Lantern with pumpkins in trough
Life,  Projects

Decorating A Great Porch with Fall Decor

Fall has arrived and with it brings lower temperatures here to enjoy outside rooms. With that in mind, decorating the screened porch to host fall gatherings was my focus. Are you ready for more feet under your table? I’m trying to create a wonderful and warm welcome on the screened porch with a bit of fall decor.

Touches of fall were found in my yard and fall decor bins. Used in new ways that brought me joy.

The screened in porch is one of my favorite places to host gatherings, especially when the weather and temperatures allow. Even with gently falling rain, the comfort of that room makes it an easy one to see the expanse of the yard and beauty of the landscape without the weather wreaking havoc.

As the seasons shifted, so had the atmosphere on that porch.

Dust and a bit of tired summer surfaces were showing their wear inside, and the garden beyond.

If that has happened to you…you can empathize with my launch into fall decorating.

Fall decor brings the porch back to life.

As Autumn hues change the landscape, I took my cue to bring those indoors. Nothing feels better than the pumpkins and candlelight on the porch added to extend the season.

The room was emptied, contents of summer removed and cleaning began.

This process ALWAYS happens before using this room for summer gathering…but, somehow…it needed it before the set up for fall here could happen. With the drier than usual season, it looked worse than usual. Before replacing cushions and table cloths and centerpieces could be added…a thorough cleaning was necessary.

The Chalkboard returned to the porch.

Years ago, I purchased a mirror from a barn sale that was transformed into the perfect chalkboard. It’s been used on the front porch and the screened porch, as well as inside, but had found a storage spot in the garage.

That porch just needed its return with a bit of fall festivity.

It was the perfect choice…and why not use it as a background for a wreath?

My garden wreath has been loved and transformed for the seasons for a couple of years and it was in great need of a new “do”.

I used my favorite brown paper base to begin a bit of crafting.

The first thing I did was remove all of the “old” from that wreath.

As I looked around the landscape for inspiration, the back of magnolia leaves showing their brown velvet were the perfect addition to bring in fall decor and ambiance.

It’s still a work in progress…so keep following to see the completed wreath and its addition to the chalkboard.

Fall touches were needed for the seating.

The pillows from summer needed a bit of transformation, so out came the drop cloth pillow covers to add a touch of comfort and casualness to the seating.

Even the garden bench needed to be switched out to add cozy throws and pillows to snuggle with a cup of coffee.

On to the garden bench.

Moving on to the garden bench, a new concrete piece took center stage. Dried hydrangeas, acorns and pinecones filled the bowl that the new concrete sculptured friend was holding. It added to the fall setting and atmosphere so cohesively.

Isn’t he the best?

concrete planter filled with hydrangea, pine cones and acorns

Next, a bit of pine cones, hydrangea and acorns were nestled into a tobacco basket centered on the top shelf to connect the to my new concrete friend’s bouquet.

Fall tobacco basket

My favorite rusted iron fleur-de-lis added more autumn touch. Acorns nestled on another garden shelf would continue the theme with acorns.

fall mantel

Those cute easy pinecone trees and green candlesticks were added to another shelf on the garden bench…if you’d like to see the DIY, you can find it here.

Fall Table Centerpiece

On went the drop cloth tablecloth. Nothing better for a great foundation that matched the pillows.

Another barn sale find is a favorite trough that I love to add to the center of the table.

I loved how I filled and used it for fall last year. But, this year? The screened in porch needed candlelight and I had the perfect lantern.

A battery operated lantern with a remote makes it easy to turn on and enjoy.

TIP: Try looking at what you have…whether fall goldenrod, hydrangea, grasses…and what you already have to create something new and inviting.

Faux pumpkins, pinecones and hydrangea with a lantern filled the trough this year. A bit of fall that was needed.

The best part? I bought nothing!

White lantern with pumpkins centerpiece

The glow of candlelight for evening meals will be so welcome.

Take every opportunity to add candlelight to outdoor areas for warm and welcoming hospitality. There’s just nothing like it.

The porch is now waiting.

So, I am now waiting for guests whose feet will be under my table for wonderful fall entrees. I can’t wait for the great conversation and laughter that will be heard through the evening from those sweet friends.

Soft throws and a heater are near in case the chill drifts in.

How are your gathering spaces? I’m thinking of adding more gathering places near the fire pit and tucked into “out of the usual spots.” Wouldn’t that be fun?

But, for now…that porch is ready…with fall decor touches and for those who will join us.

There are still a few more touches to finish. It’s always a work in progress here. Is it that way with you?

Hope you have loved taking a fall tour of the porch with me.

Perhaps shopping what you have at home and repurposing might bring you joy, too. I’d love to know if you have found this a great idea, too.

Meanwhile? I’ll be sitting in that screened porch by candlelight with a warm cup of cider.

Wish you could join me.

More Fall Inspiration…

So happy to be a part of a group of friends that have been opening their homes for fall tours all week. Hope you’ll join others and see all of the fall inspiration for your home here. Thanks so much to Leen at Sand Dollar Lane for gathering all of us together.

celebrate fall photo

Today’s fall inspiration–

If you have joined me from Kate at Southern Home and Hospitality, I love her table setting for gathering. Don’t miss Ann at Dabbling and Decorating for her fire pit ideas. I am in love with all she shares.

Join Libbie at A Life Unfolding for more ways to add fall touches to her home.

And don’t miss Rebecca at Zucchini Sisters for her dough bowl centerpiece idea for fall.

You don’t want to miss these either!

Monday fall hop photos

Happy Decorating Friends!

Here are a few other fall ideas for you:

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