Fabulous Friday is a way to recap the week. This week I was reflecting on porch swings and why they seem to be so popular. Please share what you’re up to this weekend! Molly

Did you know that porches were a standard feature on houses especially during the Victorian Era? It seems there was a bit more leisure time in daily life and people spent a lot of that time on their front porches. To me, a front porch is kind of like an outside living room. Somewhere where people gather, talk, share stories, visit with neighbors, etc. Being that I’m from a small town, there is a lot of neighborly visits that occur in a day. It’s not uncommon for many people to “stop by” for a daily hello, to share garden bounties or even perennial plants that needed to be cut back. I find front porches inviting, homey and quaint. I was so excited when we moved to a home that had a small front porch. It’s now one of my favorite spots to sit in the afternoon and early evening.

When we lived in the southern part of the U.S., I learned many things: how to make “official” southern sweet tea, how to cook southern comfort food (my favorite!) and the real meaning of southern hospitality. Again, we lived in a rather small town where family stuck together and friends were considered family. I was privileged to be part of that community and was welcomed with open arms. A lot of my friends’ homes have front porches and some have porch swings. I noticed the same things happening, friends/family gathering on the front porch at the end of a long, hot day with a glass of tea and good conversation. Some real heart-to-heart conversations have taken place on a porch swing. These are memories I will never forget and will treasure them forever.

So, this week as I “beautified” my front porch and planted more flowers in decorative pots I was left thinking about community, family and relationships. I gazed across the street and saw 2 neighbors standing over a garden discussing the day. It brought a smile to my face to feel part of a community where neighbors care for each other, stop to check in and just say hi. Today after a few chores are done I intend on sitting on my front porch and enjoying a nice glass of southern sweet tea.

Do you have a porch or a porch swing? Is it a decoration or do you get some use out of it? What’s your favorite things to do on your porch?