Decorating for Autumn

The children are back in school and the leaves are changing colors- it must be autumn. This is the perfect time to welcome the season with some new decor ideas. Enjoy the crisp air and take a cue in your decorating from nature and the outdoors. Bring in the fall leaves, gourds, and pumpkins with these decorating ideas!

1. Think Abundance - Autumn is all about pumpkins, gourds, apples, wheat, and colorful vegetables. Scout out the local farmer's market and start decorating. Fill to overflowing a large basket or bowl with your fall bounty and use that as your centerpiece. Tablescape on a grand scale with pumpkins, wheat and other fall favorites. Drape your fireplace mantel with bittersweet and grapevine. If you like artificial flowers that can be used again and again, there are many craft stores that sell seasonal flowers at very reasonable prices.


2. Now is the time for texture. Put the summer pillows and linens away. Reach for rich autumnal colors and interesting textures. Treat yourself to a new throw with great texture in chocolate brown, rust, or orange.

3. Group candles on a tray on your dining or coffee table. Again, think abundance and use a lot of candles- vary the height and size, but keep the color the same for maximum impact.

4. Use Nature for Art - Hang a textural wreath where a picture was, or place baskets on an angle on a shelf. Top off a bookcase or hutch with gourds, pumpkins, and baskets.

5. Don't forget the entry. Fill a vase, urn, or terra cotta pot with branches from your fall garden clean-up. Scatter colorful leaves that you gathered on walks on your entry table or bench. Hang a pretty umbrella, jacket or bag in autumn colors on your coatrack.

6. Place birch logs in your fireplace when it's not in use. Or gather them in a basket on your hearth. Beautiful and within reach for those crisp autumn evenings.

7. Bake something! Nothing says autumn like the smell of cinnamon and spices, even if its cheating with a pre-bought pie placed in the oven. Use simmering pot pourri in spice scents to makes everything cozy and warm.

8. Don't forget your front door. Add instant curb appeal when you paint your entry door. A rich color will freshen up tired landscaping, and usher in the fall season. Place a fall wreath or new doormat to usher in the season. I love scarecrows and make my own pumpkin patch with scarecrows and bales of hay to add to my front yard.

9. Plant those mums. Splurge on some new fall plantings in great colors. A splash of color will brighten up any garden this time of year. Group them all together in terra cotta pots for maximum effect and more cost effective.

10. Decorate with Orange. Add this color with pumpkins, linens, candles- anything you like.

Enjoy the autumn season, and bring it indoors! Open up your home to nature's seasonal bounty and start decorating. Use pumpkins, gourds, grapevine, wheat, and other fall foliage to compliment your decor.