Simple, Natural, and Affordable Fall Decor
/Neutral colors and natural materials are the current trend in home decorating. Carry that trend into your seasonal decorating for a beautifully designed space that will last through Thanksgiving. Are you feeling envious of those homes on Pinterest and Instagram with every corner decked out for fall? Decorating for each season can be overwhelming and expensive. Before you rush off to Target or Home Goods, here are my tips for achieving the trendy look without the hefty price tag.
Be Resourceful
Jars, baskets, lanterns, bowls, and trays make your fall decorative arrangements look bigger and better, without having to purchase—and find storage space for—more seasonal décor. These items are already sitting around the house, perhaps some are tucked away in closets or cabinets, but I can almost guarantee you have them—find them!
Collect from Nature
Elements of fall can likely be found by venturing out your front door.
Pick up some of those fallen leaves to use as décor around the house. They look great sprinkled around a serving tray, in a bowl, tucked around shelves, or, if you’re crafty, included on a DIY wreath. To preserve the color of the leaves, iron them on low between two pieces of wax paper.
Small branches and limbs can be placed inside vases for a bold and dramatic look. In October, this décor piece gives a spooky vibe. Through the month of November, my family writes things we are thankful for on gift tags—like these—that we tie onto the branches. By Thanksgiving, we have a not-so-spooky tree full of gratitude.
Pinecones last well beyond Thanksgiving—I display them throughout autumn and winter. I’m fortunate to live in a neighborhood with an abundance of evergreens—my kids seem to find armloads every time we take a walk. Instead of strolling the aisles of a craft store, go on a nature walk to seek out pinecones for your seasonal décor.
Get Creative
Feed corn can bring in the golden hues of fall when used as a vase filler, or even just set out in jars. But, unless you’re into backyard poultry, feed corn has little use once the season is over. Instead, I use popcorn kernels. It works in the same way, you likely already have it on hand, and you can actually use it.
If you’re just setting out sealed jars of popcorn for a pop of autumn color, it’s safe to consume for your Christmas movie nights, but you may not want to eat popcorn kernels that have been collecting dust in a vase or open container for the past couple months—after Thanksgiving, pop the dusty kernels to string up as garland for around the Christmas tree.
Shop Smart
Mums have become the official flower of fall because of their late blooming season, and hardiness to the changing weather. As the yard begins to look bare, mums offer a way to add in new life and fall colors, but they cost a small fortune. If I buy any, it’s only a plant or two.
Corn stalks and straw bales can be inexpensive alternatives for adding a large decorative element to the front porch.
Indian corn is also inexpensive, and looks great placed around the house and used in centerpieces.
Get the Most Out of Your Pumpkins
Pumpkins and gourds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. If you want to keep a neutral look, seek out white pumpkins or gourds in muted blues and greens.
Large pumpkins are great for decorating around the front door and the fireplace hearth, but the cost adds up quickly, so use them sparingly. Small pumpkins look great perched on shelves, on the mantle, or even as a centerpiece. Mini pumpkins and gourds are super affordable and are great to place in those vases, jars, trays, bowls, and baskets that you already have on hand.
Be sure to wash the pumpkins once you get them home to get rid of dirt and bacteria that may cause them to rot sooner. If you have no intention of cooking your decorative pumpkins, spray them with a clear sealant to make them last the whole season.
Incorporate Fall Fabrics
If there’s a fabric of fall, it’s burlap. Burlap is inexpensive and has many uses—table runners, banners, and wreaths. To make your burlap last year after year, an iron-on backing helps the fabric retain its shape, and the product Stop Fraying will—you guessed it—stop the fabric from fraying.
Twine can transform just about any vase, jar, or bowl into a fall decoration. Use twine to tie up a bundle of Indian corn or dried wheat. Wrap it around your pumpkins to create a trendy look, or give them a single bow for a touch of whimsy.
