It feels nothing like fall right now in central Indiana due to the nearly 90 degree temperates, it’s not stopping me from getting on the fall fun bus. And I’m starting by decorating our front porch.
And you know what’s also exciting? I’m teaming up with a bunch of other talented bloggers for a Fall Front Porch Hop, which was orchestrated by my friend Taryn from Design, Dining, & Diapers. So make sure you scroll down to the bottom of this post and check out all the other gorgeous fall porches from some of your favorite bloggers.
While I’m sharing our 2016 fall porch decor, I thought I’d give some tips and tricks for creating a beautiful fall front porch, especially if you have a limited amount of space to work with.
Use What You Have
Our front porch is small, but I limit myself even more because of the 300-pound planter that’s a permanent fixture on the porch. So my first tip is to use what you have. This planter isn’t going anywhere so every year I fill it with pumpkins, gourds, mums, and cabbage. And I always love how it turns out.
Tricky, Tricky
For years I’ve staggered two pumpkins, making the one in the back sit higher than the other. I accomplish this by turning over a brown container and putting the pumpkin on top of it.
I do a similar trick with gourds in a small apple basket. I put a clear plastic container in the basket, and then top it with pumpkins and gourds. I see it as a money-saving measure since I’m not putting gourds on the bottom that won’t be seen.
Add Texture
One way I love to add texture is by throwing in a cabbage. They scream ‘fall’ and they’re so pretty.
I also tend to throw in a different texture with the hanging plant above the planter. Last year I went with an asparagus fern, which are beautiful. This year I went with a Boston fern– because my nursery had already sold out of asparagus ferns.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
One of the things I love about fall is all of the rich colors. While Cinderella and white pumpkins are pretty, I love being able to play around with different colors.
I picked up this wreath for less than $20 at JoAnn Fabric. It cost less than what I would’ve paid to make my own. And since it’s not very trendy, it’ll last for years.
All the Apple Baskets
Apple baskets are my favorite things to use in my outside fall decor. Most of my apple baskets are from various potted mums I’ve bought or received as gifts throughout the years. When I’m not using them, I store them in our shed.
If you don’t have any apple baskets, you can always buy them from craft store or online craft retailers.
Should your apple baskets get mildewy looking from sitting out in damp conditions for a few months, put them out in the sun for a couple of days. The sun should fade some of the discoloration.
Take Advantage of All the Space
Since I can really only work with the space in front of our porch window, I like to add a hanging plant. I usually go with a fern because they’re so big and I feel like green is an acceptable fall color.
Here’s what the front of our house looks like decked out for fall.
Check out those sweet potato vines.
Since my sweet potato vines are still flourishing so I decided to decorate around them this year by adding some pumpkins and gourds.
Here’s our 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 fall front porches in case you’d like to check those out.
Brittany Wise says
This is lovely! I like the cabbage idea! It’s perfect and something I have never considered before! Have a great weekend!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Brittany! Yes, I love cabbage! And it always seems to last a long time.
Veggiemomof2 says
Looks beautiful & is something I’m going to try to copy. How would you like to come to Missouri 4x a year to decorate my porch? Lol
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks so much! Hah! I’d love to. Now to find the time… 😉
Jamie | anderson + grant says
Very pretty!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Jamie!
Krista says
It looks fantastic, Chelsea! I love me some bushel baskets too -and winter kale and ferns are my fave for a shady spot!!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Krista! I need to find more apple/bushel baskets because mine are starting to look a little aged. 🙂
Patricia Schroll says
You always decorate your outside and porch with a beautiful mixture of flowers and bushes. Every thing looks like fall. Love it! You are welcome to come to my house and decorate my porch.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks so much, Patricia!
Eileen Schopp says
Do you leave the flowers in the containers that come from the store, or do you fill something else with more dirt.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I usually leave them in the containers. Well, besides the mum and cabbage in the planter– I take those out of the containers.They always seem to do okay. At the end of fall I always give the mums to my parents for them to plant in their yard.
Dina j says
Any tips/hints/suggestions on how to keep mums looking good? Mine always seem to die too quick.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Hi, Dina! It depends on if they’re potted or planted in the ground. I’d suggest Googling how to care the type of mums you have.
Elizabeth @ Pineapples and Polka Dots says
This looks so pretty, Chelsea! I love the cabbage and and fern- how do they both do with frost? We went from hot weather to chilly weather quickly, with lows in the 30s the past 2 nights. I’m trying to figure out what will withstand that type of weather, and what is better left for warmer climates. I haven’t pulled it together to get pumpkins, gourds, and mums yet, but you’ve inspired me to get on it!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Elizabeth! They tend to hold up pretty well. Although I don’t think we’ll be experiencing a frost until December at this rate.
Diane + Dean DIY says
I really miss all the fall leaves in Indiana! I don’t see many apple baskets here in Florida but am definitely going to keep an eye out for them now. I love that look. Love your front porch fall decor!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Time to make a trip back to Indiana in mid-late October for the leaves and to grab some apple baskets! 😉
Kristen says
Your porch looks great! It’s been hot here in Illinois too so I’ve been having a hard time getting into the Fall spirit. But today it’s in the 60’s so maybe it’s time to go for it! 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I know what you mean. It’s supposed to be 80* here tomorrow. :/
Bonnie says
All your fall colors are so pretty! Great job!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, mom!
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
So pretty and welcoming. I really like the purple mums. They add a great splash of brightness.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Nicole!
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
Your porch is beautiful!! Love all the colors!! Thanks so much for sharing at our party
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thank you, Kendra!
Crystal Green says
I love how colorful everything is. That’s one of my favorite things about Fall. These are some good tips too.
Kat says
Hello! Do you remember what those flowers are called? I’m pretty sure that’s what my neighbor has. I’ve been trying to find out for months. They’re so contained and eye-catching.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
What flowers?
Kat says
Sorry, The pink ones
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Mums 🙂