by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: October 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 25, 2009

Porches are a family gathering place. Whether it be the front porch and the entrance into a warm and loving home; or perhaps a back porch used as a quiet family hide-a-way. They are indeed a part of the home and one that is fun to decorate for the autumn season.

Lets take a moment and think of things that remind of us the changing season. The harvesting of gardens, the color of the leaves changing, and the first frost come to mind. There are also some fun holidays in the autumn. How can the porch be decorated to celebrate the season?

Pumpkins are fun, easy, and here's the key, adaptable. By embellishing the pumpkins they can be harvest gourds, jack-o-lanterns, and even turkeys for thanksgiving. Trim the porch with pumpkins. It is easy to add a face with some add on stickers. These can be removed the day after Halloween. When Thanksgiving rolls around a turkey face, feathers and the pumpkins become little turkeys. Now pumpkins alone would be a fairly boring addition to the porch if they were all alone. Chrysanthemums are hearty and come in such a wide variety of colors they can be added to any color combination. It is not like the little yellow variety that Grandma used anymore.

How about a few potted artificial trees? They make maple trees in fall colors that can still have colored leaves when they have a touch of snow, a frosty morning, and a rough wind won't tear the color away. A couple of these would be a great addition to any porch.

If the porch has benches and seating areas now it the time to get out the blankets and throws. Even if the weather is not chilly enough to need them, they create atmosphere and ambiance. The patterns of leaves and harvest items are a welcome sight.

There is nothing wrong with a little tradition. A scarecrow or two can be placed about. Just like pumpkins they can be transformed for the holidays. A white sheet turns a scarecrow into a ghost. A camouflage jacket and a plastic rifle turns the little man into an hunter. (This may not work in every neighborhood, but it sure does here) A pilgrims hat and Native American attire can have the scarecrows dressed and ready for Thanksgiving.

Luminaries are easy and fun. Simple paper lunch bags and battery operated candles are a nice alternative to twinkle lights. Cut outs can be changed at will. The neighbors will be stopping by just to see what is new on the porch.

Autumn like any other season has it beauty and should be shared and celebrated. Go ahead, rake the leaves and just jump in.

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