Summary: Its time to break out the scents and colors of the season with warmer colors, heavier linens and fall-themed décor that will make your home feel cozier. Much of what you need doesnt have to be purchased but can be found in the back of the closet or even in the garden.
Fall decorating on a budget is not only possible, it is easy. Bring some of the outdoors in to create beautiful fall-themed displays that will add warmth and seasonal charm to your home.
Start with a clean house. Who says you only have to clean deeply in the spring? A thorough cleaning now will eliminate some of the work when you begin to decorate for the holidays.
Wash windows to let in more light. Dust ceiling fans and have area rugs cleaned. Vacuum upholstered furniture and polish wood.
A clean house looks better and smells fresher.
Summers lighter and brighter colors make way for bold fall hues in deep reds, yellows and oranges. Simply take a look outside at the changing leaves and youll know what looks good together. If traditional fall colors dont look good in your home try muted whites, tans and darker greens and purples.
If you grew pumpkins in the garden this year keep in mind they can perform double duty and serve as décor until you are ready to cook them or carve them for Halloween. Nothing says fall like the pumpkin which comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
Gourds whether fresh or dried are synonymous with fall and look great in groups or paired with dried flowers or mosses.
Cut sunflowers can be enjoyed in a large vase and even hold up well when dried. Other flowers to bring indoors might include chrysanthemum, the official flower of fall or seed pods from plants that have finished flowering.
Make a display of teas, cocoas and other hot beverages. With temperatures dropping a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate will be just the thing to warm you up. Use a tray with your familys favorite mugs and teapot to remind you to slow down and take a break. Guests will feel welcomed when you offer them something warm to drink.
Change out the summer linens and replace them with thicker, warmer fabrics like flannel, wool and velvet. They wont just feel warmer theyll look warmer and inviting. Seasonal linens last longer when they are used only part of the year.
Linens are more than just sheets and pillowcases. Think curtains, towels in the kitchen and bath, rugs and an occasional throw to cuddle in when youre sitting on the couch or in your favorite chair.
If you use candles, wax burners or potpourri to enhance the smell of your home switch to scents that evoke the season with cinnamon, apple, spice and vanilla.
No need to turn on the furnace just yet if you have a fireplace. The sight, smell and warmth from the fire does more than just take the chill out of the air, it makes a home look like home.
Decorate the mantle with branches and berries you collect from the yard and the garden. Small stone statuary brought in from the porch or the garden can be used to decorate a mantle, sideboard or end table.
Place bowls of apples, pears or citrus on kitchen counters to beautify the space and have healthy snacks on hand.
Keep your dining room table set. It looks nice and eliminates clutter from junk mail, backpacks and gym bags that will make their way back into the home now that school is back in session. Use cloth napkins and a fall-themed centerpiece to set the tone.
As Mother Nature prepares to rest you can breathe new life into your home with simple décor that you already have on hand. The transition from summer to winter is gradual and your cleaning and decorating can be as well.
Fall brings a busy time of year for most of us with yard work, back to school shopping, schedule changes, less daylight and fewer excuses to postpone all the things on our to do lists.
Keep it simple and do take time for a cup of tea or two.
