Happy Halloweenie, queenies! We hope you’re prepped and ready to give each trick or treater their government-mandated single Almond Joy and turn the lights off at 7 PM. We’re lucky to be headquartered in one of the Nora Ephron-iest neighborhoods on the east coast. So, it’s our civic duty and pleasure to share some Georgetown porch gourd favorites. If you’re interested in decorating your facade for Thanksgiving as well, we’ve got just the inspiration you crave.
Are people paying an arm and a leg for “pumpkin stylists”? Yes, especially in places like Dallas, Texas. But a gourd-y and whimsical porch isn’t just for the wealthiest witches in town! Porch pumpkins are for everyone who wants to join the club, and there are attainable and thrifty ways to craft the look of your fall fantasies.
Of course, everyone’s dream decorating technique would include real pumpkins, gourds, squashes, mums, hay bails, and corn husks (not my personal style, but you do you, scarecrow!). Naturally, the dreamy heirloom pumpkins in washed out whites, peaches, and sage can get pricey.
If you live in a city where it’s not 86 degrees at the end of October, and your jack-o-lanterns aren’t immediately turned into pumpkin barf on your porch due to heat, then go for the real thing! Buy your classic large, orange pumpkins at your local supermarket where they’re more moderately priced, then invest in a few heirlooms from the patch to layer in the background. This way, you’re not spending $450 on 12 mid-sized pumpkins from the farm that sells pony rides, spiked ciders, and fine leather goods before you’ve even made it to the patch.
You can also mix in faux materials. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, and Walmart all have artificial pumpkin aisles. We’ve already noticed Pottery Barn’s pumpkins have gone on sale (and you know these are the juicy ones). This way, you can grow and stow away your collection yearly. You won’t regret keeping things economical and avoiding a set up that lasts a week before devolving into a squirrel massacre.
Fall perennial flowers like mums, dahlias, and sunflowers are extremely affordable at places like Trader Joes. Feel free to nestle these in for a more voluminous porch harvest at a reasonable cost as well. Artificial flowers work just as well! Plus, you’re less limited by seasonal flora.
Speaking of intermingling non-gourd elements, remember: the best way to decorate is the way you like. If you have a porch goose or lawn goose, squeeze them amongst the pumpkins and tape a mini pumpkin to their head. Place garlands or wreaths around your pumpkins or trail your twinkly lights amidst your gourds for a twinkly nighttime moment. It’s all about textures, colors, layers, levels (with planters and pots), dimension, and, most importantly, creativity. Don’t let anyone dim your jack-o-lantern’s candle this harvest season!
