A sweet gal named Marie wrote me recently, and asked,
…”Got any tips on fall decor? I love the notion, but always seem to feel overwhelmed by the prospect. All my intentions tend to fall in the ‘hokey little kids school classroom’ category. That’s great for school where my kids go, but I want something simple and sophisticated for my own home. I’m not very crafty, and work full time, so I don’t have time for anything elaborate. I love the idea of the possibility of something simple. Do you have any suggestions? Help! Simple! And thanks!”
I think that this year, I’m kind of the poster child for under achievement in the fall decor category. We’ve just had so much going on, my head hasn’t stopped spinning yet. That, and the tropics of Alabama just dropped below the 90 degree category. I’ve declared October the reclaim-my-life month (organization around our home) since our closets resemble mountainous piles of laundry and toys a-la mount Everest. We almost misplaced Malone in it’s deadly grips just last Tuesday. So, my initial thought was “PSHAW! Marie came to the wrong place.” And then immediately followed by “Well, she wanted simple…”
Today, I thought I’d share just a few of the simple things I do around my home each year. Decorating with some easy, affordable staples. Here’s a confession: I’m not too big on seasonal decorating, even though autumn is my favorite time of the year. What I am big on, is things falling seamlessly into place with the rest of what I’ve done. Let’s be honest. We have three kids and a gigantic dog, and scary everest portions of crap laundry hiding in our closets. I really can’t be bothered.
My two main ingredients for fall decor are mums. and pumpkins. and embracing what you already have.
and some gourds… and you’re good to go.
I love the idea of bringing that natural element into our home. For a touch of color, it provides some of that simple, autumn flair.
The best part? These suckas will last you all the way through thanksgiving.
Once upon a time, I stressed each season, on how to change my colors every time. I’m a cool colors gal, and I thought that because it was christmas, I needed red walls. For some reason, I was ready to default to red. Even if red wasn’t us. And then I got over it, and decided I kind of like the contrast with pops of orange and red mixed in with my every day. I also love unexpected color combinations when it comes to the holidays. It’s a blending process that’s taken place over time.
For example, I just did this mantel, so I wasn’t ready to change it.
I simply sprinkled in the good stuff.
It’s amazing, the power these natural elements have to automatically take your home straight into the transitioning of the seasons.
I just love the pops of fresh feel these can give a space.
I even use them in my tablescapes. {the above is from last year.} download these place cards, here.
So there we are. The {almost embarrassingly} not at all elaborate way I manage to wrangle the seasons each year into my home. It’s something simple, for sure!
I hope this helped, Marie! It’s just what I tend to stick with, each year, and I love the power it has to up the ante in my every day spaces. Now it’s your turn. What are some autumn staples you stick with each year? Do you go for simple or elaborate? Do you change your entire color scheme or make it work for you? Spill your secrets!
Happy Monday, everyone-and don’t forget to check out The Nate Show tomorrow, {Tuesday, October 4th} for a familiar face! 😉
Debbie says
It’s all so beautiful! Love the idea of two ingredients!
Debbie
Seriously Sassy Mama says
I love pumpkins. Just started buying them. Cannot wait to buy some more.
Sarah says
Very pretty! You don’t need much when you can just decorate with pretty pumpkins, twigs & gourds! Nature provides all the fall decorations you need!
Terri says
I love the simple approach… less is more!
Jennifer says
simple rocks! love the wreath, by the way. can’t WAIT for tomorrow 🙂
Sarah says
I’m only doing a little for fall this year because our house is still a disaster from moving. And I’m hardly doing anything for Halloween since we’ll be visiting family out of state. I think just a touch here and there goes a long way though, so I have a few decor pieces I’ll reuse from previous years, and I have some fake pumpkins to scatter (better fake than coming home to moldy pumpkins in the middle of Nov.).
Dorothy says
Your ideas are just lovely. I have quite a bit of blue around and I find that a few pumpkins, gourds, etc look really nice with it. This has turned into a really stressful year with work and my wonderful little husband working out of state (GAH!) so simple works especially well right now. Thanks for the reinforcement!! I’m going to be all hypered up for your appearance tomorrow. AIEEEE!!
Jackie says
Your creations are great. They are so simple, yet so elegant. Love your house!
Shaunda says
This year i decided that I would spraypaint some of my plastic orange pumpkins from years past, I used some leftover silver spraypaint (but on my `to do` list is make white ones). I like the ability to toss them into my current decor without feeling like I had to completely redecorate…who has time for that!
Daria Petraglia says
Hi … saw you on Nate this morning and I could hardly wait to go onto your website. You have awesome idea’s and I just loved how you decorated your house. I will be following you on facebook and i”ll make your website a “favorite” so I can get to it quickly. You did a great job on Nate today .. don’t you just love that show and him of course !!!!! Thanks for so many great ideas!!
Daria
Alima says
love that wreath! did i miss the tutorial on that one??
i love those little striped tiger pumpkins! i just bought some at publix yesterday! I used to be huge on decorating with TONS of stuff and now I have moved to a much more understated simple decorating philosophy. I sorta decided that going that overboard was bordering on tacky or maybe its just me being lazy now that I am busy being a mom 🙂
chandra says
Just saw the Nate episode today and loved the driftwood idea along with the simple touch of pumpkins!
Meta says
Loved you on Nate this am! You should have your own show!
The Fall decor you have shown is just perfect. Just enough.
And I love the wreath as well. That just might be the one that shows up on my door for Christmas! (with a little sprig of greenery tucked in)
Jessica says
Love your website! Any cute ideas for covering the plastic pots the fall mums come in? Looking for a cheap fix!
ashley @ the handmade home says
off the top of my head? burlap and twine! cheap and easy. no sewing required, and gives it a great fall look! 😉
Brittany says
Are your dishes the Better Homes & Gardens ones from WalMart? I have those same dishes and I’ve been battling with myself on whether or not I still love them. I am very encouraged : )
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Brittany!
Not sure why I’m just now seeing this comment. But yes, they are! ;} I requested two sets one year for my birthday-and I love them! Still do!