Do you decorate outdoors for the autumn season? I love decorating my porches. I feel its a wonderful way to welcome your friends and family into your home. Today I’m sharing my fall porch decorating ideas with mums and pumpkins.
I’m not alone in offering you some delightful small fall porch inspiration! I’m excited to be part of a “Falling for Porches” tour hosted by Laura from Decor to Adore, alongside a wonderful group of fellow bloggers and friends. This tour will provide you with the inspiration and know-how to make your porch the envy of the neighborhood this fall.
I promise, each stop on this tour will be a source of inspiration from my fellow porch enthusiasts who have mastered the art of decorating outdoors for fall!

Welcome!
If you are coming from my friend Renae from Peacock Ridge Farms, welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten. If you are new to my blog, my name is Kim. In case you don’t know where the Mitten is, it’s the state of Michigan. I’m a life long Michigander who loves experiencing the changing seasons. My favorite things are my family, faith, home decor, a good book and a hot cup of tea…no matter the temperature outside!

“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Decorating Ideas with Mums and Pumpkins
My fall porch decorating is a very simple process and anyone can recreate it. You will need the following supplies:
- Pumpkins/gourds
- Cornstalks
- Hay Bale
- Mums in a variety of colors
- Wreath or door hanging
- Chair and blanket (optional)
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been adorning my space with vibrant mums and pumpkins. Even when my sons were little, I would decorate with pumpkins, perhaps in a more child-friendly manner, but they were always a consistent part of my decor. Each year, I try to add something a little different, mums and pumpkins are definitely the consistent items. Last fall, I shared How to Make a Mum & Pumpkin Planter.
Since I know have small grands, I wanted to add something fun. and not spooky. I found this fun metal pumpkin grouping. My oldest grand totally approved!
You can see my version from last year in my post A Simple Way to Decorate Your Fall Porch.

Choose Your Porch and Begin
I have three exterior spaces that I decorate for fall. A front porch, side porch and back porch. Now, I realize everyone isn’t that ambitious and maybe you only have one porch. You can incorporate some or all of my design into as many as you want.
To begin, I typically start by positioning my cornstalks. I secure them to the porch pillars using twine. If your porch lacks pillars, consider utilizing a shepherd’s hook. Simply insert the hook into the ground and fasten the cornstalk to it.
For a more festive appearance, opt for cornstalks with actual corn still attached, as it will enhancs the overall look of your porch.

Adding Colorful Mums
The color of mums is a personal preference. You do you! I’m a girl who loves bright color, so my mum choice usually follows suit! I don’t pick just one color, I choose multiple colors. You may think that sounds a little much, but I assure you, it screams all the vibrant colors of fall!
This year, I added burnt orange, purple and gold. I love the color combo.
I start by placing one on the porch and then trailing the mums down the steps, creating a visually charming cascade of autumn colors that welcomes each of my guests.

Beautiful Pumpkins and Gourds
When I was growing up, I only remember there being orange pumpkins. Maybe I only remember that because that’s just what my mother bought. Nowadays, there are so many options of pumpkins and awesome shaped gourds available. So, I typically mix it up. It keeps things interesting, right?
Did you know you that I clean my pumpkins in a bath of warm water and a little squirt of dishsoap? After I dry it, I wipe it down with vinegar. The bath cleans the pumpkin and the vinegar helps kill any fungus so your pumpkin won’t rot.
“I don’t see how a pumpkin patch could be more sincere than this one.” —It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Wreaths & Other Fall Accessories
Start with a welcoming fall wreath for your front door, featuring colorful leaves, sunflowers, pinecones, and perhaps a charming ribbon or bow. Do you have a wreath that’s been used before and you want something new?Well, I have a little secret to share. I use and reuse my wreaths. If you’re tired of how it looks, why not give it an update? I added a few small pumpkins and a new ribbon to my old wreath. Nothing major, just a little refresh!



Next, layer your porch with warm, textured throws and plush pillows in fall hues like deep orange, or a pretty sign. I like to keep a chair on my porch with a cozy throw because I sometimes like to have tea or read outside. Speaking of reading, if you are a fan like me, make sure to check out 9 of the Best Books to Read This Fall.


One last thing, I always like to add is a pretty doormat. I’ve linked some of my favorites below!
Fall Porch Decorating Ideas with Mums and Pumpkins
I hope I have inspired you to incorporate mums and pumpkins into your fall porch decor. It’s a delightful way to embrace the beauty of the season. From the vibrant hues of the mums to the rustic charm of the pumpkins, these design elements can instantly transform your porch into a warm and inviting space. Whether you’re celebrating the harvest season or simply looking to add a touch of autumnal magic to your home, these decorating ideas offer endless possibilities.
Before you leave, make sure you head on over to Debra from Common Ground! You’re going to love her porch inspiration!
Happy porch decorating! May it give you all the good feels of the season!

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Kim, your porch looks beautiful for the fall. Love all of the lovely colors from the mums.
Thanks friend!
Kim your porch is absolutely stunning! The Vincent Van Gogh quote is one of my favorites too. Thank you so very much for joining the hop. I’ve pinned and sharing on IG and FB.
Thanks so much, Laura! Thanks for hosting and including me! Have a great day!
These fall colors are all so bright and cheery! I love you you used the cornstalks too, Kim. It really makes things feel so warm and welcoming. Hope your Fall season is filled with all good things. Hugs, CoCo
You’re so kind, CoCo. Thank you! If there is color, I am there! Happy autumn, friend!
Your porch looks amazing. Also like your pumpkin tip but now I need something to keep the squirrels away🤦🏼♀️
Love all that bright beautiful mix of colors. I know your neighbors must love seeing it too. Happy fall! pinned
I hope they love it! Thanks, Cindy!
Beautiful Kim, your front porch is amazing with all that vibrant color from the mums and wreath. Love the cornstalks, too! Have a wonderful October. I’m sure your fall foliage is just getting started!
Thank you, Debra! Yes, everything is turning and it looks so beautiful! Happy Fall!
Your front porch is so vibrant Kim. I love the cornstalks and mums. You’ve created a warm and inviting porch, my friend.
Thank you, Kim!
I love the vibrant colors you decorated with, Kim! Makes your home a happy Fall welcome, indeed!
I appreciate that, Lora! Happy autumn to you!
Your porch is so beautiful and looks so welcoming!!! Happy fall!!!
Thank you, Emily!
Your porch is so beautiful, my friend. Hugs and blessings to you.
Thanks Renae!
Oh so pretty and fun. Your flowers are amazing and I love the cornstalks. Beautiful entry.
I’m glad you like it! Thanks Marty!
Beautiful front porch! What a welcome. The Mums are gorgeous, I’m partial to crimson and purple.
I especially love the purple! Such a fun color to use in autumn!
Your porch looks so pretty! Happy autumn season!
Thank you!
Kim, your porch looks amazing. There is nothing better than pumpkins and mums for the fall season. And thanks for the excellent vinegar tip. I have not tried that one. We always seem to get a heat wave in October, so I will try this and see if my pumpkins will last longer.
Thanks so much, Wendy! I hope the vinegar tip works for you in sunny CA! Have a blessed week!