If ever there was any doubt that autumn had arrived, the chillier nights and falling leaves in recent weeks leave no doubt. Our REALTORS® are always happy to welcome the fall season, partly because it's one of the best times of the year for seasonal decor. 

One piece of advice we give to anyone putting up Belleville homes for sale this time of year is to make a great first impression with an appropriately fall-themed front porch. But even if you have no intention of selling your home, this is still a fun season to get creative with your porch decor. Follow these tips.

1. Keep it Tasteful
   First and foremost, have fun with your fall decorating, but don't go too wild. You want a warm, inviting vibe that embraces the rustic aesthetic of the season; you don't want it to look like a Halloween store exploded all over your lawn! There's such a thing as too much of a good thing. 
2. Hang a Fall Wreath
   Wreaths: they're not just for Christmas! A festive fall wreath on your front door is a great way to welcome the season, and welcome your guests. You can probably find autumn-themed wreaths at a lot of stores right now, but making your own can also be a fun family project. Materials you might consider include corn husks, pine cones, sunflowers, leaves (real or artificial), branches, and burlap. Head over to Pinterest if you're looking for more inspiration!
3. Don't Stop Growing
   Gardening season isn't over when the calendar turns to fall. This is a particularly good time to liven up your front porch with some container plants. Fall classics like mums, pansies, violas, ornamental kale, and sedge grass are just a few of your options, and you can always get creative with types of planters too. Terra cotta pots have a rustic look that fits the season perfectly, but apple crates and half-barrel planters are great options. 
4. Vary Your Palette
   Fall decorating can become overbearingly orange-and-brown if you're not careful. While there's nothing wrong with come classic orange pumpkins and rustic baskets, don't feel like you cant use more colors. A splash of blue, for example, can make the warmer colors of the season pop even more, while neutrals—think white pumpkins, pale-colored decorative gourds, wool blankets, and light throw pillows—help to soften the design.
5. Set Up Seasonal Seating
   Fall offers some mighty fine sitting weather. Make your porch a warm and welcome fall hangout by adding some seating for guests. Wooden benches are a great choice because they work in any season, and you can add different-colored throw pillows as the calendar changes. 
6. Seek Balance
   Think about balance as you arrange your fall porch decor, and make sure no single part of your porch feels overburdened. You don't have to make it completely symmetrical—a bit of variation adds interest—but don't let one end of your porch feel too much "heavier" than the other. 

Contact us today to learn more about fall decorating ideas for your home, and be sure to ask our team any questions you may have about buying or selling a home this season. We're here to help every step of the way!