Cottage Inspired Summer Porch Tour
When it comes to our cottage inspired summer porch tour, there is one thing I can almost always expect. The minute I’ve placed the last pillow on the wicker couches, it’s going to start raining.
True to form, that’s exactly what happened this time too.
Thankfully, it didn’t dampen our spirits or our plans to kick off our summer porch tour with crumpets and a heavy dose of cottage inspiration.
Believe it or not, I found Duffy’s Crumpets in the frozen food section of our local grocery store. They’re not always easy to find.
So, the minute I saw the Union Jack, I scooped them up knowing we could take a little time to have breakfast on the porch over the weekend.
Summer Porch Tour Inspiration
Several months ago, we found our summer porch tour muse. I was shopping in Joann’s for something completely unrelated when my bestie S spotted this Violets Emma’s Garden fabric by Waverly which is sold under the Home Essentials line.
At the time, I had no idea I would wind up using it in the Master Bedroom Refresh Reveal.
But as with the crumpets, I could immediately envision how easy it would be to enjoy lazy mornings on a porch that had been bathed in simple cottage style.
Truthfully, Florida summers are so hot and humid we usually only use this space in the early mornings or just before bedtime anyway.
I layer the couches with inexpensive twin ruffled bed skirts in white so they can be washed and bleached as needed.
Despite the front porch being covered, the pillows forms are from big box stores and can easily be laundered as well.
On the days, I know we’ll get a heavy rain, we bring all the pillows inside. But we’ve also used products like Scotch-Guard to keep our favorite fabrics protected as well.
Summer Porch Tour Plants and Flowers
When it comes to choosing plants for the summer porch tour, we leave it up to chance like we do with our spring porch tour and the fall porch tour too.
Most the of the time there are plenty of plants to choose from in bright pinks, jeweled greens, pale lavenders, rich blues and even cheery oranges and yellows.
But with safer at home orders in place for the entire spring season, we almost waited a bit too late to pick out plants for the summer porch.
There is a very small window between spring and summer in Florida where it feels like the temperatures spike from the high 70s to the high 90s virtually overnight.
By the time we got to the garden center this year, it was already filled with people pulling big metal carts piled high with plants, mulch and flowers.
Thankfully, we were able to snag a few old favorites like Salvia,
Phlox,
Blue Daze
and Caladiums.
I’ve been babying the Star Hydrangea for a while. They still seem to be doing well too.
Filling out the rest of the flowers for the summer porch tour was pretty easy. I just went to my stash of faux florals and grabbed a few vintage pieces.
Making Porch Entertaining Special
This serving tray from a breadboard is one of our favorite DIYs to date. It was so simple to put together and we use it all the time!
The ironstone teapot is from my Mom, the creamer and sugar bowl are thrifted finds and the royal teacups were gifts.
Using a tray to place food and drinks like this is a really easy way to dress up a morning or an afternoon ritual.
It doesn’t have to be fancy at all but it’s always fun to be intentional.
I think that’s what I’ve learned the most during this time. Being intentional doesn’t take a ton of extra energy. But it does have to be purpose filled.
What we love about the front porch during the summer, is that we have to specifically carve out a portion of the day to enjoy it.
This means, putting our phones aside, meetings on hold, starting the day a little later, or planning ahead so we can relax with a simple breakfast of crumpets on the weekends.
While none of those things take up a lot of time, they do take effort. Over the past few months, I’ve thought a lot about going “back to normal.” And truthfully, I hope we never do.
My hope is that our new normal still takes the time to check on our neighbors, to give our best gifts, to appreciate having a variety of different foods at the market, to plant victory gardens even in containers, to be given the chance to appreciate what a true gift it is to slow down and enjoy each other’s company whether it be on lazy summer mornings or relaxing summer nights.
We all have a part to play both big and small.
The question is, how will you choose to show up this summer?
Let us know how you styled your summer front porch this year!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Your porch looks so inviting and peaceful.
I love the fabric you chose for the summer.
Your message is spot on.
Great Job!
Thanks so much, Lizzy, I really appreciate it! Hope your summer is off to a great start, hugs, CoCo
Its all very elegant and yet casual & inviting! Everyone should feel comfortable and relaxed here. Enjoy your perfect spot!
Such sweet words, Janet, thank you! I really appreciate it. Hope you have a peace-filled and relaxing summer too, CoCo
Your porch looks so cozy! Using ruffled bed skirts for the couches is such a great idea! And I love that tray, too. How cute! The breakfast looks amazing as well.
I agree with you on the new normal. I’ve enjoyed having the time to just sit back and not worry about the world around me. It’s been nice having the time to check in on neighbors and friends. It seems that the flowers are brighter this year and the birds are much louder and happier, too.
I totally agree with you, Michelle! It’s been so nice to slow down and enjoy all the things we’ve been too busy to sometimes even notice in the past. It’s definitely on my heart to keep a slower pace and it sounds like it’s yours too. Cheers to a summer season filled with love and adventure, hugs, CoCo
Yes! Coco, I love crumpets in the morning! I also love that we are all being ‘forced’ into the art of slow living. Having time to do the things you always wanted to and take up or renew creative hobbies – there has to be a positive from Covid-19 somewhere doesn’t there?
Speak to my heart, Jayne! I’m convinced that is the best thing that has or could have come out of social distancing. It’s been so nice to get back to rediscovering old hobbies, shoring up the to-do list, spending time relaxing, and in the garden, while at the same time making service to others a priority. May we always remember how it feels to shed the busyness of life. Hugs and happy summer, CoCo
I love the added purples this year and how the white flowers pop off from your black front door. It’s all so charming and inviting. We have to use our porch the same time you do; the morning and late evenings. The farmhouse is in Navasota TX. I call it Navasteamy during the spring, Navastinky during the summer and Navanasty when I’m in a grouchy mood due to sweltering humidity. :0
ha ha you’re killing me Cindy, I feel the SAME way! I’m always so jealous of everyone that gets to wear a summer sweater to the beach while strolling along drinking a latte because that is definitely NOT our reality at all. In fact, I’ll be focusing on a lot of indoor projects this summer because the window to be outside for any length of time save for watering the plants has passed. It’s just too sticky! Sending you hugs, CoCo
How gorgeous is your porch?! I just love all the different elements you’ve used – the pretty flowers, floral pillows, the tiered serving tray and the colour palette which is so beautiful and calming. I imagine with your weather you only have a limited window on summer days to enjoy your porch but it nevertheless looks super inviting. Thank you for this tour, CoCo, and happy Thursday!
Thank you for your kind words, Katerina, I appreciate them so much! It’s been fun to find new ways to use the porch during the summer months. We usually end up super sticky from all the humidity but it’s still fun to give it a go 🙂 Hope your summer is off to a great start, CoCo
OH this is lovely CoCo! Who wouldn’t want to breakfast out there? You have made it a perfect little special space! Happy weekend to you!
Thank you, Linda! I’m telling you this pandemic has changed us forever but in the best possible way. We’re constantly looking for simple ways to find joy now. Hope your week is off to a great start, CoCo
Such a lovely porch to sit and relax and partake in some tea or beverage of choice. The pillows are so inviting. Love the plants. With staying at home, it really gives us all a chance to appreciate our home and Mother Nature. Thank you for sharing your lovely porch at Love Your Creativity. Have a happy week.
Thank you so much, Linda! It’s been fun to find fresh ways to slow down and appreciate our spaces both outside and in. Plus, you know I’m always up for pulling out the china and teacups 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Your porch is lovely….I’ll be right over! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s, you are being featured on my blog Tuesday evening.
I really appreciate the sweet feature, Ann, what a fun way to start the week! You are welcome on the porch any time 🙂 Hope your week has been a fun one and see you tonight, CoCo
Coco, Your Cottage Inspired Summer Porch Tour is stunning. I so enjoyed this virtual tour.
Visiting from Richella’s #5&6.
I really appreciate it, Paula, thank you so much! Hope your week is filled with all good things, CoCo
Such a beautiful and welcoming porch, CoCo! It looks like such a relaxing place to enjoy your time. Thank you so much for sharing at this week’s Tuesday Turn About Link Party! Wishing you a lovely week!