While it has been officially fall for over a week now, the weather has been steadfastly clinging to summer. Finally the temperature has cooled off and it feels a bit more like my favorite time of year! The cool fall breeze and changing leaves have inspired me to jump into my fall decorating. Don’t worry if you are getting a late start like me, there is still plenty of time left to enjoy all the pumpkin flavored goodies of fall and cozy up your home before winter descends upon us all!
I love to start infusing some autumnal spirit by working my way from the outside of my home inward. Add some pumpkins and leaves to your front porch or landscaping to create a colorful and natural pallet that works well for every type of home. Real pumpkins will last around two months in cool weather, making them easy to take care of. Once you are ready to celebrate Halloween, you have instant Jack- O’- Lantern supplies!
The key to fall decorating inside your home is to keep the large items neutral enough to last from September through November. I like to start with a base of universal fall pieces such as metal and wood signs that say harvest, thankful and grateful. Layer in textural floral arrangements with leaves, cotton, mums and some pumpkin and vanilla scented candles. Floral arrangements during this time of year are easy to create, just take items directly from your yard or garden. Clip a few branches off your trees for some colorful foliage that will last for weeks in water. Update your living room with some cozy knitted blankets. Throw in some unexpected patterns like paisley or buffalo check for instant change. Time to ditch the colorful linen pillows, substitute in reds, oranges, and metallics such as gold or copper. Find pillow covers in heavier fabrics and textures like velvet or wool. These items will stay with you throughout the entire autumnal season. You can switch out or add in items specifically for Halloween and Thanksgiving as they approach.
Stick with natural elements, for that intimate fall feeling. Wood, wool, cotton, sticks, and leaves are a great way to bring the outdoors inside and create a coherent fall feeling for your whole home. Add in fresh fall produce such as apples, and gourds to bring the fall harvest to mind and remind people of what they like most about autumn (comfort food). Soup simmering on the stove, warm baked goods and coffee are staples of autumnal cooking, that provide comfort to those getting ready for the long cold nights ahead.
To make the most of your fall fun, don’t forget to get outside while you still have the chance. While we might not be ready to light the fireplace inside yet, get outdoorsy (before the snow hits) and start up a bonfire. The smell of a burning fire, leaves and pinecones is what will give you the warm and tingly feelings of fall. What better way to decorate than with loving memories; so take what you love the most about autumnal evenings with friends and family and incorporate them within your home. As long as your home is a reflection of you and your loved ones, your décor will maximize the feeling of the fall season.