When you’re looking for rustic outdoor fall decorating ideas, look to nature first! Create a warm and inviting space by shopping your yard first. I’ve done this many years for a rustic fall centerpiece.
Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas for your Outdoor Fireplace
During the spring we partnered with RomanStone to build this DIY outdoor fireplace. Yes, WE built it. It was sent to us on 7 pallets and we put it together. The minute we were done, I was already excited to decorate my new outdoor fireplace for fall! I pictured an overabundance of pumpkins and mums. 
Little did I know that I’d have a hard time finding a good variety of both this year. So, making do with what you have was even more important. 
We have a couple of apple and pear trees, so instead of a fall mantel decorated with gourds and pumpkins, I cut a few branches and picked as many apples and pears I could reach. 
I was happy to use my favorite wood twig wreath because it is the ultimate rustic element for sure.
Natural Items for Fall Decorating
Walk around your yard and look for items that you can decorate with. Even some weeds look great. I’m not even opposed to asking neighbors for a couple of clippings of items. A few years ago, I saw these gorgeous rosehips (see photo below) on a bush at the location I was teaching a class. I finally asked the gardener if I could have anything he might be pruning. He was more than happy to cut several stems. Aren’t they gorgeous? You can see more budget-friendly decorating for fall here.
Items to look for in your yard or at the store.
- Pumpkins & gourds
- Cornstalks
- Mums
- Flowering Cabbage and Kale
- Acorns & Walnuts
- Apples & Pears – even if you have to buy them, they are beautiful fall decor.
- Pomegranates – shopping your produce section gives you all kinds of items.
- Dried Indian Corn – I made the cutest rustic wreath one year.
- Artichokes
- Clippings from plants and trees – Anything with a leaf is fair game!
- Popcorn Kernels – these make great fillers for jars. They hold candles in place really well in a glass hurricane or vase.
- Dried Beans – Another great filler.
Tips for Easy Fall Decorating for the Outdoors
Choose a Color Theme
I usually choose a color theme before I start. This year, I was going to go for white and green pumpkins, until I couldn’t find anything during my first few attempts. I also couldn’t find white mums. So… change of plans. Because my hunt was so challenging this year, I would just pick up any pumpkins or gourds that were interesting. And I had to settle for whatever mums I could find. Yellow and rust it was. Flowering cabbage is always a beautiful plant to add and luckily I was able to find a couple.
Stacked Pumpkin Topiaries
For quick and stylish fall decor, one of my ‘go-to” tips is to stack a couple of pumpkins, making your own pumpkin topiaries. Set a potted mum next to it or another fall plant and you’ve got instant style.
Position & Size
Group larger items with smaller items. Add a variety of textures and sizes. This makes it more interesting to look at and also gives it balance. Try positioning a couple of pumpkins on their sides. Try different planters for your mums, like apple baskets, galvanized buckets, concrete pots. Think outside the box. Try something new… if you don’t like it, you can change it.
Add Warmth
Bring in a little warmth with pillows or blankets. Anything that will make you cozy! 
Who wants to come over for a Smore’s party or a warm drink? I have the best recipe for Hot Buttered Rum!
All these ideas apply whether or not you have an outdoor fireplace or firepit. Maybe it’s just your deck? Even if you just decorate your porch for fall, you can create a cozy stylish outdoor space with just a few items.
I’d love to see your outdoor space or fall porch! Tag me on Instagram @TodaysCreativeLife.
Decorating for Fall
Inexpensive Fall decorating ideas for your home. DIY home decor that is budget-friendly and easy to create.
Catherine says
Beautiful yard space! Amazing and inviting! I am in love with everything & especially the bright blue plaid throw (love plaids!) Would you have the source or even the name of that particular plaid? Much appreciation!
Sarah Aichele says
Your outdoor fireplace is gorgeous! I love the rustic, all natural vibe 🙂
Kim says
Oh thank you so much! We are loving it too!
Erin says
So beautiful! Love the ideas of fruit vs pumpkin and gourds. Wish I had some fruit trees to pick from. I’ll buy some instead ; )
Kim says
Thank you Erin, it’s about all our fruit is good for this year… so many bugs and worms.
Anna says
I am loving the natural decor! So many great ideas!
Kim says
Thank you! I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out, but I’m happy!
Lily says
I love the apples in the wreath, it’s so simple yet beautiful, I am so stealing the idea and hanging it up inside over the fireplace. Thanks for the beautiful ideas.
Kim says
Thank you! I originally tried placing them around the wreath and they kept falling. After a couple fell right in the middle… a new idea was born!