Autumn Welcome on the Front Porch

Autumn is nature’s most dramatic show.  The sensational colorful transformation all around takes my breath away.  It is the season for gatherings and I especially like to create a colorful welcome on our front porch.  Bringing in autumnal colors in rich oranges, browns, gold and aubergine and layering in texture with elements from nature and some nubby sisal rugs harmonizes and complements the beauty in the surrounding garden.  Pumpkins, gourds, bittersweet vine and seed pods are all easily found and will last through the season. An inviting fall tableau welcomes guests.  Join me as I take you on a tour of our fall front porch.

Mums, flowering cabbage, lanterns, fall garland, gourds galore all say welcome!

A comfy nook to read a book and sip a warm drink in fall’s crisp days.

It’s all about the layering. The mums are placed in a wrought iron planter to elevate them. Bittersweet wine is woven at the base for another layer and the eye is drawn to the planter’s height and pedestal detail by a garland cascading downwards. This same garland is repeated to frame the door and seasonal wreath.

Detail of the mum filled planters flanking the front door.

Lanterns with seasonal candles and bittersweet vine details join more potted mums and flowering cabbage in harvest baskets. Gourds are strewn casually around to similate the abundance of nature at this time of year.

Adding twisted bitterseet vine cut in a nearby park really brings attention to the cabbage.

To create different heights in the arrangment, I rested the flowering cabbages on a log. The prop suits the decor!

The summer lantern is dressed for fall by swapping out the blue candles for orange ones and the addition of bittersweet.

A cozy, intimate conversation area is created on the porch.

Summer cushions are replaced by autumn colors and a throw to keep warm.

The summer hydrangeas in the porch planter were still going strong and I wasn’t ready to part with them. My solution was to tuck in fall elements such as pheasant feathers, gourds, artichokes, hot pepper trailing garland, curly willow and lotus pods around the hydrangeas. This is now a spectacular fall planter harmonizing with the rest of the porch décor.

Details of the planter.  Do you notice a feathery  friend perched on the curly willow?

The summer urns with hydrangeas are filled with gourds and moved to the seating area.

Seasonal pillows bring in another splash of fall’s rich hues while a nubby sisal keeps feet warm in fall’s nippy air while bringing in an organic textural element to the setting.

An acorn sculpture and another lantern provide more seasonal accents in the conversation area.

A side table is dressed for the season too!

A coffe table detail with a mini pumpkin, bittersweet and a leaf shaped brass dish, a vintage ashtray repurposed as art.

I hope you have found inspiration for your own fall décor on this tour of our front porch.  Savor this glorious season!