Martha Stewart's polarizing porch is inspiring my seasonal display – recreate the look on a budget with these affordable buys

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.