Oak Branch Cottage: Pumpkins

 Moving between homes is always a whirlwind, but when you throw a full renovation into the mix, the traditional holiday routine can feel a bit overwhelming. Those of you who follow along know how much I adore seasonal decorating, so it might come as a surprise that the usual urge to pull out the Halloween decor is passing me by this year.

With renovations in full swing at Oak Branch Cottage, the recent sale of Acorn Cottage, and our official move-in date still up in the air, decking the halls for a single spooky evening just isn’t in the cards. Instead of stressing over temporary Halloween setups, I am shifting my focus to a timeless Fall look—focusing on simple, high-impact touches that won’t get in the way of the renovation progress.

The secret to decorating during a chaotic transition is keeping it outdoors and working with nature. Here is how I’m bringing autumn to life around the property without cluttering up active work zones:

• Urn Pumpkin Stacks: Near the entrance to the side yard gate, I filled our classic cast iron urns with stacked heirloom pumpkins. Stacking different tones—like muted greens, creamy whites, and rich terracottas—adds immediate height and elegance to a transitional space.

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Fresh Garden Accents: I tucked various pumpkins directly into the freshly laid garden beds. Tucking them among the new plantings grounds the space and gives the illusion that the garden is already settling in.

  
  
  

• Scattered Yard Placement: Sprinkling pumpkins in small clusters around the yard creates a warm, cohesive look from every angle, without blocking any pathways or contractor staging areas.

  
  
  

Embracing a broader seasonal look over a short-lived holiday decor setup has been such a refreshing shift. It allows us to celebrate the cozy beauty of the season while giving Oak Branch Cottage the room it needs to transform into our next home.

How are you decorating your spaces this season? Are you team Halloween, or are you keeping things classic Fall like me?

Pumpkins, y'all!