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10 outdoor fall decor ideas you’ll love to welcome the season

Get your outdoor space ready for the autumn season

Fall front door decor with a wreath and pumpkins
Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock

As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to transition your outdoor space with cozy and inviting outdoor fall decor. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a quaint porch, incorporating seasonal elements can bring warmth and charm to your home’s exterior. From vibrant fall flowers to creative pumpkin displays, these outdoor fall decor ideas will inspire you to celebrate the season in style.

1. Incorporate fall flowers

Fall pumpkin decor and flowers on stairs
KlavdiyaV / Shutterstock

Nothing says fall quite like a garden or porch filled with rich, warm colors. Start by planting a fall flower bed with blooms like chrysanthemums, marigolds, or pansies. These hardy flowers thrive in cooler weather and come in a variety of autumnal hues, such as deep reds, oranges, and yellows. If you prefer container gardening, consider arranging fall flowers in planters or containers. A mix of tall grasses, vibrant mums, and trailing ivy can create a stunning display that adds both color and texture to your outdoor space.

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2. Hang an autumn leaf wreath

Two autumn leaf wreaths on a front door
Jeri Bland / Shutterstock

A simple yet classic way to embrace outdoor fall decor is by hanging an autumn leaf wreath on your front door or entryway. Wreaths made from real or faux leaves in shades of orange, red, and gold capture the essence of fall and offer a warm welcome to guests. You can also personalize your wreath with additional elements like pine cones, berries, or even a rustic burlap bow. This effortless touch of fall adds instant curb appeal and sets the tone for the season.

3. Create a pumpkin or gourd wreath

fall wreath on front door
Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

Take your wreath game up a notch by creating a unique pumpkin or gourd wreath. Small, lightweight pumpkins or gourds can attach to a sturdy wreath base, interspersed with leaves, twigs, and seasonal berries. This type of wreath not only celebrates the fall harvest but also brings a playful and whimsical vibe to your outdoor decor. Whether hung on your front door or used as part of a larger display, a pumpkin or gourd wreath is sure to be a standout feature.

4. Make a pumpkin planter

Pumpkins and fall flowers arranged for fall centerpieces
Deb Perry / Alamy

Pumpkins are synonymous with fall, and using them as planters is a creative way to incorporate them into your outdoor decor. To make a pumpkin planter, start by hollowing out a large pumpkin and filling it with soil. Plant autumnal flowers like mums, pansies, or ornamental kale inside the pumpkin for a festive and seasonal display. You can place these pumpkin planters to decorate your porch steps, along walkways, or as a centerpiece on your outdoor dining table. They’re a versatile and charming addition to your fall decor.

5. Paint pumpkins

Two painted pumpkins in fall leaves
Drew Hays / Unsplash

If you’re looking for a way to add a personal touch to your outdoor fall decor, consider painting pumpkins. This activity is fun for the whole family and allows for endless creativity. Choose a color palette that complements your outdoor space, whether that’s traditional autumn tones or something more modern and chic. You can keep your fall decor modern by painting your pumpkins in solid, sleek colors, add patterns like polka dots or stripes, or even create intricate designs using stencils. Display your painted pumpkins on the porch, window sills, or even in garden beds for a pop of color.

6. Create pumpkin candleholders

Thanksgiving decor pumpkins and candles
Nika Art / Shutterstock

Pumpkin candleholders are a simple yet elegant way to add ambient lighting to your outdoor space during the fall. To make these candleholders, choose small to medium-sized pumpkins and hollow them out, creating enough space to hold a votive or tea light candle. The warm glow of the candles combined with the natural beauty of the pumpkins creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for fall evenings spent outdoors. Place them along pathways, on tables, or scattered throughout your garden for a magical touch.

7. String up soft outdoor lighting

White pumpkins lights
art_of_sun / Shutterstock

As the days grow shorter, your outdoor lighting becomes an essential part of outdoor fall decor. String lights are a versatile option that can be draped across porches, wrapped around trees, or hung along fences. Opt for warm white or amber-colored lights to enhance the autumnal feel of your space. For a more rustic look, consider using lanterns or Mason jars with LED lights inside. This gentle illumination adds a romantic and serene ambiance, making your outdoor area a cozy retreat for the cooler evenings.

8. Organize a pumpkin-lined walkway

Fall decor on front steps
Sasha Prasastika / Pexels

Guide your guests to your front door with a pumpkin-lined walkway. Choose a variety of pumpkins in different sizes, shapes, and colors to create an interesting and eye-catching display. You can arrange them symmetrically on either side of your path or create a more whimsical, staggered layout. For added interest, mix in gourds, hay bales, or even potted plants. This simple yet effective idea not only highlights your walkway but also adds a festive touch that’s sure to impress.

9. Make a pumpkin topiary

Pumpkins stacked decoratively into a pumpkin topiary
Gary Tou / Unsplash

Pumpkin topiaries are a unique and stylish way to showcase your love for the season. To create one, stack pumpkins of varying sizes on top of each other, securing them with wooden dowels if needed. You can place these topiaries in large planters or directly on your porch. Add greenery, flowers, or ribbon between the layers for added flair. Pumpkin topiaries can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making them a versatile option for any outdoor space.

10. Incorporate other autumn favorites

fall wood sign by front door with pumpkins
SabineBPhotography / Shutterstock

Remember to include other autumn favorites like acorns, corn, leaves, and pine cones in your outdoor fall decor. you can use these natural elements in a variety of ways, from filling decorative bowls on your porch to creating garlands or fall table centerpieces. Scatter pine cones along your walkway, arrange cornstalks around your entryway, or fill lanterns with acorns and leaves. These small touches bring the beauty of nature into your decor and help create a cohesive and seasonal look.

Welcoming the fall season into your outdoor space is easy and enjoyable with these outdoor fall decor ideas. Whether you’re planting flowers, creating unique wreaths, or adding soft lighting, each of these elements brings warmth and charm to your exterior for the season. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, your outdoor decor will reflect the beauty and coziness of autumn, making your home the perfect place to enjoy the season.

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
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