Embrace the Autumn Glow: Extend Your Outdoor Living Season with Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

Hey there, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, it’s easy to think that our days of al fresco dining and fireside chats are numbered. But what if I told you that you can effortlessly extend the magic of the outdoor season well into fall? Today, I’m thrilled to share an array of affordable and stylish ideas for creating an inviting fall outdoor living space, all thanks to my wonderful partnership with Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart.

Why Extend Your Outdoor Season? The Joy of Autumn Al Fresco

Growing up in Alabama and now living in Georgia, I’ve always cherished this particular time of year. The weather is absolutely ideal for gathering outside – not too hot, not too cold, just that perfect balance that encourages lingering. It’s a precious window, a final opportunity to breathe in that invigorating fresh, crisp air before the chill of winter forces us indoors. Extending your outdoor living season isn’t just about decor; it’s about maximizing moments of joy, creating lasting memories, and truly savoring every last drop of nature’s beauty before the colder months arrive.

As a proud partner with Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart, I’m excited to show you how easily and affordably you can transform your patio or backyard into a fall oasis. Get ready to discover creative tips and inspiring products that will help you keep the outdoor fun going longer!

For even more inspiration, be sure to check out the video and source list at the bottom of this post! Max is sharing his expert ideas for truly extending the outdoor season.

Elevate Your Fall Gatherings: 5 Essential Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Hosting friends and family outdoors in the fall is a truly special experience. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create an inviting atmosphere that’s both stylish and comfortable. Here are my top 5 tips for entertaining outdoors this autumn:

1. Craft a Charming DIY Table from an Old Door: Repurpose an old door into a unique, rustic dining or buffet table. Simply place it on saw horses, and you’ve got a sturdy, character-filled surface that’s easy to set up and take down, perfect for temporary outdoor events.
2. Harmonize with Seasonal Tableware: Elevate your table setting by mixing autumnal salad plates with classic white platters. This allows the seasonal designs to pop while maintaining a sophisticated and cohesive look that’s both festive and functional.
3. Style Your Beverage Pitcher with a Dish Towel: For a touch of rustic charm and practical quick cleanup, wrap a festive dish towel around your beverage pitcher. Secure it with a natural cord, and you’ve added an instant decorative element that doubles as a handy wipe.
4. Transition to Outdoor Dessert Service: After enjoying a meal indoors, move your guests outside for dessert. This change of scenery adds an element of surprise and allows everyone to enjoy the fresh fall air under the stars, making the evening truly memorable.
5. Install a Fire Pit for Warmth and Ambiance: A fire pit is the ultimate centerpiece for fall outdoor living. It provides essential warmth as the temperatures drop, creates a captivating focal point, and sets a cozy, inviting ambiance that encourages conversation and connection.

My small DIY table, crafted from an old door, served as the perfect foundation for a delightful dessert buffet. To create a warm and inviting look, I layered a square of burlap as a tablecloth and added a complementary table runner down the center. For a practical touch, I placed a basket underneath the table to hold extra firewood, ensuring the fire pit stays roaring all evening. To complete the charming fall aesthetic, I scattered an assortment of colorful pumpkins around the base of the table, adding pops of seasonal color and texture.

S’mores Galore: Sweet Treats by the Fire Pit

No fall outdoor gathering is complete without s’mores! I presented all the essential s’more ingredients artfully sprawled out on a large white platter, making it incredibly convenient for everyone to grab and roast. Here’s a little secret for adding an unexpected twist to this classic treat: Chocolate Reese’s Cookies make an absolutely fantastic alternative to traditional graham crackers! Imagine a perfectly roasted marshmallow squished between two of those decadent cookies – a truly gourmet s’more experience. However, always be sure to have plenty of classic graham crackers on hand for the s’more purists among your guests. Offering both options ensures everyone can enjoy their favorite version of this beloved campfire dessert!

Alongside s’mores, easy-to-make candied apples are another wonderful finger food, perfectly suited for enjoying around the warmth of a crackling fire pit. Their sweet and sticky goodness adds a delightful variety to your outdoor dessert spread.

Sip and Savor: Cozy Drinks and Creative Decor

There’s nothing quite like a warm mug of apple cider on a cool fall evening. And let’s be honest, it tastes even better when served in a fun copper cup! These stylish and durable copper mugs are available at Walmart at a very reasonable price, adding a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor entertaining. They instantly elevate the experience, making each sip feel a little more special.

For my dessert table, I had an absolute blast mixing seasonal elements to create a vibrant and inviting display. I playfully arranged artichokes, small pumpkins, and colorful fall leaves. These natural elements instantly brightened up the table and added a lovely organic texture. This is a wonderfully quick and affordable idea for fall outdoor living that makes a big impact!

DIY Idea: Shimmering Magnolia Leaves

For an extra touch of glamour, try this simple DIY: spray paint a few magnolia leaves with bronze spray paint, or any metallic color you prefer, to add a subtle shimmer and elegant sparkle to your fall decor. These can be scattered on your table or added to floral arrangements for a unique touch.

Expert Tip: Preserve Your Pumpkins Longer!

To ensure your beautiful pumpkins last throughout the entire fall season (I’ve done it!), clean the outside with a simple water/bleach mixture. Just add 1 tablespoon of bleach to a quart of water, then wipe your pumpkins down thoroughly. This helps prevent rot and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant for weeks.

The Heart of Fall Outdoor Living: The Fire Pit

The addition of a fire pit truly transforms any outdoor space into a haven for evening entertaining or even daytime enjoyment, especially when you have a marshmallow on the end of a stick! I have so many fond memories of roasting marshmallows and hot dogs with my family when I was a kid. I often wonder what I loved most about those times – perhaps it was the mesmerizing blaze of the fire, or the thrilling adventure of cooking food on a stick. Both were undeniably fun! But looking back now, what I cherish the most is the invaluable time spent with family, creating connections and laughter under the open sky. A fire pit provides that perfect gathering point, inviting everyone to relax, share stories, and simply be together. It’s more than just warmth; it’s about rekindling traditions and making new ones.

Creative Tip: Bushel Basket Side Tables

For an easy and charming rustic touch, turn bushel baskets upside down to create instant side tables. They’re perfect for holding drinks, snacks, or small decorations around your seating area.

Indeed, a well-placed fire pit is the ultimate ingredient for truly cozy fall outdoor living, creating a magnetic focal point for comfort and conversation.

The Better Homes & Gardens flour sack towels are not only practical but also come in an assortment of charming colors and patterns. Keep an eye out for their festive Christmas designs, too! I simply wrapped my apple cider pitcher with a fun polka-dot towel and secured it with a natural cord. This simple styling adds a touch of whimsy and is incredibly convenient for quick cleanups. For an extra decorative flair, I tucked a small floral piece and a feather into the twine, adding a personalized touch. These versatile towels typically come in a pack of two, offering great value and endless styling possibilities.

To make your dessert spread even more visually appealing, consider elevating some of your treats. I used a vintage bowl and a cake plate to showcase tiny pecan pies, instantly adding varying heights and creating a dynamic display. This technique draws the eye and makes everything look more enticing. For a practical yet cute detail, I placed a small pumpkin atop the stack of napkins, helping to hold them down on breezy days.

More Inspiration from Better Homes & Gardens

Now, for even more fantastic tips and ideas directly from the beautiful garden area at Better Homes & Gardens (it’s still hard to believe I was standing right there last year!). Take it away, Max!

Create Your Perfect Fall Outdoor Living Space: Shop Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

Ready to bring these cozy fall outdoor living ideas to life? Many of the beautiful and affordable items featured here can be found at Walmart from the Better Homes & Gardens collection. Here’s a list of some of the key products to help you recreate this charming look:

• Better Homes & Gardens 2 – Piece White Rectangular Platters
• Better Homes & Gardens Galvanized Stand (in store)
• Better Homes & Gardens Trunks Runner (in store)
• Better Homes & Gardens Maple Icon-Antique Cooper Tray
• Better Homes & Gardens Scroll Outdoor Fire Pit
• Better Homes & Gardens Sledge Salad Plate (this is the 2015 Christmas version, but similar seasonal plates are often available)
• Better Homes & Gardens Cream Ceramic Lantern
• Better Homes & Gardens Flour Sack Towels

I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of the BHG Live Better Network and share these inspiring ideas with you.

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