Image credit: Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash

Autumn is officially here – and we’re seriously excited for the season of falling leaves, Halloween and fireworks.

Plus, autumn is the ideal time to spruce up your front porch with some low-cost, max-impact Autumn decorating ideas. Therefore providing your visitors a warm welcome as the temperatures drop.

Jess Martin from party supplier Ginger Ray shares eight Autumn decorating ideas for your front doorstep or porch, in an array of looks – and you don’t need to break the bank.

From harvest displays to Autumn foliage garlands and pumpkins, these outdoor styling ideas guarantee a cosy welcome.

Choose your favourite from the below style options, or mix and match these ideas for a beautifully layered and textured autumn porch that captures the essence of the season.

Pumpkin pile

Arranging a variety of real or fake pumpkins in different sizes, shapes and colours on your porch steps or along your fence is a simple but effective way to brighten up your doorway.

Mix different types of gourds and squashes for extra variety and colour.

Floral wreath

Get creative and make your own autumnal wreath, using a combination of dried flowers, colourful leaves and small branches.
“Hang it on your front door for an instant seasonal touch,” Martin says. “Add your foliage to an existing Christmas wreath to repurpose an evergreen wreath for autumn or simply use a wire or wooden base to build your wreath on.”

Leaf garland

To go alongside your wreath, or as an alternative, invest in an artificial autumn garland or string together some branches of colourful fall leaves to create your own.

Hang your garland along the porch railing or drape it around the door frame for an instant burst of autumn colour.

Harvest basket

Grab some rustic baskets and fill them up with seasonal produce like apples, pears, mini pumpkins and dried corn cobs.

“Arrange them near the entrance for a gorgeous harvest display. A basket display looks great when paired with one or more other decoration ideas,” Martin says.

Cornstalk bundle

A bundle of dried cornstalks or bunches of pampas adds a touch of rustic charm. Just tie them loosely with twine, and lean against your porch or doorstep.

“Pair with a few piles of pumpkins for a display that includes all the warm autumn tones and textures,” adds Martin.

Rustic wheelbarrow

“Place a vintage wheelbarrow on your porch and fill it with decorative gourds, pumpkins, and a cosy plaid blanket,” Martin says. “It’s a twist on the harvest basket display that will add a nostalgic and whimsical touch to your outdoor space.”

Hay bale

Hay bales will give your porch the perfect Autumn feel. Invest in one or two bales, and top them with cosy blankets and plaid cushions.

“It’s a perfect spot for guests to sit and enjoy the crisp autumn air – just ensure that it is undercover to stop any bad weather from damaging it,” Martin advises.

Lantern walkway

Lights not only add a warm glow to your front entrance in the evening, but will create a magical pathway to your home. Line your doorstep or garden path with lanterns, bottles or jam jars containing battery-operated candles.

“Don’t underestimate the power of lighting in the darker autumn months,” Martin says.

Autumn decorating ideas indoors: buyer’s guide

It’s not just the outside of your home that can be prepped for autumn though. We love adding touches inside our home to welcome the new season.

Don’t worry – it doesn’t need to be gawdy Halloween everywhere to fit the theme, there are plenty of tasteful autumn ideas to choose from. Here we’ve rounded up some of our favourites…

1. Check throw

Give your sofa an autumnal glow up with a fresh throw in stunning foil shades.

It’s ideal for snuggling up as the nights grow colder, and will also bring autumnal tones to your living space without much effort.

• Wool mix check throw, £50 from BHS – buy here

2. Pumpkin plate

Bring the autumn vibes into your cooking with this gorgeous inspired plate. The cream is chic and classic, but the pumpkin shape brings a nod to the season.

It’s part of the Stacey Solomon x George Asda autumn collection, which is selling fast so I’d grab yours when you can if you want them for events this season.

Stacey Solomon Cream Pumpkin-Shaped Plate, £8 from George at Asda – buy here

3. Acorn basket

Storage with style is always a welcome addition to a busy home and this acorn is inventive as well as being handy.

The wicker basket is perfect for storing things, and it will look fantastic on your mantelpiece or shelving units. Adding an autumnal touch in a minimalist fashion.

• Acorn rattan basket 23cm, £8 from Hobbycraft – buy here

4. NightLark autumn duvet

Seasonal bedding is an absolute must, and we love this offering from Fine Bedding.

It’s a real nod to autumn without being gawdy or over the top – so it would definitely work if used at another time of year and still look stylish.

Definitely a great investment for minimalist autumn décor.

• Night Lark Autumn Meadow Coverless Duvet Set, £64 from Fine Bedding – buy here

5. Cosy mug

Fresh mugs for the season are a non-negotiable for me. Something abiut your favourite hot drink in a new seasonal mug makes it taste all the sweeter – and it’s the perfect place for brewing pumpkin spice lattes if you want to be extra on trend.

Emma Bridgwater has come up trumps with this latest Country Garden collection, and the Chrysanthemum mugs are possibly some of our favourites by her yet.

• Chrysanthemum mummy mug 1/2 pint, £26 from Emma Bridgewater – buy here

6. Plush Pumpkins

These soft pumpkins are everywhere and are a tasteful nod to the season if you don’t fancy investing in real ones so early on.

We think they’re fab and great in a cluster by a fireplace, on a mantelpiece or as part of a seasonal table setting.

• Plush soft pumpkins, from £1 – find your nearest Poundland store here

7. Pumpkin cook pot

Take the autumn vibes to the next level in your home with this 24 cm pumpkin Cast iron Cocotte cinnamon pot.

It’s perfect for whipping up hearty stews, casseroles and other hearty dishes to warm the soul during the cold months. The stylish look means it’s perfect for doubling up as a stunning centrepiece for serving up and keeping leftovers warm.

24 cm pumpkin Cast iron Cocotte cinnamon, £319 from Zwilling – buy here

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