Curb appeal doesn't just apply to landscaping. The first impression potential buyers or visitors get of your home is your front entryway. Why not dress it up and make it beautiful? During the fall and winter, it's easy to come up with a way to add interest to the front stoop: folk-inspired scarecrows, pumpkins, miniature christmas trees, beautiful wreaths... But it's not quite as easy to think of a way to decorate the stoop during the warmer months beyond adding a few flower pots or a cute doormat. Here are just a few ideas we've come up with:

* Add a quirky planter. Think outside of the terracotta or ceramic pot! Use "found objects" to create an interesting planter that draws attention to the flora. For example, paint an unused umbrella stand and use it to house your flowers or greenery. Take a stroll through your local vintage shop or Goodwill. You'll be surprised at what you'll find for your purpose!

* If you'd rather go with traditional pots for plants and flowers, paint all of the pots the same color. This is especially interesting if the pots are all different shapes and sizes.

* Paint the front door a bright color. Red? Yes. Yellow? Sure. Turquoise? Even better. Just go for it! If you want, you can even use the same color to paint the aforementioned plant pots.

* Instead of a doormat, use a full-sized outdoor rug on the porch. It's unexpected, and it lends interest and color to the area.

* Buy or build a simple trellis or pergola to frame your front entrance and plant a vine that will crawl up and add beauty.

* Position fragrant flora next to the front door. Jasmine, honeysuckle, and gardenias smell especially delightful!

What do you do to dress up your stoop for the summer?