Harvesting the Porch Hang
I grew up in the deep southern suburban residences of Louisiana. As a child, I recall my walks home from school and to Miss Sweeney’s candy shop up the road. Every day there was a Mister or a Miss “So & So” on their front porch primed and ready for countless waves, ‘hey shas’, or an invite for iced tea or lemonade. That’s just how it is there. A home without a porch in the South is like Ted Lasso without a ‘stache or the Arctic without glaciers, it just doesn’t feel the same.
Wrap arounds and full frontal country porches are never overlooked on my personal home searches. It gives me an added bonus of being social without having to go out out. It allows me to say hello and chat with my neighbors in the fresh air. Lastly, let’s not forget how badly most of us want to shout our personal style and seasonal decor creations off the front stoop. All you Cottagecore people, kudos to you and the time it’s taking to get that perfect Farmhouse Fall look. I’m literally thinking on how much pumpkin and gourd sales have gone up in the last 10 years.
Although I spend a majority of my eves and morns on the front porch all year round, I have grown to love the Fall hang the best. I take this outdoor nook hangage seriously, and with lots of comfort, saying hello to passerby as the whiskey leaves my lips, knees pressed up to my chest, fuzzy blanket wrapped around me — ah, my favorite time of year has arrived.
There are some things that are required for this type of porch hang. Sure, mums and pumpkins all damn day long, but I’m talking about the other things. For instance, a good porch for hanging out on in the Fall is going to have good seating, warm lighting and a place to put your blankets. I suggest having some sort of table as well, because there needs to be some nosh. So, of course I gathered some ideas on how to make your porch more inviting.
Lighting
Lighting is everything especially in an outdoor setting. Give it a little mood swing into the season by adding your traditional string lights to railings and ceilings or give a touch of character with lighted birdcages or floor lanterns. Put some in your front trees for added effect or add a table lantern for those late night reads. Also, consider putting some soft lighting under your stairs that will make it easier for you and your guests to find their way home.
Seating
You can go traditional and have a nice chair set out there with the warm colors of fall (reds, oranges, yellows) or you can really get comfortable with a day bed swing adorned with warm knitted blankets and pillows or if you have a smaller porch, single swings and blanket draped rocking chairs are cozy. Adding an outdoor rug with large seating pillows can give you a loungey outdoor effect as well. Invest in some seat warmers! Just make sure it’s comfortable.
Added Touches
An old trunk is ideal for storing and protecting your blankets in addition to using it as a table. Add a ladder to place blankets on for a decorative look. A small fire pit or small heater will bring some nice warmth to your portico. Get some nice fall themed curtains to add some insulation and create a dramatic effect.
Don’t forget to make your favorite warm cocktails and beverages to complete your Fall/Winter porch hangs! Purchase a small bluetooth speaker or break out the acoustic to provide some great holiday or seasonal tunes to mix.
The significance of the porch in American culture runs deep:
