Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins, and apples…it’s that time of the year again. Truly, fall is in full swing! Why not go all out on the decorating and step up your outdoor fall decor ideas this year?
For inspiration, we looked around for some of the best-decorated homes! If you’re ready to welcome fall in your front porch, here are a few suggestions:
Decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving
Consider both Halloween and Thanksgiving when planning your fall decor. This approach maximizes your decorative efforts and ensures a seamless transition between these two major holidays.
Incorporate elements like pumpkins, leaves, and warm colors that fit both occasions. For Halloween, add a touch of spookiness with items like cobwebs or ghostly figures that can be easily removed after October 31st.
Then, for Thanksgiving, focus more on elements that evoke warmth and gratitude, such as cornucopias or candles. By considering both Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can create a cohesive, festive atmosphere in your home throughout the fall season.
Bring out the pumpkins
Pumpkins are not just great for eating and drinking (PSL, anyone?); they’re also a staple fall decor in American homes.
Whether you’re carving out pumpkins for Halloween or livening up your porch with beautiful fall shades, you can never go wrong with an array of pumpkins on your steps.
Go for white pumpkins if you’re after a minimalist and elegant look. Or go crazy with color! Do you know that pumpkins can be white, orange, yellow, red, green, and even blue?
For a more color-coordinated approach, no one’s stopping you from painting your pumpkins with an unusual palette like, yes, shades of pink!
Spruce up with some mums
If you need more outdoor fall decor ideas and are not a fan of spooky things, you can make your home elegant or sophisticated this fall using chrysanthemums. They can spruce up any front porch all year round. Match them with pumpkins, and you have a beautiful space ready for the season.
Pairing these flowers and pumpkins together is always a good idea! Chrysanthemums are easy to maintain, with a few steps to follow.
- If you’re planting mums, give them space. Set them about 18 inches apart from other plants.
- Water your mums, but don’t over-water them.
- Remove wilted blooms and dead stems regularly.
- If frost gets to you, don’t worry. Just prune them back to where there is only an inch of stem above ground. Then, leave the mulch around the plant. They won’t look as pretty; however, they should be back in full bloom by spring!
Put up some fall wreaths and garlands
Wreaths are affordable and easy to make. Some dried leaves, foliage, and some recycled craft materials are all you need!
For your front door wreath, you can opt for a minimalist approach or go for matching wreaths and garlands, depending on available time and resources.
Brighten your front door
Now, if you really want to go all out with your fall decorating, consider painting your door!
Some homeowners might go all out and paint their front door bright orange because why not? Painting your front door is an easy day project, but check with your HOA to see if any permit is necessary.
You can choose a fall color for good measure or a shade that you really like to keep the whole year. Like this chestnut door that blends well with the surrounding pumpkins!
Whether you’re decorating a front porch or an expansive yard, these outdoor fall decor ideas can help you create an inviting atmosphere from Halloween to Thanksgiving. So embrace the season and start planning your fall decor today!
Bonus: How to paint your front door
Painting your front door is like putting a smile on your home, and what better time to do just that? Not up for it yourself? Find a pro to help you by posting a task today.
If you’re ready to DIY, you will need:
- Cloths
- Masking or painter’s tape
- Stirring sticks
- Interior or exterior primer
- Fine sandpaper
- High-quality paint brushes
- Paint
Steps:
- Wipe the door with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. Mask off any hardware or around the door edges to prevent paint transfer.
- Mix primer with a stirring stick. Dip the paintbrush into the primer to coat it, and tap the brush on the can to remove any excess. Paint the primer onto the outside and inside edges of the door.
- Next, paint the recessed parts of the door and panels with primer and fill in the centers of the door panels. Pass over the painted areas with the brush and keep it wet the entire time you paint the door.
- Paint (with primer) the vertical section between the panels, beginning at the top and working your way down. Blend your brush strokes horizontally across the bottom and top rails. Paint the top, bottom, and middle rails next. Paint the end stiles from top to bottom to complete the primer application. Allow the door to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Next, sand the door lightly and evenly with fine sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections – go slowly if this part makes you nervous. Wipe the door with a damp cloth – make sure the door is completely dry before continuing.
- Mix the paint with a stirring stick. Apply the paint to the door with a paintbrush, following the same method you used for the primer. Allow the paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat. Allow to dry – do not use the door before it’s done drying!
