Modern Home Decorating

I have a small front step area, about a 5 sq.ft landing. The railing is facing the street with the steps off to the side. It also has a roof overhang that connects to the landing. It is stained a mahogany color and our house is a gray/green with white trim. We live in a relaxed beach town, and our home is decorated accordingly. I want some cheap easy DIY ideas for how to add some cute decorations to the porch. I dont want any hanging flowers or vines because I dont remember to water them or take them down during the hotest part of the day ect. All day until about 3:30 the sun is shinning directly at the front door area too. Also our storm door is pained appricot. Are there any small little things I can do/hang besides plants to spruce it up a bit?
Thats interesting with the light and all, but when I said it was 5 sq.ft that was generous. The only places I have to put things is on the 4" wide rails that are about 3 1/2 ft. long each. Also I have maybe 3" on each step to place something small. I do have 2 plant hooks hanging over each rail, but again I dont do flowers. So they can be used for something else if youve got any ideas.

buy a book shelf looking thing. basically a rectangular prism with two or 3 square holes in it. cover the front up with paper or something that is a little bit transparent preferably white. add a light bulb or candle in the back. then put a cut out shape of something in front of the candle/ light bulb so the sillouwet shows up on the paper/ transparent fabric.