Fall Inspiration for the Front Porch
Welcome to day two of the Bloggers Seasonal Harvest Tour hosted by Brenda at Cozy Little House. If you are visiting from Debbie’s, isn’t her DIY lazy susan amazing? And if you are visiting Duke Manor Farm for the first time, welcome. I am happy to have you here. You can catch up on my real life funny farm here. Ready for some fall inspiration for the front porch at Duke Manor Farm?
Before I get into all the ways I really didn’t go all ‘cra cra’ with the porch this year, and basically used what I had to usher in my favorite season of the year on the front porch, can I just stop and say thanks. 
Thank you for following me for 4 years or for 1 day. Thank you for those that come by multiple times a week, or just once. Thank you for showing the love in your sweet comments, suggestions and support. Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging me. Thanks for hanging with me through all the overdue projects and still being excited in the reveals. Thanks for laughing at my real life funny farm stories involving the chickens, donkey…or my kids. I am thankful for each and every one of you.
Fall Inspiration for the Front Porch
The word simplify comes to mind when I describe my approach to greeting my guests on the front porch this fall.  Which was really no different then what I did inside the house here. By using pillows that I had out here during the summer and mixing the Autumn ones that I used on the porch last year here there was no need to buy any new pillows . I did pick up a few plaid throws at Walmart for less then the cost of lunch, but honestly I forgot to put them all out since it was like 90 degrees when I was taking these pictures.
My DIY Rustic Wreath that I made last year was too good to pass up for a second showing.  The neutral palette and natural elements in the wreath work well with the navy cushions. Can’t go wrong with neutral.
Fall Mums
The only investment that I made was purchasing the mums.  The pickins were slim when I bought them and I got the best looking white ones and some yellows since no other colors were available. My preference would have been all white but yellow works since I still have a boat load of yellow lantana in the flower bed. And with warm temps still around, there is no slow down in sight for this summer bloomer. If you bought a few mums and need some help in caring for them this season, my tips on how to care for fall mums may help to keep them looking gorgeous all fall long.
We are making a trip to the pumpkin patch soon and will get some pumpkins to put on the stairs, after which the kids will carve for Halloween. For now, the mums ….and lantana are a welcoming site and a true summer fall symbol. Is it still summer like temps where you live?
Remember this
I think what I really wanted to do on the porch this year is to make it a cozy and casual spot that we can enjoy without all the fluff and fancy.  For years I use to think that I needed to do so much more to welcome my guests when they pulled up to Duke Manor Farm. But guess what, I don’t need to and my guests still feel welcomed and loved when they show up. Mission accomplished.
Here’s the side door entrance and Peanut. A stray that showed up 4 weeks ago and hasn’t left yet! You can read more about how I made that container wheelbarrow here.
My hope is that my Fall Inspiration for the Front Porch will inspire you to do the same thing. Next up is Debra at Common Ground. You will love her mix of vintage and cottage decor with all things fall sprinkled in.
Be sure to visit these other amazing bloggers who are joining me today for more fall inspiration
Friday
Love your porch in my favorite color of navy with the pops of white and yellow. Yes, mums pickins get slim even though it is just now cool enough for them to thrive.
I love your porch, that is where you would find me all the time. So pretty.
Your porch is always a lovely sight to behold! I just love how you did the floors out there. And yes, our readers are what is most important. For without them, none of us would still be here! Any guest of yours is a lucky person. I would love to see your donkey in person. I’ve always loved donkeys. I’ve been told that I’m as stubborn as one. Are they truly stubborn, or is that just a myth?
Brenda
yes they are but you will have to come visit and see for your self..
Your front porch looks so simple, elegant and inviting! I love your porch and front door!
Your front porch is just charming! And I love the yellow mums – this year I only got yellow, although in past years I often added in some red and orange. I also kept things more simple than in the past. I think if our home is cozy and welcoming we don’t need a ton of fall things around to make people feel the love. Great job!
i love your wreaths and your navy blues mixed with everything!
thanks sweet cassie
Your porch is so lovely! White mums are so fresh looking…beautiful!
thanks linda. i wish i could have found some purple and orange when I was buying these that day. Happy fall
Your front porch is a favorite of mine! I love all the color the mums bring, they go so well with the color of your beautiful door. <3
Thanks cristina!
Love the pillows and wreath! Well… Just about everything♥
Thanks summer. you are always too sweet.
Your porch is very lovely! I could happily spend an afternoon just sitting there and chatting with you!!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
susan, i’ll be waiting for you! Thanks for stopping by.
Very handsome decor on your porch, Laura!
thanks Rita!
I absolutely die over your front porch every time I see it. It is so beautiful and cozy looking. Thanks for the shout out about Miss Lazy:) I love hopping around with you Laura.
ah…you are to sweet Debbie. Thanks.
Beautiful warm and cozy Southern porch that says welcome to all who approach your home!
wish you were sitting on it with me!
I love your beautiful porch! Look at all of the loveliness! Love your wreaths and everything you’ve done. I know I could stay there a very long time.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
thanks shelia. you are too sweet
How pretty! I love that wreath! Knowing you are out in the country all of your fall decor rings true. And your pup…he melts my heart! 🙂
Jane
thanks Jane.
Do you actually have the time to enjoy a peacefull moment on that porch ? I mean, between the children, the house chores, the decoration, the gardening and the animals, you must be buzy all the time! I find your porch really beautifull by the way. it’s very inviting.
why of course. it’s those peaceful moments on the porch ( or any of the outdoor spaces) that refuels me to get it all done! happy fall.
Mission accomplished indeed. Consider me totally inspired. And hey, ‘Whats Not To Love’?. I especially adore the navy colors, so beautiful.
NOW, we are total suckers for strays….BUT I (we) look for ‘people eyes’ with dogs. Your precious stray truly has em’. Such soul and love. Think it was a meant to be. Word was on the dog pipeline that your home was the place to be. Happy Fall.
thanks so much Lesa!
Porch looks great and loving the wreath. You always come up with great wreathes. Peanut is a keeper, looks so content.
Cindy
thanks cindy.peanut has chewed up more flips flops, kids balls and anything else at his level in the last month. ugh…..
I think your porch has just the right amount of fallishness without the cra cra 🙂 I think you should consider keeping Peanut just for photo ops. She is adorable!
So beautiful! Fresh and bright with the warmth of fall touches. Well done! .Xo ~julie
thanks julie
Your porch is dreamy! Between the wheelbarrow and the wreath – so good!
thanks sarah!
Your porch is so festive and shouts fall with those beautiful flowers! Sheila
thanks sheila
I have to know, are you keeping Peanut?
yes despite opposition from my flip flops!
Beautiful photos! I love the porch.
Love your beautiful fall porch, Laura. So welcoming.