Pumpkins Archives - Romantic Homes

By Karen Snyder / Styling by Sanctuary Home Decor

Front porch decorated for fall- Romantic Homes

As the warm colors and cooler temperatures of fall arrive, what better way to celebrate the season than with a welcoming fall front porch? My favorite way to decorate our porch for fall is with stacks of heirloom pumpkins, rustic lanterns and seasonal plants and flowers.

Heirloom pumpkins on the front porch make a welcoming first impression

I like to consider the overall color of my home and indoor décor when decorating for autumn, and neutral tones over deeper fall colors. This year I was inspired by the soft, neutral peach, green and white tones of heirloom pumpkins alongside creamy yellows with a sprinkle of burgundy and terra cotta mixed in.

Karen Snyder's cozy front porch decorated for fall with heirloom pumpkins and oversized lanterns- Romantic Homes

To begin, I added delicate eucalyptus to the chippy urns on either side of my front door. I love the way this color complements the green tones in the heirloom pumpkins. I stacked pumpkins, both fresh and faux, at the base of the urns using a copper pot to elevate a larger pumpkin to create a sense of height and fullness to this area of the porch.

Karen Snyder's front porch is decorated with a stack of heirloom pumpkins - Romantic Homes

I extended the stacks of heirloom pumpkins to the porch step, allowing them to spill onto the pathway and welcome guests as they walk up to the front door.

A deep burgundy Vino Coleus, heirloom pumpkins, oversized lanterns and a pair of rocking chairs create a cozy atmosphere on Karen Snyder's fall front porch

I also added a dark wicker basket filled with Vino Coleus, a dark burgundy plant that I saw at the nursery and loved. This was an easy way to give the porch a pretty pop of traditional autumn color. On the opposite side of the door, I included a French market basket filled with a spray of fall branches with subtle yellow blooms.

Karen Snyder placed olive topiaries in terra cotta pots to add fresh greenery and warm fall hues to her front porch. Romantic Homes

Another great find at the nursery was several miniature olive topiaries planted in terra cotta pots. Their soft green-gray color mixed with the rustic terra cotta adds just the right amount of fall color to the porch, and will transition well into any season.

My rocking chairs also got a fall update with some seasonal pillows and a chunky knit blanket for those cool evenings sipping pumpkin spice lattes.

Karen Snyder's doormat reads "Our Happy Place"

Perhaps my favorite item to use when I decorate for fall, other than pumpkins, is lanterns. Whether they are filled with candles or mini white pumpkins, they add charm to an outdoor porch or an indoor autumn vignette.

Karen Snyder's fall front porch is simple, cozy and welcoming.

The final touch on my neutral fall porch was a fall wreath hung on the front door to welcome our guests as we head into the holiday season.

Karen Snyder writes about home, family and entertaining at Sanctuary Home, where her elegant country style inspires and educates. You can also follow her on Instagram.

fall decor, Front Porch Decor, Karen Snyder, Pumpkins, Sanctuary Home Decor

Perfect for the Porch

When it comes to decorating floor space, large pumpkins are your best bet for maximum visual impact. Courtney uses heirloom varieties with mottled and multicolor surfaces that complement her love for patina. Look out for the blue/gray shades of Jarrahdales, the peachy pinks of Porcelain Doll Pumpkins and the subtle pastels of the Fairytale or Cinderella varieties

Small Details

Courtney packs quite a bit of detail into a small space with this vignette. When too much color could easily overwhelm the area, she uses small white pumpkins that help show off the surrounding shades of gold and pale pink. Casper, Cotton Candy, Lumina and Baby Boo are options that make for the perfect autumn touch when only white will do.

Fairytale Favorites

For a look that blends earthy and ethereal with storybook-worthy results, opt for old-fashioned varieties of French extraction. Pastel Cinderella (also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes) and Fairytale Pumpkins (or Musquee de Provence) have distinctive shapes with well-defined ribbing that are reminiscent of the enchanted coach’s humble beginnings. A bonus? These two varieties are also deliciously flavored! Courtney uses candles and a blue Jarrahdale to add to the whimsical scene.

Keeping Tradition

Few things symbolize the spirit of autumn quite like a traditional, orange pumpkin. Howden and Connecticut Field are among the varieties you’ll expect to find at your local pumpkin patch. Courtney carted her haul in a wheelbarrow that makes a festive outdoor display. Whether you choose to carve Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween or keep them intact till after Thanksgiving, the ubiquitous orange pumpkin is guaranteed to make you feel like fall is in the air.