The Great Fall Debate: When Is It Actually Too Early for Pumpkins? 🎃

Every year, somewhere around the middle of August, it begins. You walk into a store looking for sunscreen or something for the grill, and suddenly you’re surrounded by pumpkins, cinnamon-scented everything, cozy blankets, and enough orange décor to make you question what month it actually is. Meanwhile, it’s still 85 degrees outside and your air conditioner is working overtime. And just like that, the great fall debate begins: When is it actually too early for pumpkins?

For some people, the answer is simple: Never. The second August arrives, the summer décor starts making its way into storage and the pumpkins come marching out. These are the people who have been patiently waiting since approximately July 5th to light a fall candle and start thinking about cider mills. They don’t need cooler temperatures or changing leaves. Fall is a state of mind, and apparently that state of mind can begin while wearing flip-flops.

Then there’s the other camp—the people firmly holding onto summer with both hands. They’re still grilling, sitting on the patio, enjoying long evenings, and refusing to acknowledge a pumpkin until at least September. Mention fall while they’re still trying to enjoy their pool and you may receive a look that says, Please do not rush this.

Honestly, both sides have a point.

Late August is that funny little in-between season. Summer is still very much here, but you can feel fall waiting in the wings. The evenings start getting a little shorter, school supplies are everywhere, football season is approaching, and suddenly that first cool morning makes a cup of coffee on the porch feel just a little different.

When it comes to decorating your home, there really aren't any rules. If pumpkins make you happy in August, put out the pumpkins! If you'd rather keep the flowers, lemonade, and summer décor around until September 22nd, that's perfectly acceptable too. Your home should feel like your home—not the seasonal aisle at the store telling you what you're supposed to be doing.

There’s also a happy medium for those of us who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to summer but wouldn’t mind sneaking a little fall into the house. Try adding warmer colors, cozy throws, baskets, wood accents, or a fall candle without going full pumpkin explosion just yet. Think of it as “fall-ish.” You’re acknowledging what’s coming without completely betraying summer.

And, of course, there’s something special about fall in Michigan. Before long, we'll have crisp mornings, changing leaves, cider and donuts, football weekends, scenic drives, and porches filled with mums and pumpkins. It's one of the prettiest times of year—and maybe that's why we're always so tempted to start it a little early.

So, when is it actually too early for pumpkins?

Our official answer: whenever you think it is.

Put them out August 15th. Wait until September. Hold off until the first leaf hits the ground. There are no pumpkin police coming to your house. 🎃

Besides, whether your front porch is still celebrating summer or already looks like a miniature pumpkin patch, there's really only one decorating rule that matters: make your home a place you love coming home to.

And if that happens to involve 37 pumpkins before Labor Day… we won't judge. 😉🍂🏡