Come November, the hanging basket comes down and the porch hook sits empty. That little patch of space is one of our favorite places for a Christmas bell. Hang a single red one where your fern spent the summer, tuck a few pine branches into the planter below, and you have a display you can see from the street.
Pick a color from the sidewalk
Walk out to the sidewalk and look back at your door. Against dark siding or a deep evergreen wreath, the white star sleigh bell shows off its round shape beautifully. On a white farmhouse porch, we’d pick the distressed red sleigh bell so that rich color catches your eye before you reach the steps. The green metal sleigh bell looks especially good against pale brick or natural wood. Tie a narrow red ribbon to its handle if you want just a little more color.
Give the bell enough room
The small bell measures 8½ inches across and 11¼ inches tall. That’s a good starting point for a narrow entry. The large measures 16 inches across and 20 inches tall, so try marking out a 16-inch square with painter’s tape before choosing its spot. Open the door all the way and walk past carrying a grocery bag. You’ll know pretty quickly whether the bell belongs there or a little farther over.
For a hanging display, use the metal handle and a hook rated for the weight of your assembled bell. For a porch without a hook, settle the bell into a sturdy planter with greenery around its base. Turn a few of the star cutouts toward the steps and keep the tallest branches behind the handle.
Let the stars show after dark
The bells come in two halves that screw together at the center. Before joining them, tuck a short strand of outdoor-rated, battery-operated LED lights inside and leave the switch within reach. Wait until dusk to see how it looks. If you see individual bulbs through the stars, shift the strand toward the back for a softer glow. A porch light above and a few lit stars below are plenty for a small entry.