Floating Apple Candles & Our Fall Front Porch

For years I wanted a cozy fall front porch. This year I made it happen and I’m sharing the classic touches we’ve added for a warm and welcoming entry way!

For years now I’ve wanted to create a cozy fall setting for our home’s entry. In past years it always turned out to be a pumpkin or two, maybe a mum. This year I decided I was going to make it happen. I didn’t wanted anything over the top or too fussy, just classic fall elements that are welcoming and warm. I think that’s exactly what I got this year. With just a few special touches we’ve got a cozy porch we love coming home to.

To this day I have several Martha Stewart Living magazines from the 90’s. I’ve held onto them because they’re simple classic. In one of the fall issues from that time there was this beautiful fall entry with gourds, pumpkins, corn stocks, and a large metal tub with floating apple candle holders. I’ve kept that photo and recently came across it again when I was cleaning out my desk drawers. I was instantly inspired. I wanted my own version of that metal tub with apples. Here’s what I came up with –

All you need is a bucket or tub of some kind, apples of choice and a few tea light candles.

Fill your bucket or metal tub with water 3/4th full.

Next, place your apples into the water. You just want to make sure they float upright and not to one side. This will determine where you place the candle.

Using a sharp knife or melon baller, create a well in the apple the size of your tea light candle. You want the top of the candle to be flush with the apple. Don’t worry. They don’t have to be perfect. A few of mine were far from it, ha!

Once the sun begins to set, place your apples in the water, light the candles and enjoy!

Always to remember not to leave any of the candles unattended. With leaves falling randomly, you don’t want a fire on your hands.

I used three gourds that I actually purchased at my favorite antique store this year. I don’t know exactly how old they are, but I’m guessing at least a couple of years. These kind of gourds are often used to make bird houses after the harvest season and will last years to come. I love the color and texture they add to the porch.

The apple candles are such a nice way to welcome guest and would be equally as pretty on a back porch. I’ve already got plans to use this same bucket with candles in our back yard for our next fire pit night as a family. It adds such a warm glow and is just fun! Have you decorated your porch this year? I’d love to know what your favorite element of fall to decorate with is.