With fall in full force now, it’s time to turn our attention to one of the most iconic symbols of the season – pumpkins. These versatile gourds are not only delicious when transformed into pies and soups, but also fantastic for decorating your front porch. In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative pumpkin ideas that can help you elevate your porch decor this fall, making it the envy of your neighborhood. And if you plan it right, you can take them into the Thanksgiving season! We love a win/win.
Classic Jack-o’-lantern
Let’s start with the classics! Carving pumpkins into spooky, silly, or intricate jack-o’-lanterns is a time-honored tradition. Get creative with your designs, and don’t forget to light them up with candles or LED lights for a haunting effect.
Painted Pumpkins
If you prefer a mess-free option, painting your pumpkins is a fantastic alternative. From elegant metallic shades to whimsical patterns, the possibilities are endless. You can even let your kids join in on the fun. We painted some pumpkins after our first Casetify collection and it’s forever a classic!
Pumpkin Topiaries
Stack varying sizes of pumpkins to create stunning pumpkin topiaries. Add greenery or berries in between for a striking contrast, and finish with a colorful bow or ribbon. This is one of my very favorite effects for a bountiful harvest effect.
Mosaic Pumpkins
Crafty individuals can transform their pumpkins into works of art by creating mosaic patterns with pieces of colored glass, ceramic tiles, or even recycled materials.
Pumpkin Planters
Turn hollowed-out pumpkins into stylish planters for mums, ornamental kale, or other fall flowers. These make for a charming addition to your porch decor. I added in succulents in my pumpkins with mine in collaboration with Succulents and Sunshine, the succulent expert herself and then had Michelle Christensen of My Little Belleville add on some faces. So cute! We tried them in a different way here with painted faces and a painted pumpkin.
Glitter Glam Pumpkins
For a touch of glam, cover your pumpkins with glitter. Use a strong adhesive and a variety of glitter colors for an eye-catching effect that shimmers in the sunlight.
Pumpkin Luminaries
Carve small pumpkins or gourds into intricate patterns, place tealights inside, and watch them cast a warm, inviting glow on your porch.
Dried flowers on Pumpkins
This technique is one of my favorite ones. I used preserved flowers and glued them onto the pumpkins in fun patterns. I loved matching the flowers to the pumpkin colors too. See how we did it here.
Stacked Pumpkin Totems
Stack pumpkins of different sizes and colors to create a totem pole effect. Add quirky faces, and you’ll have a whimsical pumpkin family right on your porch.
Rainbow pumpkins
A new classic is our rainbow pumpkin idea. The more the merrier! If you get fake ones you can use them year after year.
Rainbow pumpkin arch
For this arch we used fake pumpkins and drilled holes into them. See the full technique here.
Bohemian Pumpkin Decor
For a boho-chic look, wrap your pumpkins in macrame or use vibrant fabrics and ribbons to give them a funky makeover.
Pumpkin Baskets
Hollow out a pumpkin, line it with plastic, and fill it with seasonal fruits or a beautiful arrangement of fall flowers. This doubles as a centerpiece for your porch.
Pumpkin Monogram
Carve or paint your family’s initials or your house number onto a large pumpkin. It’s a personal touch that welcomes guests to your home. Here we added succulents to the pumpkin leaving space for the monogram. See how to do it here.
Or, use succulents to spell out words like “boo”. See the tutorial here.
Cut stripes pumpkins
For this striped pumpkin, take two pumpkins of similar size and different colors and cut them across. Stack them so that they form stripes.
Pumpkin Lanterns
Create unique lanterns by drilling or carving intricate patterns into your pumpkins. Use battery-operated LED lights to illuminate them and hang them around your porch.
Cherry pumpkin
I turned pumpkins into cherries over at Design Sponge (RIP). Simply spray paint or paint the pumpkins and add stems!
Vintage Crate Display
Place your pumpkins in vintage wooden crates or baskets for a rustic, farmhouse look. Add dried cornstalks and gingham ribbon for that perfect touch of country charm.
Succulent Pumpkins
Use the discards from succulents and turn them into fun patterns on all different types of pumpkins. Tutorial here.
Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Turn a large pumpkin into a bird feeder by filling it with birdseed. This delightful creation is sure to attract feathered friends to your porch.
Pumpkin Garland
String small pumpkins together to make a garland that can be draped across your porch railing or hung near the entrance. Add leaves and twine for a rustic touch.
Chalkboard Pumpkins
Paint your pumpkins with chalkboard paint and use them as a canvas for writing welcoming messages, quotes, or fun messages for the season.
Pumpkin Totem Pole
Stack small pumpkins or gourds and paint them in varying shades to create a playful and colorful totem pole on your front porch.
This fall, let your front porch be a reflection of your creativity and love for the season by incorporating these pumpkin decorating ideas. From classic jack-o’-lanterns to chic painted pumpkins and everything in between, there are endless ways to showcase your love for autumn and impress your neighbors and guests. So, grab a pumpkin, some craft supplies, and let your imagination run wild as you transform your porch into a festive and inviting autumn haven. Happy decorating!