October has settled into Bedford, and everywhere you look, porches are beginning to show off their autumn charm. Some folks enjoy ghosts, skeletons, and spooky decorations, and that’s all part of the fun! But if you’d rather welcome visitors with something a little more traditional, there’s plenty you can do without turning your front steps into a haunted house.
This month, let’s give our front porches and entryways a little autumn personality.
Start with a few pumpkins in different sizes. Rather than lining them up like soldiers, try grouping three or four near your front door. Mix orange pumpkins with white or pale green varieties for a softer look. You don’t even need to carve them! Whole pumpkins can last longer and carry your decorations right through Thanksgiving.
Next, consider a cheerful pot of mums. Burgundy, golden yellow, and deep orange flowers look lovely against the changing leaves. If you have an old wooden crate or sturdy basket, use it to give your display a little height. Just remember that mums need water, even when the weather turns cool.
A seasonal wreath is another easy way to dress up your entrance. Look for one made with autumn leaves, berries, or dried grasses. If you already have a simple grapevine wreath, you can tuck in a few inexpensive seasonal decorations rather than buying something new.
Don’t overlook your doormat and porch lighting. A clean, welcoming mat makes a difference, and a lantern with a battery-operated candle adds a cozy glow as our October evenings grow darker.
If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters later this month, be sure to leave plenty of room for little feet to navigate your steps safely. Keep decorations away from walkways and make sure everything is secure against those breezy Northeast Ohio afternoons.
And here’s my favorite part: when Halloween passes, you don’t have to take everything down! Simply remove anything spooky, and your pumpkins, mums, and autumn wreath can continue welcoming guests through November.
A beautiful fall porch doesn’t require a big budget or a truckload of decorations. Sometimes a few pumpkins, a pot of flowers, and a warm light by the door are all it takes to make a house feel like home.
