If I could sum up the trends for fall this year in one word, it would be “traditional.” The colors are traditional, the decor is traditional, and, of course, that traditional autumn favorite, the pumpkin, is making an appearance on front porches and dining tables across the state.
There are pumpkins everywhere this year and all different kinds — from traditional round, orange beauties to ghost pumpkins and green, warty gourds. Some might be surprised to learn just how many ways there are to style pumpkins for the season.
On the front porch, I like to stay within a certain color palette. I might use different shades of orange, or I might use whites and greens. Some people even paint a few of their pumpkins gold or bronze for a gorgeous metallic effect.
A spacious porch design could involve nearly 50 pumpkins — eight to 10 large, 12 to 18 medium and the rest small. For a medium-sized porch, 30 pumpkins will do, while an especially petit porch could go down to 12 to 15.
Start by placing the largest pumpkins around the door and down the steps. Then add the medium pumpkins. Last but not least, fill the spaces remaining with smaller pumpkins. You can stack a few of the pumpkins for more depth. I use the flatter Cinderella pumpkins, starting with a large one on the bottom, one or two medium-sized pumpkins above that, and a smaller pumpkin on top.
Once the pumpkins are placed — including a couple of painted ones, if desired — it is time to add the accents. A lot of people include potted mums with their pumpkin displays. I use harvest colors of red, orange and yellow to complement orange pumpkins or white mums for a white-and-green design.
For a more organic look, try weaving bittersweet vines throughout the pumpkins. With its vibrant orange berries, the vine is well suited to fall decor schemes.
When Halloween rolls around, add some jack-o’-lanterns to the mix or some whimsical accents with ghosts, goblins and witches. Then take the spooky stuff away and add some turkeys for Thanksgiving. If left uncut, fresh pumpkins can last the whole season long.
Love those cute, pint-sized miniature pumpkins? If you have boxwoods or other potted plants flanking your entryway, fill the bases with tiny pumpkins. Itty-bitty varieties also work well in a wreath — consider a wreath made of sunflowers and miniature pumpkins for a fall Williamsburg look.
Speaking of wreaths, there are so many ideas when it comes to fall. A wreath made of fall leaves is a classic, or try a boxwood wreath with autumnal ribbons. Another option is to make a wreath out of magnolia blooms and foliage, a look that transitions smoothly into Christmas.
For those who prefer a fall swag on their doors, consider a loose grouping of seasonal flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and mums tied with an array of fall ribbons. Other fall accents include fresh cattails, dill and sage.
By the way, there are plenty of garden roses that work great for fall, from shades of coffee, cream and toffee to bittersweets and maroons. Look for roses that have different colors within a single bloom. I have seen varieties with petals that transition from butter yellow into peach and from peach into stunning orange that would look great in autumn arrangements.
Inside, velvet pumpkins with natural stems continue to be a popular decor trend. They can be found in all different colors. I have seen a lot of feminine colors such as pinks and magentas, but there are also plenty of traditional fall palettes, such as bronze, brown and aubergine. Arrange them along a dining table, pile them on the mantle, or stack them in the foyer.
There is really no way to go wrong, but just like the fresh pumpkins outside, it helps to start with the large ones and build from there.
James Hayes glass pumpkins are back for the season, and there are more colors than one can name. Decorators are incorporating them into their fall decor schemes just like the velvet pumpkins but a bit more sparingly. For a gorgeous look, arrange groupings of glass pumpkins at either end of the dining table, and put a beautiful container with potted mums or cut flowers in the middle.
James Hayes glass pumpkins are a collectible item people look forward to each year.
It is fall, y’all, so bring out those fuzzy blankets, light a pumpkin-spice scented candle, and cozy up to the good vibes of the season to come. Have fun picking pumpkins!
Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.
Photos courtesy of Norwood-Day Floral Co.
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