Ah, fall! The season of pumpkin-spiced everything, cozy sweaters, and (my personal favorite) decking out the front porch for all the world to see. Or, you know, at least the neighbors. Because nothing says “I have my life together” quite like a porch that screams autumn, even if the inside of your house looks like a toy tornado hit it. Moms, I see you.

Fall decorating can feel like one more thing on our never-ending to-do list, but I promise - it doesn’t have to be. This year, I’ve found five simple, sanity-saving ways to make your fall entryway shine without needing hours of time or Martha Stewart’s patience. (Spoiler alert: I don’t have either.)

Let’s start with the MVP of fall decor: pumpkins. But not just any pumpkins. I’m talking about personalized pumpkin prints that look like you spent hours crafting them when, in reality, they took about five minutes between snack breaks and breaking up sibling fights.

Here’s the trick: pre-made stencils. I grab these from any craft store or, let’s be honest, Amazon Prime for the win. They come in all sorts of fun designs, from spooky ghosts to chic leaf patterns. I let the kids pick one each, hand them some washable paint (because mistakes WILL happen), and let them go wild. It’s like a mini Picasso project on a pumpkin. The result? Adorable custom pumpkins that the kids are ridiculously proud of, and I didn’t have to carve a single gourd. Mom win.

I used to think garlands were only for Christmas. But then I discovered fall-themed pre-lit garlands, and it changed the game. They’re leafy, they’re twinkly, and—most importantly—they’re easy. I don’t have to untangle a single light strand or hunt for batteries because most of them are plug-in or come with timers. My secret mom-hack: drape one over the front door frame, and boom! Instant fall magic, no Pinterest-worthy skills required.

Funny story: the first time I tried this, I underestimated just how excited my toddler would be about lights. I walked inside to find her carrying the entire garland around the house like a glowing snake. Now we have a strict “outside lights stay outside” rule. Lesson learned  💗 

Okay, this is my fashionista-meets-mom moment. Just like you wouldn’t wear a plain sweater without accessorizing (at least, not every day), your porch deserves a little layering, too. Start with a larger, neutral rug - I’m obsessed with those black-and-white buffalo check ones and layer it with a smaller, seasonal mat on top. You know, something witty like, “Hey there, pumpkin,” or “Welcome-ish,” because, let’s be real, we’re always kind of ready for nap time.

And here’s a mom-friendly tip: pick a washable rug for the base layer. Trust me, it’ll save you from the inevitable muddy footprints, sticky spills, and why yes, that IS a crushed granola bar ... mom life surprises!

Mums are the fall flower, but keeping them alive? That’s a different story. I’ve killed more mums than I can count, so now I keep things simple. I buy a few, place them in pretty pots near the front door, and call it a day. If one starts looking a little sad, I just rotate it out of sight. No shame.

Pro tip: If you’re like me and don’t trust yourself with living plants, faux mums are a thing, and they’ve come a long way. I’ve had friends compliment my “gorgeous blooms,” not realizing they’ve been the same ones year after year. It’s all about that low-maintenance life, lol.

Every fall, my kids insist on adding their own personal touch to the porch. (Why yes, I do want to display your neon-orange plastic skeleton, darling.) The trick is to embrace it in a way that doesn’t make your porch look like a haunted circus. I set up a small space where they can add their decorations - think mini scarecrows or a DIY pumpkin display. This year, we’re using stick-on window decals for the glass door. They get to be creative, and I get a porch that still looks somewhat pulled together.

Last year, my son decided that all our pumpkins needed googly eyes. We ended up with a row of pumpkin “monsters” greeting guests. It wasn’t what I had envisioned, but you know what? It made him so happy that I just rolled with it - and the neighbors loved it, too.  💗 

At the end of the day, decorating your fall entryway should be fun, not stressful. It’s about creating a space that feels inviting, festive, and maybe even a little bit magical (with the help of twinkle lights and a few strategically placed pumpkins). So, embrace the mess, let the kids add their touch, and remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. If nothing else, at least your porch will distract from the chaos inside the house, right? 

Now, go grab that pumpkin spice latte (or just reheat the coffee for the third time today - I won’t judge), and let’s make those porches shine!  💗 💗 

xoxo