Welcome Guests Abundantly
Fall = guests, family and get-togethers. Get your front porch ready for fall festivities with a pair of planters surrounded by an abundance of mums and real or faux pumpkins and gourds. Mix in a few lanterns to add a welcoming glow to evening gatherings.
Cue the Copper
Copper has continued to grow in popularity, making the glowing material the metal of the moment. A pretty copper pail can turn fresh-cut flowers or a bunch of branches into an eye-catching arrangement. Occasionally polish the copper to maintain its new-penny shine or allow the metal to take on a rich, verdigris patina over time. Learn how to craft your own rustic, hand-lettered tray, below.
Add a Farmhouse Feel
Freshen up your front porch for fall with our 11 ideas for making it a cozy, welcoming place to hang out and enjoy autumn's cooler weather and colorful scenery.
Set the Table With Seasonal Style
Turn every day into a holiday by decking out the dining room in fall's favorite hues. For a can't-miss combo, pair warm shades of orange, red and yellow with muted greens and copper and gold metallic accents.
And, Break Out the Good China
Setting the table with heirloom dishes and glassware makes even an everyday meal feel like a special occasion. So, dust off those hand-me-down plates and glasses to set a guest-impressing scene. (Your mom would be so proud!)
Create a Grand Entrance
Fall marks the start of the holiday entertaining season making it a great time to spruce up areas of your home where guests gather, like the foyer. Touch-up scuffs on stair risers and add an entry table large enough to display a few decorative accessories. A pair of occasional chairs or long bench provides a spot for guests to remove boots or just sit for a chat.
Freshen Up the Front Porch
Get front porch planters ready for fall by swapping out summer blooms or ferns for mums paired with ornamental grasses and sweet potato vine. Add a plaid coir door mat for both a cheery pop of pattern and to prevent cold-weather muck from entering the house.
(Safely) Fire Up the Fireplace
Honestly, who doesn't love to curl up next to a roaring fire on a chilly day? As inviting as it is, put safety first. Before lighting the season's first log, have the chimney and fire box inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Get 15 more fireplace safety tips, below.
Pop In Some Plaid
Looks like lumberjacks were onto something as plaid's popularity has crossed over from fall's favorite casual shirts to fabrics that'll add cozy charm to any room of your home.
And, Don't Limit It to a Throw
Buffalo plaid may be fall's of-the-moment fabric but this pattern has a centuries-old history which equals timeless staying power. So, sprinkle it around. Don't stop at just a throw — drapery, upholstery, wallpaper and even tile are other great ways to incorporate this classic pattern. Learn more about this plaid's storied history, below.
Spice Up the Guest Room
If cooler fall weather also means hosting weekend guests, swap out lightweight summer bedding for heavier linens in rich fall shades, like pumpkin, russet or gold, as design diva Candice Olsen did here. Changing just a few key pieces is an easy way to refresh a bedroom's look, plus your guests will appreciate bunking in such a well-appointed and cozy room. Get more tips for readying a guest bedroom for company, below.
Or, the Front Door
You've heard it before but it's true: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders — and it's a relatively easy update you can swap out for another hue when your tastes change.
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