The good news about a fall porch is that most of it does not have to change after Halloween. Pumpkins, gourds and hay bales say autumn just as well in late November as they did in October. What changes is the mood. With a few swaps, a spooky porch becomes a warm, welcoming one in time for Thanksgiving, which falls on November 26 this year.
Step one: take out the Halloween pieces
Start by removing anything that only makes sense on October 31. That means jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, spider webs, tombstones, witches and anything with a scary face. Carved pumpkins should come out anyway. A carved pumpkin usually lasts about a week to ten days, so by now it is likely soft, shriveled or starting to mold.
Once those pieces are gone, look at what is left. In most cases you will have a group of whole pumpkins, some gourds and maybe a hay bale or two. That is the base of your Thanksgiving porch.
Step two: check what you are keeping
Whole pumpkins can last about 8 to 12 weeks in good conditions, so many of the pumpkins you set out in October still have plenty of life. Press gently on the bottom of each one and pull anything that feels soft. Wipe off any dirt or leaves that have collected around the base, and check that each pumpkin is sitting on a dry surface.
Step three: shift the colors
Halloween leans on bright orange and black. Thanksgiving tends to look better in warmer, softer tones. White and cream pumpkins, pale peach and blue-gray pumpkins, and warm tan and green gourds all help the porch feel calmer and more inviting. Our post on pumpkin types explained covers the different kinds and colors.
You do not have to replace every orange pumpkin. Grouping a few white or pale pumpkins with the orange ones you already have can shift the whole look.
Step four: add natural textures
Thanksgiving decorating is about the harvest, so natural materials fit well. A few ideas:
A plaid or knit throw folded over a bench or porch chair
Dried corn stalks tied beside a post or door frame
A wooden crate or basket holding small pumpkins and gourds
Lanterns with battery candles for a warm glow in the evening
A simple doormat in a warm, neutral color
Keep anything that could catch fire, like dried corn stalks or hay, well away from real flames and hot light fixtures. Battery candles give the same warm look without the risk.
Step five: rebalance the layout
When you pull out the Halloween pieces, you may end up with gaps or a lopsided look. Step back to the sidewalk and look at the porch as a whole. Larger pumpkins usually look best low and toward the outside, with smaller ones higher up and closer to the door. If one side looks thin, move a pumpkin or two over, or add a small group of gourds. Our post on how many pumpkins you need for your porch can help if you are deciding whether to add a few more.
Keep the walkway clear, especially if you are expecting a crowd for dinner. Guests carrying dishes are not watching their feet.
Step six: keep it going through the holiday
November weather is harder on pumpkins than October. Cover your display on nights when temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, keep pumpkins off wet surfaces, and check the bottoms once a week. A little attention now keeps the porch looking fresh until the last slice of pie is gone.
After Thanksgiving
When the holiday is over, you can compost plain pumpkins, leave undecorated ones at the back of the yard for wildlife, and start thinking about winter. Many people simply move from fall colors straight to evergreens and lights.
Questions about your pumpkins?
If you have a pumpkin question we did not cover here, we would be glad to help. Call or text us at (513) 409-0005, or send a message through our contact page. We are a family-run business right here in the Springboro, Dayton and Cincinnati area, and we are always happy to talk pumpkins.