Porching

This past week we took a little vacation where we spent a lot of time on the front porch. Whether we were sitting in rocking chairs, the hammock, or the porch swing it was a great way to pass the day. We listened to good music, smelled the salt air and confederate jasmine, and grilled every afternoon. It got me thinking, why don't we have a better porch setup at our home? As I write this post, I'm sitting on the porch at home listening to my neighbor pickin' his guitar, while children are playing in the background.* Sounds like the perfect spot for a fancy porch swing, right? 

1. Whimsical Gardener Swing 2. Palmetto Bluff Swing 3. Better Homes & Gardens Swing

4. Lowe's Creative Ideas Porch Swing 5. Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Swing

I pulled together a some photos of porch swings to get new ideas for my outdoor living room. The Palmetto Bluff Swing, pictured here, is my favorite set-up. I love the natural look of the dark green wood. I would pair my swing with dark green rocking chairs, chocolate brown ticking stripe pillows, and bamboo shades like the Whimsical Gardener photo. That sounds like a good start!

My porch drink

Obviously, an important element to porching is having a good drink to sip on. Today I'm sipping sweet tea with mint, but I just came across a drink called Porch Swing Punch and had to share it. What are your must-have elements for a good day on the porch?

Porch Swing Punch

*My neighborhood is not always this lovely. He's actually a middle-aged guy who built a half-pipe in his back yard.

A Bourbon Angel

Does she drink bourbon? While it can't be confirmed, I'm willing to bet the Nashville singer-songwriter Holly Williams can throw a few back. Her music is inspiring and refreshing and her voice has been described as a one of a bourbon angel. Holly has the art of storytelling down pat, and that's a trait that is absolutely southern.

I'm sure that growing up the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and the granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr. was not easy. With a family tree made up of country music legends, it's no surprise that her music is amazing. Her song "Waiting on June" is the story of her maternal grandparent's life written through the eyes of her sweet grandaddy. This song has brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion and is now on my list of favorites. Listen here to her recent Back Porch Session for Garden & Gun's Charleston office.