By Diana Saufley

While decorating my home for fall is one of my favorites, I also like creating some outdoor spaces that tell my guests we are celebrating one of our favorite seasons of the year.  We don’t have the beautiful spectrum of colorful leaves on trees that they have elsewhere in the country.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t pull some color together that will give everyone the fall spirit when they drive by or visit your home.

Start by making the walkway in your yard and your door a focal point since that is where your guests will come and go, people driving by will see, and of course, the place where you can re-visit your personal fall foliage each day as you depart and arrive at your home. Spend a little time right now and let it last you until readying your home for Christmas.

Here are some of the items that you can use for this project:

*Moss                                                                                                  *Small diameter sticks from a tree

*Pinecones                                                                                        *Floral putty

*Pumpkins (real or artificial)                                                    *Floral green tape

*Artificial fall leaves (packages in craft stores)                 *Fall wreath

*Planter/Pot/Container                                                             

There is no right way to make your unique design, but you can lay out the items you plan to use and play with them until they look appealing.  I would encourage you to use at least three different mediums, like leaves, moss, and pumpkins OR wreath, pumpkins, and pinecones.  The different textures draw the eye to the design, not just the colors.

To begin, get the pot, planter or container you plan to use.  They can be big or small; just make sure your pumpkin in slightly smaller than the size of your container, but large enough to rest on the inside edge of the pot opening).  You can place a “nest” of moss and keep it in place using floral putty on the upper inside of the container.  Then, set your pumpkin or pumpkins on top. Insert leaves and small sticks into the “nest” of moss. 

Another method that is very easy, but requires a little extra expense, is great for those that are not “do it yourself” types. Purchase a fall wreath that is just a little larger than your pot or just about the same size of the pot. Put floral putty on the edge of the pot; place the wreath on the pot with decorative side facing up.  Push it down slightly so it sits firmly in the floral putty.  Place your pumpkin(s) directly on the wreath.  If stacking two pumpkins on top of each other, place floral putty between the pumpkins so they stick well to each other. 

You might also consider hollowing out a real or artificial pumpkin and using it as a planter container to insert pots of mums.  Just remember to have fun and use your décor to show your guests and drivers passing your home the beauty of the colors that God painted this beautiful season. But, also decorate where you can see and be inspired daily!