As the leaves begin to don their vibrant autumn hues and the air turns crisp, there's no better time to embrace the spirit of fall and transform your porch into a warm and inviting space for family and friends. With a few carefully chosen elements, you can create an area that celebrates the beauty of the season while providing a comfortable setting for gatherings and relaxation. Thank you to Blue River Traders for providing the furniture and home décor items for this article!
Comfortable Seating: To ensure your porch is a gathering place for loved ones, provide comfortable seating. Rocking chairs offer the perfect perch for enjoying the crisp fall air.
Pumpkins: These gorgeous gourds are the quintessential fall decor item. Whether you opt for traditional orange or explore the rich tapestry of heirloom varieties, pumpkins instantly infuse your space with fall vibes.
Patterned Blankets and Pillows: To give your porch a cozy and inviting feeling, introduce patterned blankets and pillows. These not only add a layer of warmth but also provide an opportunity to play with autumnal colors and designs. Earthy tones, patterns, and seasonal motifs can instantly elevate your porch's comfort level.
Welcoming Wreaths: Adorn your front door with a fall-themed wreath. Whether you prefer dried flowers, colorful foliage, or a combination of both, a wreath is a welcoming touch that sets the tone for your porch. Consider a wreath with hints of orange, red, and yellow to embrace the changing colors of the season.
Blooming Mums: For a burst of classic fall color, arrange mums in decorative pots. These hardy, yellow flowers from Blueville Nursery will not only beautify your porch but also endure throughout the season, making them an ideal choice for fall décor.
Artisanal Touches: Infuse your porch with character by incorporating artisanal pieces that reflect your personal taste. In our photoshoot, a rustic pumpkin made of horseshoes, a whiskey barrel table from Puebla, Mexico, and vibrant pots handcrafted in Vietnam add unique character to this porch. These distinctive pieces serve as conversation starters while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a porch that captures the essence of fall, from its warm colors to the cozy atmosphere. It's a space where you can gather with loved ones, sip on hot cider, and bask in the beauty of the changing seasons.
Blue River Traders, founded in 2004 by Ron and Marilyn Feldkamp, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town entrepreneurship and community. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this family-owned business has deep roots in the community and a passion for handcrafted furniture and home décor.
Ron Feldkamp, a Manhattan native and K-State University alumnus, embarked on this journey with his wife Marilyn, a Gorham, Kansas native. The couple shares not only a successful business but also a 57-year-long marriage. Blue River Traders is more than just a store; it's a reflection of the Feldkamp family's commitment to their customers and their community. Their daughter Tami, who also contributes to the business, reflects the generational bond that fuels their success.
The store's busiest time coincides with the holiday season in November and December, as customers flock to find special Christmas gifts and decorations. Additionally, April and May see a boost in business as people seek out decorative planters to adorn their homes and gardens.
Recently, Blue River Traders relocated to a new address at 925 Enoch Ln, marking an exciting chapter in their journey. What sets them apart is not just their merchandise but the genuine connections they forge with their customers. Meeting people and building relationships, especially with returning customers, is the heart of their business. "My favorite part is meeting the people coming in and getting to know the customers. I enjoy helping people decorate their homes," says Marilyn.
When asked about their favorite time of year, Marilyn's mentions her love of fall's vivid colors, while Ron appreciates the cool relief fall brings after summer's sweltering heat.
Blue River Traders is more than a store; it's a testament to the enduring bonds of family, community, and the simple joys of life that you'll find when you step through their welcoming doors.
Visit Blue River Traders at their new location: 925 Enoch Ln.
"My favorite part is meeting the people coming in and getting to know the customers. I enjoy helping people decorate their homes," - Marilyn.