With autumn in full swing, it’s time to bring out the fall décor and embrace the cooler weather ahead. There’s just something special about the scents and sights of autumn. Plus, it presents us with the opportunity to refresh our décor with a new look. Let’s explore some returning traditions as well as some new design trends prime for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Your front doorstep is where you greet guests and set the mood for your home. Dust off the door and sweep the area for a clean look. Be sure to polish the door hardware and make sure your exterior lights are in good working order and the glass is clean. We have our gas lamps serviced each year and change burned out bulbs in the electric fixtures when we see them. Many people add some potted chrysanthemums to either side of your door. This popular flower is available in the fall. “That’s due to their blooms, which come in a spectrum of red, gold, and bronzy hues. Mums are a reliable source of color in the cooler months when the rest of the summer flowers have begun to fade,” according to Southern Living. My issue with mums is that they only look good for a few weeks and then look terrible. I prefer Crotons, which provide fall-like color for months or at least until a big freeze. You can supplement that autumnal feel with a few pumpkins and interesting gourds too.
I also love kicking off the season with a pretty wreath on my door. Pottery Barn seems to have some beautiful options each year, including this one that also includes LED lights for a soft glow. It’s the perfect touch for ushering in evening visitors. (The Pre-Lit Faux Natural Pumpkin Wreath ranges in price from $126 – $129.) For the month of October, you could easily add artificial spiders or ravens for a fun punch. Then remove the spooky critters after Halloween for a look that lasts through Thanksgiving.
Table settings: Whether you’ll use your dining room for autumn meals that gather friends and family or a smaller, casual breakfast table is more your style, decorating for fall can be festive. Introduce oranges, browns and even burgundy tones to create a warm seasonal feel that isn’t overly commercialized. Feature a large wooden bowl of pine cones, chestnuts and mini pumpkins for a centerpiece that’s stylish yet simple. Look how cheerful the below table looks with “the colored glassware, mini pumpkins, linen napkins, raffia-wrapped water glasses—and, of course, seasonal leaves” as featured in Southern Living.
Pull those candle holders from the hutch and place them front and center with white or orange candles to add some height to the table arrangement. Better yet, we love the uniqueness of dip dye candles like these from Good Housekeeping. Upgrade traditional white ones “by dipping candles into a mixture of crayon shavings (any color will do!) and melted candle wax. Just let them dry completely before lighting.” The bumpy texture of the dried wax brings more visual interest too.
Real or artificial pumpkins? We like them both and intermingle them around the front entry, the mantle and even atop accent tables. We’re especially fond of placing LED lights inside the artificial gourds like these from Grandin Road. Combine different shapes, sizes and color for an attractive display.
With the cooler temperatures, we treasure evenings outdoors and appreciate sprucing up sitting areas after the long scorching summer. You can apply many of the ideas covered earlier in this post to a backyard space. Be sure to use items that are weather-resistant.
While I probably would bring a blanket inside at night, throw pillows with autumn hues add a nice touch. For instance, the Nibbets Outdoor Square Pillow Cover & Insert from Wayfair ($45.99) celebrates the season and easily takes you from early October through Thanksgiving. Feature this pillow on a chair near an outside fire pit and you’re set for a cozy night.
Floral and pumpkin arrangements can serve double duty on outdoor tables. They’re also great for serving tables near the grill when you’re entertaining.
As shown in the set up below from HGTV, “Crisp fall weather + hot cocoa or coffee = a match made in outdoor entertaining heaven. Stock the bar with an assortment of flavorings and toppings for fall, Halloween or Thanksgiving guests can help themselves to a barista-quality fresh brew.” Friends of all ages will delight in this fall venue.
For more seasonal ideas, read our “Design Trends for the Fall Holidays” blog post. If you’re ready to transform your living spaces with the help of a professional, contact Pamela Hope Designs today.
