Wow hope you can have a large gathering in August. Still think covid19 will be around.

Check

wayfair.com

frontgate.com

grandinroad.com

for large planters and wide doormats

IMO another bench with that one would be a nice little spot for a quiet talk. I think all the pots need color and I am really concerned about all those people in space with the whole Covid thing not nearly under control so the more spaces where people can be social distanced the better.

What a great patio area that is! I am totally uncreative but I am looking forward to suggestions here. Great space.

Windowbox.com has reasonably priced PVC square planters and window boxes. Also,Frontgate and Grandinroad websites have double door mats. Love your historic home. Look to Colonial Williamsburg for inspiration for garden plantings!

Y’all are a GODSEND!!!! I agree about a second bench.

I think the idea about colored pots is right! I was so concerned at first about them needing to be black because of the railing, but also that nothing seemed to “go with” anything because there was brick and then the railing...but now it occurs to me that they SHOULD be a color because of that! Anyone wanna screen shot some planter ideas? What colors would look nice?

ALSO - I cannot find a front door mat that is 60in wide to save my LIFE! Not at a box store, pottery barn, etc. any ideas for that??

frontgate and grandinroad

An inexpensive way to freshen up and add color to planters is spray paint. Take it a step further using painters tape, stencils, etc...

You might be able to find a second bench on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or similar.

Check Wayfair for door mats. I see a number there that are 36 x 60.

I like the idea to add another bench to your pretty patio area as well. Don't know how it is in your part of the world, but I suspect social distancing will still be practiced by most people a couple of months from now, so you may want to give some thought to the areas where people will congregate and provide seating that allows them to converse, yet keep a safe distance.

Frontgate.com sells 72” wide doormats. They are on sale now.

Will check all of those places, thank you!!! Luckily where I am we have not had any fatalities in my county. We are under a level 2 order of things. Luckily things are spread out enough here so that those who do choose to come can keep a distance. I am sure some will not come, as we have encouraged those to use their best judgement. Our reunion has happened every year for the last 100 not even stopping for wars or Spanish flu so when the question was raised - even the elders said “absolutely NO question - the reunion MUST go on, we will spread out if we must”

Luckily our reunions are outside

Since it will in August, you could also set out fans to help keep everyone a little cooler.

This will sound strange to you, but I would remove the storm doors so it is more welcoming. the trim around them looks to need a coat of paint, and you might paint the doors a pretty color that says "Come In!"

Crisp Romaine 686 Paint · More Info

You could use an outdoor rug. This is 2'7" by 5' for $60.00.

https://www.target.com/p/vaucluse-outdoor-rug-safavieh/-/A-54251051?preselect=50402280#lnk=sametab

These are 28" for $60.00 each.

https://www.target.com/p/20-recycled-planter-square-tapered-black-smith-hawken-8482/-/A-51445995?

They also come in a 20" size for $40.00. You could use them as is or paint them a different color if you wish. I think black is a nice option-it lets the plants be the star.

I do LOVE that paint color, but where we are storm doors are essential. They are usually the only thing closed. The large interior doors are usually opened first thing in the morning and left open during the day, Theres a set straight behind them behind the stairwell that open to the back porch that match - though the idea of new storm doors had not occurs to me!! Certainly something to think about.
I wonder if I could get away with a different type of storm door with such a traditional style of house... I do need to paint these and the surrounding trim - it’s on the to do list. However, I don’t think I could venture color wise on the trim as there are too many windows and too much trim. However, Now I want to look at storm doors! 😆 here’s the rest of house if it helps - our style is pretty Virginia colonial

I tried to do a pano, we are back in the woods. Our nearest neighbor is probably 2 miles?

Love the house, it oozes charm! You should paint both the storm doors and front door the same color - a soft sagey green or quiet blue. Since you have until August, I would do new railings that are more solid and substantial.

If I painted the front door wouldn’t I have to paint the windows? Or no because there are 20 windows on that side of the house alone so that would be wayy Over budget

In the next year I’m going to start restoring this part of the house which was built in in the 1600’s - it’s the oldest house in our county. That may end up being the true ‘front’ because it’s what your first see coming up the (horrible mile long bane of my existence) driveway. That portico historically had pretty white columns when previous roof was there (which is what I would be putting back on.) 😊

Here are green doors with brick similar to yours. I don't think you'll have to paint the windows for the reunion. They know you have a big project ahead of you.

Wicker Park Residence · More Info

Ooooooh I Loooooooove that! You have me sold on the color for the front door of the ‘new’ old house when I redo those doors. (I thought about it for a second for the one in question but the inside and all of the trim is Williamsburg blue and would clash) I actually have the originals from the 1600’s - and if you see them on here in the future in that green you know the idea came from you because I SERIOUSLY would have never considered, but I’m so about it.