Five of My Favorite Fall Outdoor Decorating Tips

Ok, maybe you are not the person who likes white ghost sheets and fake cobwebs hanging out on your front porch for the fall season. I had to of course when my kids were little, but now that they are a little older, I can decorate things the way I want to. Here a few ideas for some eye-catching decorating for your front yard or front porch.

Dried Cornstalk Arrangement

This happens to be one of the most popular arrangements on the design front. Simply take about 15 to 20 dried cornstalks and bunch them together with bailer's twine to secure. You can leave the bailer's twine bare or you can add a colorful fall ribbon in burgundy, green, orange or any fall color you choose to your liking. A couple of stacks of straw or hay can be placed in front and add additional appeal. Maybe a Jack-O-Lantern or pot of mums can rest on top of the stacks for additional style. Cornstalks can be purchased at many cider mills, roadside vendors or landscaping companies that sell pumpkins and apples. Dried Indian corncobs are really cute when tied to the center of a dried cornstalk bunch -- adding to fall and harvest flair. If you are daring, grab some stalks from Farmer Pete's field up the road when he isn't looking! These make for a spectacular focal point when they frame something such as your porch. Be sure to duplicate another on the opposite side. I like displaying mine against my red barn, this really adds for a unique, country look.

Pumpkin and Gourd Arrangement

A simple assortment of pumpkins in different sizes and shapes along with a variety of different gourds are a great way to sport fall decor around the outside of your home. Try layering and staggering different ones up and down the side of your front porch steps. The look created here is timeless and very cozy. Add large baskets to the mix and fill them with twigs with berries and maybe an assortment of decorative gourds and small pumpkins.

Wooden Craft Signs and Carvings

If you are into wooden crafts, fall is the best time to display your favorite craft items outdoors. Craft shows are in full swing and there are many vendors selling wooden signs and decor items. If you are a good painter, why not try tole painting your own decor items and craft signs? You can verbally express your love for the fall season by signs such as "Gobblers Gather Here" and paint the saying on a turkey shape and add a stake. Another popular sign saying is "Welcome Fall" , by using these tips you then have a cute welcoming sign celebrating the fall holiday and season.

Bring the Fall Colors Together with Plants

Mums are definitely the plant of the fall season. With a huge variety of colors such as white, red, burgundy, yellow and orange, you are sure to find a color that will bring zing to your fall decor. Flowering cabbages are also a way to add a little more color to your area. If you don't have a lot of yard space, try buying some flower pots and add the mums and plants to your porch. Pair them up with the other ideas mentioned above to add even more attention!

Pretty Fall Wreaths

Wreaths are always popular year round. They can be purchased almost anywhere and there are beautiful homemade wreaths that crafters have put together and then sell at craft shows or boutiques. If you want to make your own, the best place to start is your local craft store, like Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Ben Franklin. Starting with a grapevine wreath provides a good base. Adding berries, Indian corn, mini-gourds, silk flowers and leaves is a way to really dress things up. You can top it off with a ribbon if you like.

The possibilities are endless and be sure to use your imagination and personal taste when it comes to creating a decorative area for your favorite space.