Patriotic Color on the Summer Front Porch

I start thinking about Patriotic decorating in early June in anticipation of July 4th. For Memorial Day we usually put out a flag at the front of the house, but I start bringing out the red/white/blue in early June, which I keep out usually until the end of July.

Using red white and blue decor makes it easy to transition to "summer" after the 4th by just removing the flags and bunting. I found these blue and white Buffalo Check pillow covers from Amazon last summer. I have to use water resistant covers because even though the porch is covered, rain can blow into the area. I also have a rodent "chewing" problem with squirrels and chipmunks who love to come and perch on the pillows. So a heavier cotton/blend fabric helps with wear and tear.

These pics are from last year, and I thought I'd go ahead and share them now as I'm pulling things together for this year's porch. Today I'm working on my summer patriotic door basket, but the weather hasn't been cooperating for photos as we've been having clouds and pop up showers daily.

To keep the pillow inserts dry, I also wrap them in plastic bags then insert them to make sure the pillow inserts don't mold. I found this old wood and metal train depot bench when we lived at our previous home. It's not large, but just big enough for a spot of a few seasonal pillows and a bit of colorful decor. 

I've mentioned before that I have a problem with birds nesting in this door basket, so if it comes out in early spring I have to be diligent to keep it cleaned out of nesting material that my little finch friends sneak in. I wouldn't mind a nest, but there are so many crows in this area it's not a safe spot.

I'm also limited to the amount of red I can use in seasonal decor here on the porch because of my "Bittersweet" color paint on the front door. Little bits I can do, but too much red doesn't work at all with the pumpkin color. Christmas is another holiday time to keep it at a minimum and use other "Christmas-y" options.

I am using my red vintage watering can though, with a variety of red, white, and blue faux hydrangeas and geraniums. Using small flags can instantly bring a flower arrangement up to a patriotic vibe.

I have a vintage "retired" flag draped over the back of the bench, that comes in after July 4th.

Last year I found a small water resistant patriotic bunting for the porch. I would have loved a bit larger one, but they were too "deep" for the space.

I love to plant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, so I have a lot of red with the geraniums, and once they come by for a look they enjoy the lantana sprinkled around the containers. Lantana is a continuous bloomer until late fall, so there's a lot of mileage with lantana.

Do you have your porch decorated for July 4th? (I'm still working on mine, and using the same pillows as these) I'll share my patriotic door basket soon.

Here's a fun post from my first blogging house for July 4th.

And Patriotic Greetings from the Garden Room.

joining in here:

The House on Silverado,  Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 

 Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch 

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life  Home Imagined at the Antique Journey

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode, Wednesday Link Party at Our Tiny Nest

Whimsy Home at  Fifth Sparrow No More

 Wonderful Wednesday at Eclectic Red Barn

 Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage Share Your Style at French Ethereal,  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home, and My Thrift Store Addiction

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Home Matters at Southern Sunflowers, Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Farmhouse Friday at  County Road 407  Fabulous Friday at WM Design House