There was a time when large-scale outdoor decorations were reserved for Christmas displays, and the rest of the year, your porch was lucky if it got a wreath refresh and a potted plant by the door. Not so these days!
Now, seasonal decorations reign year-round, and fall has become one of the most popular times to go all out with over-the-top displays. Fall is a time of harvest and celebrating the bounty that comes with that, and now you can channel that same spirit into your decor.
Give Your Porch a Festive Fall Look
From pumpkins and leaves to hardy frost-resistant flowers, there are tons of options to create an inviting entrance for guests and give off a dose of cozy vibes as we welcome the change of seasons and prepare for chilly months.
To help you get started on your festive fall look, we spoke with Stephanie Purzycki, co-founder and CEO of The Finish interior design firm, to fill us in on everything we need to know to have the most stylish stoop in the neighborhood.
Why Over-the-Top Fall Decor Is Popular
Fall porch displays "celebrate the change in the season and make for beautiful displays. The colors of fall are rich and warm. They create that cozy and inviting feeling we all crave as the weather starts to change," says Purzycki. These beautiful designs allow people to celebrate every day and show off a little of the personality of the people living in the homes.
Purzycki says, “Fall porch decorations have become so popular that The Finish now offers curated collections. Each year, we offer four different packages,” each with a different theme inspired by one of their own employees’ desire to have a Pinterest-worthy porch without all the hassle.
While we love spooky season, that’s not the only way to decorate for fall. Using natural materials and seasonally inspired items can take your display from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, giving it much more longevity than Halloween decorations. Choosing a general autumnal theme makes sense for those looking to save time and money on their seasonal look. Since you’re not switching things up often, why not go big and bold?
What Makes a Great Porch Display
“For autumn porch decor, abundance and layers make for a great display,” explains Purzycki. “Don’t be afraid to stack pumpkins and do large groupings. Variation in height and color is important, so don’t get pumpkins that are all the same size.”
To ensure your display looks cohesive, Purzycki advises, “Create a color palette and stick to it.” Those colors don’t have to be the oranges of Halloween or even the deeper colors often associated with fall. She also notes that “People love the muted tones of Cinderella pumpkins combined with white or light-colored mums.”
Make the decor work with your house. If you have banisters, add ribbons around them or use the ends of the railings to add corn stalks. If you don’t have much space, go vertical with an element like a leaf arch.
If you’re looking for something unique, Purzycki says, “Vintage accents are always great and add character to your setup.” You can even take a page from your Christmas decorating playbook and add wreaths and lights. These personalizations are where you’re able to step outside the box and create something unexpected, inspired by your personal taste and your home’s style.
We all love decor, but is it possible to take this trend over the top? Not in Purzycki's opinion! “As long as you’re still able to walk to your front door, you haven't gone too far.” So feel free to let your imagination run wild and have fun with this trend.