Seasonal decorating is always divisive, but nowhere more so than at Halloween. For every person who delights in inflatable ghosts and front-yard graveyards, there’s another who finds them garish, chaotic, or downright hideous. This tension between spooky maximalism and understated elegance turns the front porch – the ultimate stage for first impressions – into a seasonal battleground.
If the thought of plastic skeletons and flashing orange lights fills you with dread, take a cue from Martha Stewart. A purveyor of home style for decades, Stewart has long set the standard for seasonal sophistication. Her recent (and often polarizing) outdoor Halloween decorating idea is a masterclass in minimal, elevated holiday decor. She skipped the usual horror props in favor of a refined harvest tableau, relying solely on an abundance of homegrown pumpkins and gourds from her garden.
I love subtle Halloween decor, and this shows that festive decorating doesn’t need a theme or a big budget to make a statement. For easy inspiration, Amazon's selection of outdoor pumpkin decor is a great place to start.
Your porch is the perfect canvas for seasonal creativity. This fall, decorate with pumpkins for a look that feels classic yet fresh. The humble pumpkin is a timeless autumn staple – versatile, affordable, and effortlessly charming. Whether clustered on the steps or arranged beside a favorite chair, a simple display of pumpkins instantly adds warmth and character without tipping into clutter or chaos.
There’s no need to stick to traditional Jack-o’-Lanterns, either. Try stacking speckled gourds and multicolored pumpkins to channel Martha’s signature harvest elegance, or inject personality with painted or no-carve designs. Even a simple cluster of classic orange pumpkins makes a beautiful, welcoming statement.
If real produce isn’t practical, there are plenty of realistic, high-quality faux pumpkins and squash options that can be reused year after year – a smart choice for apartment dwellers or anyone who prefers a no-mess approach.
To finish the look, pair your pumpkins with an element that adds warmth and light. Our favorite pairing? A beautiful, functional lantern. This highly rated Modern Farmhouse Lantern (available now on Amazon) provides the perfect finishing touch – simple, refined, and seasonally timeless.
We’ve rounded up our favorite affordable finds below to help you trade spooky clutter for simple, elegant style and recreate Martha’s effortlessly chic harvest display.
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Keep your Halloween décor sophisticated and on-trend with a timelessly frightful touch. While fresh pumpkins and gourds bring authentic seasonal charm, their beauty fades quickly. These elegant faux designs, on the other hand, offer the same warmth and texture – without the short lifespan – ensuring your display stays stylish and inviting all season long.
Elevate your seasonal décor with this elegant set of eight metal cracked artificial pumpkins in assorted sizes (2.9"–4.5"). Crafted from lightweight, durable polyethylene foam, they combine rustic texture with lasting beauty. Perfect for Halloween, fall, and Thanksgiving, these timeless pieces add warmth and sophistication to any setting – from entryways to tabletops.
Elevated yet understated, this Creamy White Faux Pumpkin lends timeless sophistication to your fall décor. Its softly ribbed silhouette, realistic stem, and matte ivory finish make it the perfect neutral accent for entry consoles, tabletops, or layered seasonal vignettes. A modern, refined take on a harvest classic – beautiful displayed solo or grouped for greater impact.
Bring the warmth of autumn indoors or outdoors with this 6-foot artificial maple leaf garland. Featuring a rich blend of seven colors – from deep green to vibrant orange and red – the leaves look remarkably realistic, adding instant seasonal charm to any space. Perfect for mantels, doorways, stair banisters, tables, or any festive display. Combine multiple garlands to achieve the length you need.
