As the leaves fall and the air turns even more crisp- many of us can feel as if we’re ‘in-between seasons’ as far as garden decor goes! Pumpkins are starting to sag and mum flowers are fading- but it feels a little soon to be “decking the halls!” The good news? There’s so much you can do to transition your porch- it doesn’t have to be bare at all! Follow these simple swaps to gracefully transition your outdoor spaces from cozy fall harvest to festive holiday cheer!

1. Start with a Clean Slate, but Keep Layers

- Begin by tidying! Remove spent flower heads on your mums and other fall plants. Remove soft pumpkins and gourds. Still keep structure- tall grasses, ornamental kale or cabbage, and sturdy planters!

- Instead of starting from scratch, layer! A fall container with dried seed pods and kale can become a lovely holiday planter by adding some evergreens or birch branches. This is perfect for the month of November too, as it’s often a month caught between “fall and winter.” I personally love to keep harvest touches through November to highlight Thanksgiving!

- If some of your pumpkins are still in good shape, neutral- shaded pumpkins like specialties and white pumpkins are beautiful to keep through Thanksgiving!

2. Transform the Color Shades- Warms to Neutrals and Evergreens!

Something as little as the shades and types of colors go a long way when you’re in between seasons and vibes!

- Replace bright orange pumpkins and flowers with fresh greenery, like pine, cedar, and eucalyptus for instant fragrance and freshness that says “the holidays are right around the corner!”

- Mix in natural browns and creams (cream-colored pumpkins, too) to bridge the gap before you add holiday color.

- Gather leftover cornstalks, dried hydrangeas, and some early cut cedar branches together- they blend fall and winter textures together beautifully!

3. Add Soft Seasonal Touches

You don’t need to go full-on Christmas yet! You can introduce subtle signs of the Christmas season with:

- A simple evergreen wreath on a door

- A couple strands of warm white lights around the porch railing

- A lantern with a candle or twinkle lights inside

- Pinecones or birch logs within your planters

4. Spruce Up Your Fall Containers

Give your fall plants a quick refresh if they need it, but you don’t need to replant everything. These transitional containers can last all the way to New Years’ with a few simple swaps!

- Pull out the spent plants, but leave the soil.

- Insert cut greens, dogwood, and berries or pinecones (we use these at Ebert’s to create Christmas containers)!

- Tuck in decorative picks- and later in the season add ornaments and ribbons.

5. Light The Way

When the days become shorter and it gets dark at 5 now- lights become the secret ingredient!

- You can add solar path lights (sleek & bright), lanterns (rustic & cozy), or strands of white lights (warm & festive) to make your porch inviting!

6. Bring the Look Indoors

Tie everything together by making your porch cohesive with the inside of your home!

- A simple bowl of pinecones, vase of branches, or a few candles will make your entryway feel seasonal without going full holiday yet!

Remember, there’s beauty in-between! While sometimes it may seem like a bare and mundane time for porch color, now is your chance to blend earthy textures and colors with a hint of sparkle! With a few thoughtful touches, your porch will be warm, welcoming, and ready to bring on the winter holidays!