How to add charming seasonal ambiance outdoors

Pumpkin season is here.

And that means front porches, doors and walkways are getting a bit of autumn cheer. From wreaths and garlands to plump pumpkins, to corn stalks, autumn leaves and even a touch of spooky that might be appearing for Halloween.

I know that this year, you might be thinking about not doing too much decor wise-since those trick or treaters probably won’t be coming by- and the holiday guests may be only virtual.

But I think more than ever you should get out all that decor and deck your halls for autumn and the holidays- for you and your family to enjoy. We all need that bit of seasonal cheer this year. And by decorating outdoors- like our windows, porches and patios- we are sharing a bit of that cheer with our neighbors- even from a distance.

Today is about a few ideas & tips for decorating those outdoors areas and adding that cozy charm this holiday season.

Create a charming backdrop

A simple way to add a bit of charm to your patio for a socially distanced evening is to use outdoor LED trees or lights to add a little layer of magic. This is also perfect for decorating the front porch or patio- simply place those trees on the porch and string lights on the deck for a similar effect.

And the best part- these twinkling trees will last right on through the Christmas decorating season- so you can leave them up and simply change your pumpkins for Christmas touches. (And don’t forget to add those twinkles inside your windows- the charm of those lights in the window is irresistible.)

Use Flickering Lanterns

I love to use lanterns on the steps, on the deck, on the patio and in the yard. Fill them with LED candles that turn on and off on timers- and they are also adding ambiance without any daily attention.

Add Cornstalks for a simple natural look

Cornstalks are so fun to bring out for autumn and Thanksgiving decor. The best part- they are inexpensive and can be easily disposed of when you are done with them. (We will be giving them to the goats and chickens to enjoy) I love to use them on both sides of the door to create a charming ‘welcome’ but they are also perfect for places like the garage or adding to a light pole in your walkway.

Pumpkins on the path

Line your walkways and paths with pumpkins as a beautiful & warm welcome. If you don’t want to use real pumpkins- faux pumpkins are a perfect alternative and will give you the same look.

Add ambiance to your windows

An often overlooked place for seasonal decor- the windows. We have window boxes on almost every window at our house- and so spring and summer they are overflowing with greens and flowers. But come autumn – they start to look a little sparse. A perfect solution is to add a garland to them.

But you can do this even if you don’t have window boxes- and over on the Balsam Hill Blog– I am sharing ideas for decorating your windows for autumn and Christmas. From two ways to use garland- to twinkling trees and flickering LED candles.

Shop the looks I shared below- and see more looks and tips at the Balsam Hill Blog – happy Monday all.

Autumn Wreath & Garland– The foliage that I used is already SOLD OUT – I am linking a similar look.

Window LED Candles

Twinkling Trees

Lanterns

Disclosure- I work with Balsam Hill but all opinions & love of all things Balsam Hill are my own.