roomy? In the past I find their sizing runs on the large side.
Thank you.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I got the petite XS…still a bit roomy.
Maeve says
A really good post today. I’m going to try the white berry and eucalyptus arrangement. IT’s simple but visually satisfying.
The outfit is also simple and appropriate for this time of year — but I’m switching to blue and green as the colors and opting for a shorter tunic. I’ve been eying those boots, but I have a broken ankle, which prohibits trying on shoes or boots.
Happy advent ..
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh good luck with your ankle…did you know I broke mine too six years ago?
Julia K. says
Hi, Mary Ann —
Thanks for all this. Very pretty. However, I found the link to the appetizer isn’t working. Could you please check it?
Happy holidays!
Julia
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sorry! I will.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I just checked and it works for me…the second link.
Joan says
Thank you for the holiday cheer, Mary Ann! I had looked at cheese ball recipes online a couple of weeks ago and they all seemed “meh” — this one has festive and flavorful additions instead so I’m grateful for the recipe!
Karyn Denton says
Hi Mary Ann! Can you offer how many of the white berry and eucalyptus branches you used for your arrangement? Great post and I’m going for the cranberry cheese ball later today; thank you!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, I just bought two to try out and I like the look.
Rose says
Hi Mary Ann—Do you have the measurements of that handbag? Quince doesn’t provide any particulars on their merchandise. Would you consider it a small or medium size bag? Thank you
Mom says
Dimensions: 6″ H X 8.5″ W 3″ D
Crossbody strap length: minimum 41.5″, maximum 48″
Weight: 0.88lbs
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I would consider it small but it fit more in it than my medium YSL bag. It’s about 8″ x 3″
Sherry Jackson Hart says
Love ur front door! And ur red inspo…..I never wear red but found that red coat and now I’m obsessed! Might have to get that bag! Happy Holidays!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Happy holidays to you, Sherry!!