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Front Porch Appeal: January, But Keeping It Cozy
January 05, 2026

Welcome to Front Porch Appeal!

Hello, porch friends. A cozy January hello!

There’s something quietly lovely about porches in January. Maybe it’s the calm after the holiday sparkle fades, or the way winter light lingers a little longer on the front step. A simple wreath, a lantern, or a touch of greenery can still make a home feel welcoming.

January is made for slower moments. Stepping outside with a warm mug, brushing snow or leaves off the doormat, or just standing still long enough to notice how peaceful winter can be.

This month, we’re embracing winter porch decorating that feels easy and kind. No pressure. No perfection. Just simple, cozy touches that add warmth, a bit of color, and a smile when you come home.

We’re so glad you’re here with us this January.

Cozy New Years Resolutions
For Us Porch Lovers

So, do you have New Year's resolutions with your porch in mind? Might seem silly, but indeed if we think it - and we write it - it's more likely to happen.

Or maybe you have some funny resolutions like these....and that's fun, if you do!

🏡 I resolve to buy a porch swing and actually use it, rather than just staring at it.

🌿I will plant flowers that don’t immediately die under my care or at least accept that fake flowers have feelings too.

🐦I will learn the names of the birds that hang around the porch and maybe even leave them tiny crumbs in peace.

☕I resolve to drink my morning coffee on the porch at least once, without scrolling on my phone like a zombie.

😌I resolve to remember that the porch is for relaxing, not just a place to walk past when coming home.

Invite Winter Beauty to Your Porch

Does this seem familiar ---the holiday decorations come down and then our porches are bare until spring. But, what if it does not have to be that way?

Our porches can be cozy and welcoming even in the winter months.

We love giving our January–February porches a gentle winter refresh: a simple, subdued theme that adds a touch of color and warmth. A little extra charm on our winter porches can make a big difference in the cozy, welcoming feel of our homes.

Do you agree?

This was our winter porch from 2020. Dave built-the mountain scene wall art and the faux brick hearth. The cushions are simply covered with a soft piece of plaid felt and pinned to the back - like you would wrap a gift.

Not fancy, not splashy, just nice winter vibes.

We have a bunch more cozy ideas for your winter porch here.

I always loved the snowflake wall art that Dave created for our winter front porch last year. Let me show it to you in more detail...

Isn't it pretty fun? It looks vintage-y and natural from the street, so I think it's a keeper for our porch. Dave used shims to make it - just stained them several colors. And voila!

Back porches need winter love, too. We love our back porch with it's cozy seating areas and propane firepit. Dave and I enjoy sitting here when the temps are mild and the wind is calm.

Please stop by to see more cozy ideas for your winter porch here.

Do You Have Your 2026 Calendar?

I designed this 2026 calendar, my most popular calendar for 2026, for porch lovers who treasure cozy, inspiring views.

I hope it brings warmth, inspiration, and a touch of magic to your kitchen, office or foyer each month.

Each month shows a tiny narrative of life at the kitchen window — weather, cooking, and seasonal moments.

This is the lowest price I will offer it at, so if you'd love to cozy up your room with a pretty calendar, please check out my Kitchen Window Calendar here on Etsy.

Free shipping, yes, I am offering free shipping.

This is the pretty cover!

And remember, I'm offering free shipping.

This is the best price I will offer it at, so if you'd love to cozy up your room with a pretty calendar, please check out my Kitchen Window Calendar here on Etsy.

Have You Listened to Tracing the Path?

If you love learning weird, wonderful, “wait, what?!” connections in history, you’ll love Tracing The Path by historian Dan R. Morris. It takes big 20th-century moments and shows how they’re all surprisingly linked — and it’s genuinely fun to listen to.

Dan's most recent podcast is titled The Invention of Hello! Oh my goodness, it's such great interconnected stories. Who knew that not so long ago, "hello" wasn't a commonly used word!

When Dave and I listen to Dan's podcasts, we find ourselves saying, "I never knew that!" These stories are mesmerizing.

Listen here

Who Loves a Cute Porch Goose?

We were reminiscing about the 90s and remembered how Dave’s mom had the sweetest porch goose standing guard in her front yard — and she dressed it up for every season. 🪿

Well, the porch goose has made a comeback. Maybe you’ve already spotted one or two popping up again.

It’s such a fun, lighthearted way to add personality to your porch.

💡Spotlight on PCA Products

We are super blessed to have PCA Products as one of our fine sponsors. They highly recommend that you...
- Look for screen doors that complement your home.
- Get French doors that don't block your view - theirs has no center post - which is awesome!
- Ensure your French screen doors are long lasting and the parts very durable.

PCA Products build their screen doors to last and look amazing. That's what we love about them.

💡Spotlight on Vintage Woodworks

Vintage Woodworks has partnered with us for many years! Since 2011 and we are super proud of that.

Often called spindles, these gorgeous balusters add both strength and eye-catching detail to any handrail.

Create a one-of-a-kind porch with baluster styles that suit your home’s personality, or bring a historic porch back to its original charm with authentic accents. Choose from wood or low-maintenance PVC in a wide range of sizes and designs.

See all the lovely products Vintage Woodworks has for your porch.

💡Spotlight on The Porch Store

For many years we've been honored to share products from The Porch Store — their designs truly elevate any porch.

Pictured here are their Double Cathedral Picket Panels and Double Cathedral Picket Stair Panels. Aren’t they striking?

We invite you to check out The Porch Store.

Always Our Personal Touch

We love bringing our newsletter to you each month. We do brainstorm with AI to bring you enjoyable content. We promise it won't take over our human, personal touch. THAT is in full swing.