Christmas decorations and preparations

I decided the back porch needed a little sprucing up for the holidays, so I added some fresh evergreens and pine cones to a rusty wire basket.  These evergreens were free when we bought our Christmas tree and I snatched up a bunch because I like to decorate with them, inside the house and out.  
I placed a Christmas pillow on the wicker loveseat, and more fresh greens around some old oil lamps filled with red oil.  It looks so pretty at night.  

I brought out a wool throw from the house for the back of the rocker.  Often times, even in December, the weather is mild enough to sit and enjoy the porch.    

As far as some of the preparations go, my Christmas cards are finished and mailed, 

and the cookies are baked (I decided not to go overboard this year)  just a few of our favorites 

like peanut blossoms and lemon bars.  

Some last minute gifts to buy and wrapping to be done.

How about you?  How are your decorations and preparations coming along?

Below is a night time picture of Mourning Dove Cottage.  Hurricane lamps with white candles line the walk way, lights in the jasmine over the door, and a fresh evergreen swag with a big red bow hangs on the front door.  

I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season.