Fall Decorations for the Porch Made Simple

Fall is Coming.. Plan Your Porch Decor Now

Did I say that? The cooler weather is coming and its nearly time to change out to fall decorations for the porch. I am not a fan of the hot summer months in the Carolinas! I so look forward to the cooler fall weather with less humidity. I always feel excited when it comes to the beginning of August, there are only about 6 weeks to go before I know it will be better weather for walking and outdoor entertaining. Fall decorations are lovely and the spicy aromas that follow add to the ambience. The colors of fall and the incredible decor together with the Thanksgiving Season make me happy. I really enjoy the leaves and the darker mornings.

It’s almost time to pack away the summer cushions and paraphanalia and let’s plan the fall decor. You do not have to spend a fortune to enhance your porch. Each year, buy one or two quality items and replace the ones that have broken and damaged.

Include Outdoor Rugs / Mats and Doormats

Nothing more cosy or inviting than an outdoor patio rug to warm up the area. Choose a water resistant rug that won’t show the dirt and yet light enough to wash and dry easily. If you keep the rug fairly neutral in color, then it’s easy to change out the doormat for a couple of dollars, to suit the holiday season. Store mats on a flat shelf so that the edges won’t curl. It’s hard to get them to lay flat again and it’s easier to prevent this happening than fixing it later.

Fall Decorations – Throws, Blankets and Knee Rugs

As the temperature begins to fall and the evening carries a chill, it’s time to pull out the throws, blankets and knee rugs. Throws have two uses

• add fall colors to your outdoor furniture
• wrap around you and snuggle up with your book, you wine and your chocolate.

Look for Turkish, Moroccan Pom Pom or lightweight Boho styles that are large enough to cover and yet easy enough to wash and dry through the season. They also make easy packing in the linen cupboard ready for next year.

Blankets – wrap up warm and snuggle up, away from the cooling temperatures. My favorite blankets are sherpa or faux fur, woolen and heavy cable knit blankets. They are the kind I associate with fire places and winter. Lighter options would be turkish blankets, Mexican Serape blankets or even the cotton knits.

Knee Rugs – Take the chill off your legs and feet while you enjoy your outdoor spaces. Knee Rugs are best in a wool or cable knit type as they are lighter and warmer to use. Spoil yourself with a cashmere knee rug – you won’t regret it. You could always add it to your Christmas wish list or holiday wish list.

Find easy to wash and dry and compact to store textures.

Outdoor Throw Pillows

Fall outdoor cushions need to be water resistant and easy to wash. Choose rectangular or square and different textures to add dimension to your space. Throw pillows can be in extravagant colors and can mix and match for all seasons. They can add a pop of color to dull areas. Gray days need cheerful colors, so be sure to include color to brighten up any weather. Rectangular and square pillows are easiest to store away.

Fall Decorations – Door Wreaths and More

When choosing a door wreath, think about something that will work right through fall until you change out to Christmas. You can always add a black or orange bow or pumpkins to your decor instead of having a Halloween and a Thanksgiving wreath. The alternatives to wreaths for the fall season could be –

• An umbrella filled with faux flowers and tied up with a ribbon and bow. Hang it on the door knob or add it to your umbrella basket.
• A welcome disc cut in wood and painted a fall color. Add pine cones, wheat heads, dried grass, faux berries, foliage and/or pumpkins to decorate it. Add twine to the back and hang it on the door. Spray it with hair spray to keep all the bits together and stop them falling onto the floor. This could also be attached to the wall adjacent to the door or even above the door or in a window so that it does not drop debris.
• Pick up a basket at the thrift store and use foliage and other materials to fill it up and let it spill over to give you a wonderful fall decoration. Put it alongside the door.
• Stand a Grass Broom next to the door and decorate that for Fall.

Take a look on pinterest and instagram for many great ideas.

Candles, Lanterns and Lighting For Cosy Fall Decor

Candles, lanterns and lighting complete the perfect picture-book porch. If you create the right mood with spicy scents and lighting your whole area will welcome you and your guests. String lighting is lovely and subtle and with so many options, the porch will never be dull or boring. Lanterns on the table or adorning the steps with faux candles dancing in the evening light can only enhance any area. Your beautiful outdoor area will be the envy of all your neighbors and friends. I bought my heavy outdoor lanterns from Tuesday Morning, however Home Goods never fails to supply beautiful options. Don’t buy wooden or grass lanterns for outdoors – they never last more than one maybe two seasons. They become dry and brittle and break even in storage. Choose a metal option that suits your outdoor area. These may not need to be put away after the Holiday Season.

Patio Heating

Patio Heating is a must as the winter chill continues. Read more about Patio Heating recommendations in my product review blog post. There are so many lovely options from propane, electric or gas options. A firepit will be a wonderful too in social setting away from the porch.  Fire creates warmth and charm. It enhances the mood of the season.

Dress your table and side tables with easy to clean, no mess decor. You do not want to be cleaning up pinecones, twigs and debris off the tables and floor every day. Rather consider ornamental pumpkins, foliage, berries and candles to create a clean a wonderful fall vibe. Spicey aromas in a diffuser or even a plug in option can add the scents we associate with the cooler weather.

If you buy well and you store well, your fall decor can last many years. I personally have chosen materials that do not break easily. Buy quality products and a mix of textures that will never date, yet add charm every year. When you have dressed your porch and you look around your spaces, you can admire your fall decorations for the porch.