I’m already mentally decorating my porch for Thanksgiving? Like, it’s not even officially fall yet and I’m over here daydreaming about cornucopias and pumpkin displays. My neighbor caught me staring at her gorgeous fall setup last weekend and I was like, “Okay, I need to step up my game.” So I’ve been collecting all these super doable ideas that won’t require me to become some Pinterest perfectionist overnight. Trust me, these are all things you can actually pull off without losing your mind or your weekend.
Easy DIY Porch Decorations
1. Cornstalk and Scarecrow Frames
You know that moment when you drive past a house and think, “Damn, they really nailed it”? That’s exactly what happens when someone frames their front door with cornstalks and a cute scarecrow. I spotted this setup at my friend Maya’s place last year and literally turned my car around to ask where she got everything. Turns out, most farm stands sell cornstalk bundles for like $10, and you can find adorable scarecrows at craft stores. Just lean them on either side of your door, throw some hay bales down with big pumpkins on top, and boom – instant cozy fall vibes. The whole thing takes maybe ten minutes to set up, but it looks like you spent all weekend on it.
2. Mums in Planters
Can I just say that mums are criminally underrated? I used to think they were kinda basic until my grandmother showed me how she arranges them in different sized pots around her porch. Now I’m obsessed. The burgundy, orange, and yellow ones together? Chef’s kiss. They’re ridiculously affordable compared to other fall flowers, and they literally bring that whole autumn color story to life without you having to think too hard about it. I grabbed like six pots from the grocery store last year for under thirty bucks and my porch looked magazine-ready.
3. Wooden “Thankful” or “Gather” Signs
This one’s for my crafty ladies who love a good DIY moment. I made one of these vertical wooden signs after seeing them everywhere on Instagram, and honestly? It was way easier than I thought it’d be. You just need some reclaimed wood (or even new boards from Home Depot), some paint, and maybe an hour of your time. I painted “Grateful” in this gorgeous burnt orange color and lean it against my porch wall every year. It’s become like my signature Thanksgiving thing, and people always ask where I bought it. The personal touch just hits different, you know?
4. Plaid Ribbon Accents
Okay, this might be the tiniest detail but it makes such a huge impact. I learned this trick from watching this woman at the farmer’s market tie plaid ribbons around literally everything – her lanterns, planters, even individual pumpkins. It sounds so simple but it pulls everything together in this cohesive way that just screams “I know what I’m doing” even when you totally don’t. I keep a roll of buffalo check ribbon in my craft drawer now because it works for fall AND Christmas. Two seasons, one ribbon – that’s efficiency, baby.
5. Pumpkin Arrangements
Here’s where you can really let your creativity run wild. I love mixing different sizes and colors of pumpkins and gourds – not just the basic orange ones, but the white, green, and those gorgeous blue-gray ones too. Last year I arranged them on my porch steps in this cascading way, then draped some leaf garland around my railing. My sister-in-law came over and was like, “When did you become Martha Stewart?” The secret is just embracing the chaos and not overthinking the placement. Nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical, so why should your pumpkin display be?
6. Metal Buckets or Galvanized Tubs
There’s something about weathered metal containers that just screams farmhouse chic, right? I found this old galvanized tub at a thrift shop for like eight dollars and it’s become my go-to fall decorator. I fill it with pumpkins, dried flowers, or whatever seasonal stuff I’m feeling. Sometimes I add some battery-operated string lights for that cozy glow. It’s one of those pieces that works on the porch, in the yard, or even inside by the fireplace. Versatile and cute – my kind of decoration.
Creative Yard Decoration Ideas
7. Metal Cornucopia
When I think of Thanksgiving, cornucopias always come to mind, but the traditional wicker ones never felt quite right for my style. Then I saw this brilliant idea using a large metal trough or bucket to create the same effect. You fill it with hay and then cascade colorful gourds, pumpkins, and dried corn out of it like it’s spilling abundance all over your yard. I tried this last year using an old metal bucket I had lying around, and neighbors kept stopping to ask about it. It’s got that harvest vibe but feels more modern somehow.
8. DIY Fall Planter
This is where you can really make a statement. I take one of those big planters and create these dramatic vertical displays using corn stalks or tall dried grasses as the backdrop. Then I fill in with a mix of real mums, some faux foliage (don’t judge me), and seasonal flowers. The key is mixing textures and heights so it doesn’t look flat. My mom always says it should look like it could be growing wild somewhere, just perfectly arranged. It lasts way longer than fresh flowers alone, which is perfect for busy weeks when I forget to water things.
9. Pumpkin Luminaries
Remember being a kid and carving jack-o’-lanterns? This is like the grown-up, sophisticated version. Instead of scary faces, I carve simple patterns like stars or leaves into small pumpkins and gourds, then put battery-operated candles inside. They cast the most beautiful shadows on the porch at night, and there’s something so magical about them flickering when guests arrive for dinner. Plus, no fire hazard to worry about if you forget to blow them out – win-win.
10. Pumpkin Succulent Planters
This idea came to me after I killed yet another houseplant (we don’t talk about it). I was at the garden center feeling defeated when I saw someone’s Instagram post about mini pumpkins filled with succulents. Genius, right? You carve out small pumpkins, add some potting soil, and plant little succulents or flowers inside. Group a few on wood slices and you’ve got this adorable display that’s way more interesting than regular planters. Plus, succulents are practically indestructible, which is perfect for someone with my track record.
11. Thanksgiving Yard Cutouts & Garlands
Sometimes you just need to embrace the fun, cheesy side of decorating. I bought these wooden turkey cutouts and gratitude-themed signs from a local craft fair, and they make me smile every time I see them. Add some leaf garlands draped over fences or doorways, and suddenly your whole yard feels like it’s celebrating. My kids love helping arrange these, and honestly, their slightly crooked placement ends up looking more charming than if I’d done it perfectly myself.
Final Thoughts
The best part about all of these ideas? You can literally tackle any of them in a weekend, and most use stuff you can find at regular stores or might already have lying around. I’m not saying you need to do all eleven (though if you do, please invite me over because I need to see that), but pick a few that speak to you and just go for it. Your future self – and your Thanksgiving guests – will thank you for creating such a welcoming, festive space. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about walking up to your own front door and feeling like you nailed the whole fall vibe. Trust me on this one.
- Before buying anything online, check Rakuten (formerly Ebates) — either with the browser extension or directly on Rakuten.com. Just type in your store, click the current deal, and shop as usual. Every purchase earns you cashback that can be mailed to you or sent via PayPal. In today’s economy, even a few dollars back can turn into a Starbucks latte, McDonald’s fries for the kids, or a little treat you don’t have to budget for. If you’ve never used Rakuten before, you’re missing out on free money — and right now, you’ll even get a $30 bonus when you spend your first $30. Click here to sign up and stop letting your online orders steal from you. Click here to sign up and save money!
*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you join Rakuten through my link — but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. In fact, you’ll actually save more!
