As the summer heat wears off, nothing is quite as exciting as putting out the fall decorations. But if you’re shopping for new outdoor fall decor this year, it can be a little intimidating with all the picture-perfect images floating around social media. Starting with a few basics can give you a great jumping-off point. The Jinghong Fall Front Door Wreath is a beautiful addition to any front porch and is a great item to get you started.
Anytime you consider outdoor decor, the durability of the items should be one of your top considerations. You don’t want to drop a lot of money for something you love and then have it disintegrate in one season. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some items classified for use outdoors will still come with warnings about direct sunlight or exposure to rain. Think about where you’ll be placing an item before you buy, and then check to make sure the item can withstand the conditions of its intended placement.
Before purchasing new decor items, think about how and where you will store them. Fall decorations, especially those intended for use outdoors, can be larger. There are many different places to store seasonal items, like your attic, garage or extra closets. If you are tight on space in your home, under-bed storage bins can be a life-safer. You can also consider items that break down easily for storage or purchase mostly perishable items for your outdoor fall decor.
One of the most popular areas for outdoor fall decor is the front porch, especially around the front door. If you don’t have a front porch, some apartments will allow you to put a few small items, like a pumpkin, by your front door. You can also decorate your balcony. A few other great places to decorate outside are the walk to your front door, under a tree in your yard, front yard fence and back porch.
You can’t have outdoor fall decor without a few seasonal perishable items, such as pumpkins, mums and hay. You can find the following items at your local grocery store, garden center or pumpkin patch. These decorations will mix well with any fall decor you already have and are great to fill in any empty spaces on your front porch.
A welcome mat is a simple way to add some fall cheer to your front porch. You can find mats printed with pumpkins, maple leaves and cute fall puns. The phrase “Hey there, pumpkin” is a popular choice.
A wreath is a great way to add some fall colors to your front door. Fall wreaths typically have flowers, leaves, berries and grasses. If you can only buy one decor item, a wreath is a single item that can make your front porch feel like fall all on its own.
Wooden signs are a popular outdoor fall decor item. They work well placed on either side of your front door or at the rear of a decor display area. You can find these signs with many different phrases and seasonal images. They range in sizes from 6 inches to as tall as your front door.
Scarecrows are a fun character to use in your autumn decorations. You can prop them up on your porch, stick them among your landscaping or place them out by your fence. Scarecrows come in both cute and scary varieties. If you want to use your scarecrow for as long as possible, opt for a general one that can stay up all season long.
Try throwing some lighting elements into the mix if you want to go above and beyond in your fall display. Rustic lanterns with battery-powered lights or battery-powered candles are a safe choice. You can also find lighted garlands made of fall leaves. These often have a battery pack so that the location of your electrical outlets doesn’t limit you.
For around $10, you can find cheaper fall items, like real pumpkins, mums, garland and smaller wooden signs. If you want handcrafted wreaths or scarecrows, be prepared to pay over $100.
If you have never decorated outside for fall before, it is easiest to start with your front door. Getting a fall wreath and doormat will give you a base and style from which to expand. Next, try to add some items to the side of your door. You can do this by topping a small table or hay bale with pumpkins, flowers or a lantern. If you want to add more after that, try finding decor to line the stairs to your porch or walkway.
There are several options if you bought a ton of real pumpkins for fall but don’t know what to do with them once the season is over. You can use your pumpkins for composting, cut them into small pieces for wildlife, plant the seeds to grow for next year and some places, like farms and zoos, take donated pumpkins. Depending on where you live, you can plant mums in the ground, and they will bloom the following year again.
Robin’s Nest by Teri The Original Sitting Scarecrow
What you need to know: This adorable scarecrow will easily fit in with anyone’s fall decor.
What you’ll love: The scarecrow is handmade and dressed in flannel and blue jeans. His poster is entirely adjustable, which makes him easy to arrange with any decorations you already have. He is durable enough to put him in the yard, and you can remove and wash the clothes.
What you should consider: The scarecrow doesn’t stand up by himself, so you need a place for him to sit.
Where to buy: Sold by Etsy
Ocean Wings Store Fall Garland Decoration with Lights
What you need to know: These lighted maple leaves are perfect for wrapping around a porch railing or fence.
What you’ll love: This garland features maple leaves and tiny pumpkin lights. The glow given off is soft and warm. The strand is 10 feet long and powered by an attached battery box, making the lights easy to place anywhere. The strand has two modes, either steady or flashing.
What you should consider: Some purchasers have commented the length is too short.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Jinghong Fall Front Door Wreath
What you need to know: This beautiful wreath features fall flowers, berries and foliage.
What you’ll love: This wreath makes a great fall statement piece for your front porch. The floral element is unique among fall wreaths while still staying within traditional seasonal colors. It is full, with a diameter of 24 inches and a depth of 6 inches. You can use it indoors or outdoors.
What you should consider: A few customers have reported receiving a wreath smaller in diameter than advertised.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Morgan Freeman writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
