How to Make Your Fall Decor Last All Season
Do you always find the need to change your fall decor after Halloween? Ever wonder if there’s a way to make it last all season long? There is! Your home can be decorated for fall and you don’t have to have ghosts and skeletons haunting the halls. Here in western Massachusetts, fall doesn’t last very long so we need to enjoy it while it’s here! Here are 5 tips to help make your fall decor last.
Tip 1 – Add Fall Colors! You can layer a few different fall colors together. Try adding deep reds, burnt oranges, browns or deep purples! These warm, rich colors will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Fall colors are mostly the colors of items you’d find in nature. Luckily, they’re typically plentiful! Go outside and grab some acorns or pinecones that have fallen off the trees. Place them in a large glass bowl or vase and you’ve got a lovely centerpiece. If you go apple picking, display them while they’re still fresh! Put them in a wooden bowl on your kitchen counter. This will add a nice touch of the outdoors and warmth to your kitchen. To add some color to your front door, hang a pretty fall wreath with deep colors in it! You can often find wreaths with pretty leaves or make your own! Etsy is a great place to find custom options. Or, pick up a wreath base at a craft store, and add some leaves and other items that you find in your yard! You can glue on pine cones or even ears of Flint corn (corn with different colored kernels).
Tip 2 – Add Fall Textures! Use cozy blankets and throws that are heavier than what you’d use in the summer. Wool, flannel, faux fur, plaid and burlap all add a touch of warmth to a space. I like to have a large basket in my family room with warm, cozy throws inside. They’re easily accessible for anyone who gets chilly and they look nice and inviting! Switch out your summer throws for thicker ones on your sofa and chairs.
Try replacing your draperies for burlap panels for an easy fall update. You can even add burlap lamp shades to your existing lamps. Most pillows have removable covers. Swap out the covers for wool or textured ones! They will feel heavier and depending on the colors you choose, may even last throughout the winter. Read more about accessorizing here! The fall feel doesn’t have to end with your main living spaces! Bring it into your bedroom to make you feel even cozier. Change out blankets on your bed to heavier ones, and your sheets to flannel. The burlap draperies from below are actually right from Ballard Designs.
Tip 3 – Add Fall Scents! Time to break out those fall candles! Scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon and apple all remind us of the fall season! It doesn’t have to stop at candles either, try a new bar or hand soap! Local stores often carry natural homemade soaps in all different scents, and you can usually find ones for the current season. You can even simmer some apple peel, orange peel and cinnamon sticks on your stovetop and your home will smell of fall! Your guests will feel right at home and cozy.
Another idea is to change up your cleaning products! There are lovely fall scents for all-purpose sprays, dish soap, etc. This will also make your home smell delicious! The last way to evoke the scent of fall – have a fire! If you’ve got an outdoor firepit, have a fun night by the fire and enjoy the crisp weather before it gets too cold! That bonfire smell will make you feel cozy and relaxed. Don’t forget the cider or mulled wine!
Tip 4 – Place some mums outside (or inside) your home! Mums are THE flower of fall. There are a bunch of different colors and sizes. You can mix them together to make a beautiful arrangement! Find some that coordinate with your front door and bunch them together. Place something underneath a couple to give them varying heights. I love the huge mums at Costco, yes Costco. They’re a great price and are healthy!
Photo from Beth at HomeStoriesAtoZ.com
They look nice layered with corn stalks as well. A nice idea that we like to call “mumkins” is to hollow out a large pumpkin and place a mum inside! It makes for a pretty display and a nice mix of color and texture.
Tip 5 – Add pumpkins and gourds! Last but not least, go pick up some pumpkins and gourds in all different sizes and colors. Mix them outside with your mums and corn stalks, or get some smaller ones and bring them inside! You can get a shallow wicker, glass or porcelain bowl and place a bunch of small pumpkins and/or gourds inside. Put that on your coffee table for a nice fall display! Or, you can even use tall cylinders and fill them with small gourds, great on your mantle.
