The entrance to our former home was not very welcoming. Our new Humlebacken entrance is simply an invitation to decorate with candle filled lanterns, seasonal wreaths, plants, flowers and anything else adding to its beauty. Making it welcoming, not only for us who live here, but also for those who visit us.

I don't really know what to call that space just outside our double doors? We say veranda or porch. Here are two old, worn out chairs with cushions when the weather permits, otherwise no cushions! Not because we sit there often, but simply because it looks good. During the winter months our olive trees are located under the roof. As long as it's not super cold over a long period….that doesn't happen so often here on the south coast….. they will survive. However if the freezing temperatures persist we put them into the garage.

Lots of lanterns, lit as often as you can or when visitors are expected. Off course it looks really nice and cosy when one is out walking, to see living lanterns on the doorsteps. Even on our own doorstep for our own comfort! An everyday luxury!

During the Christmas festivities I placed fir tree cuttings as a mat at the entrance. It really creates a cosy feeling, especially after a dusting of snow. This only happens occasionally, but it does look pretty, just as the picture shows.

I prefer to have the entrance looking busy. I know that many, eg my mum thinks that I should keep it tidy. I think that it should look busy and homely with lots of zinc basins, buckets and stacked flower pots. You don't need to store them elsewhere…..two birds with the one stone or……!

Outside the rear entrance we have a potting table. I use it for planting, but mostly because it looks good.

The seasons are clearly visible by what is on the table. However I am happier the more things that are on the table. It feels important to have both entrances looking nice, although we mostly use the rear entrance, which off course should also look good.