I cannot believe it’s already October and time to start thinking about the holidays! Even though it’s still way too hot in Dallas, the whole city is in fall decor mode and just ignoring the temps. I’m doing the same thing, because I’m just over summer. Halloween is one of those holidays that can be super fun or stressful. I feel like as you get older, you’re obviously not trick-or-treating and spending hours days thinking about it – well maybe some Halloween lovers are! – but then you feel lame if you fully ignore the holiday. Since Halloween is usually when things REALLY start to feel like fall around here, I do love the freshness that comes with it. I’m not the most decor-obsessed person on the planet, but I definitely appreciate quick ways to decorate. I love the feel of a place when it’s decorated and holiday-appropriate, but I’m more drawn to chic, minimalist decorations as opposed to anything too in your face. With Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’ve been looking for inspiration for my own home.

Instead of thinking of how I can decorate the ENTIRE house, I’m focusing on sprucing up just a couple spaces – think doorway or foyer, mantel, a table, or even a couple random empty corners. This thought process has been way less stressful than trying to cover so much ground, and it’s totally doable for me! So here we go, let’s chat ways to add a little fall/autumn decor around your house. Adding a little seasonal flair to your doorway, porch or even foyer is a great (and easy!) way to get started. Everyone sees it and you get to enjoy it every single time you come home too (which let’s be honest, is 80% of the fun anyway!). Welcome-to-my-home decor is classic and doesn’t take too much work. Plus, it could cost as little as $5 if you just wanted to add a few little pumpkins! You can easily put your own spin on it and go as simple/subtle or dramatic and super festive as you want. Pumpkins, sticks, and flowers all can hold up pretty well in fall weather, so I like those options.

Plus, going to the pumpkin patch is always a fun thing to do this time of year so you could make a family (or friends!) event out of it! Here are a few things I found around the web that I thought would be cute for either your front door, porch, or foyer way: If you have a mantel in your house, it’s probably my favorite way to decorate in colder months. Something about the decorations next to a fire (or even the idea of it) is cozy and I love it. I’m into the idea of keeping the theme of a house and bringing it into decor – so like gold or silver pumpkins depending on what colors you have in your home. best christmas houses in njAgain, adding sticks or even greenery to a mantel mixed with these Halloween ideas are durable and so chic.home decor stores portland

Image via Michelle Janeen Instagram I just keep staring at that living room above (the one with the Eucalyptus) and it makes me want to paint the fireplace/mantel in our rental house SO BAD. Like, I’m dying slash itching to get out of here. For some reason, the owners want to keep the original (dark DARK red brick) – if only they could “see” what I can see (aka…an improvement! slash beauty!). But anyway, back to that mantel above; I’m obsessed with that round, brass-rim mirror (and it’s only $42 – WHAT?!) – especially paired with all that beautiful Eucalyptus in the clear, glass vases. ideas for wall decor in bathroomUgh, TO DIE for. christmas decorations for my officeI can’t wait to decorate a mantel one day :)interior decor online shopping

Dressing up a table is great because I feel like it adds to the communal aspect of eating at a table, plus it’s just more fun! I’m guilty of often eating my meals at my desk (or even my bed…), but when a table is all decorated, it’s more reason to actually eat there! This is especially perfect if you’re a host and are having any get-togethers soon. Pumpkins are a super easy way to add a few autumn vibes to your table decor, but I also love the idea of adding a shabby chic look to it with an all-neutral color scheme like the tables are done in the images below.best paint for exterior doors For tableware, I think these white plates with the “Get Stuffed” gold artwork (or these “Thanks A Lattee” ones from Target) are adorable – especially when paired with gold silverware. And I know it’s not even Halloween yet, but I thought this little driftwood turkey decor guy was just TOO stinkin’ adorable not to share – I want my Thanksgiving table to be full of these little dudes and pumpkin floral arrangement like I talked about in yesterday’s “embracing fall” post.

While on the topic of decorating the table and cooking in general, how cute is this pumpkin cast iron cockette? Makes me want to throw on a cute apron and make a pot roast right now! All this talk about decorating for Fall has me itching for Thanksgiving and then the real deal – aka Christmas. I’m not a huge fan of Halloween, but I do love the month of October and how everyone starts to get in the “Fall” state of mind leading up to it. But more than anything, talking about fall decor has me dreaming of owning and decorating my own home one day – I can hardly wait! So what did you think?! I don’t usually do these types of posts so I’m going out on a limb here trying to keep things interesting and different. What did you think? Are you decorating for Fall at all with your family or room mates?! If so, what’re you doing!? I would love to hear!on September 16, 2011 Family Focus, Home Decorating, Home Improvement, Homeowners Tips, Saving Money, Smart Shopper, VA

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler and the air has an aroma that makes you think of cider and doughnuts.  You might be clinging to your flip-flops, but before you know it, autumn will be in full effect and your home should reflect the coziness the change in season brings. Not sure how to transition from the cool shades of summer to the warm hues of fall?  While there are many items available to make your home inviting, these 15 must haves for fall home décor will make your place look magazine-worthy. Artificial Fruit & Vegetables: Search for faux apples, pears, gourds, squash and more at your local craft store.  Place them prominently in a wide bowl or basket as a cornucopia, or simply add a couple of pieces on your kitchen windowsill or end tables to add touches of harvest to your home.  You can even find them glittered or beaded for a more elegant look – near soft light they sparkle beautifully. Blankets: I’m gonna ask you to step away from the sleeved blanket for a minute and think about using a blanket for a dual purpose – personal warmth and home elegance. 

Sure, fleece is cozy, I have them too, but in places like the living room, family room or reading area, nothing says classy like a plush, faux fur, or microfiber blanket draped across a couch or chair.  Today’s versions are often machine washable, so caring for these types of throws are just as easy as your fleece ones. Candles: Choose candle scents that reflect the season – cinnamon, apple pie, marshmallow, fireside, pumpkin, candy corn, etc.  If you have children or pets and don’t want to risk an open flame, there are battery-operated ones that are usually accompanied by a timer that you can preset for automatic ambiance.  Some are vanilla or spice-scented and offer a safe, yet still charming glow. Chunky Textiles: Now is the time of year to reintroduce thicker braids and chunkier weaves into your home décor.  Whether it’s a pillow crafted with a big knit or a shaggy jersey rug, warm layers of texture can create an interesting space and can really anchor a room after a spring and summer’s worth of airy fabrics.

Containers: Consider using baskets in non-traditional shapes, mosaic glass vases, pumpkin-shaped bowls, a wheelbarrow or a birdhouse to display autumn picks, flowers or foliage.  Be creative – anything that has an opening with some depth could be used – how about an old pair of galoshes? Corn: It’s not just for corn mazes or corn on the cob – it can be a great element for decorating!  Tie a bunch together with some raffia and place outside on a bale of hay, or inside, attach them to a wreath or place them in a bowl for a traditional symbol of harvest. Flowers: Hardy mums accompanied by some ornamental cabbage and kale are great for a pop of color outdoors because they can withstand cooler temperatures. Purple Mexican bush sage has purple and white blooms and can reach four feet tall, flowering in September and continuing until frost occurs.  If you want to make a container or window box, incorporate variegated ivy, fountain or black mondo grass, mums and a few pumpkins for a spicy seasonal look.

Jewel-Toned Materials: Compliment neutral walls by selecting rich colors like deep greens, browns, reds and oranges for bedding, drapery and table runners.  If you want to kick it up a notch, replace solids by adding materials featuring a Moroccan vibe in plum, bronze or gold for a luxurious play of color. Leaves:  A main staple of fall décor is the unique variety of colors and shapes of leaves.  Individual silk leaves can be scattered on tables, leaf garlands can be strung across a staircase bannister and a leaf wreath can serve as the focal point of a mantel when hung on a wreath stand.  I have a glass leaf garland that I weave around the chandelier above the dinner table and it sparkles beautifully!  Speaking of which, leaf-themed dinnerware, trays and decorative plates can be found in your local department store, that you can enjoy using all the way through Thanksgiving.  If you have young children, you could grab a few leaves outside and they can sponge them on paper for artwork you can frame or hang on the fridge!

Pillows: Add some toss pillows with embellishments to your couch or cozy chair.  Square, round or oblong pillows with metallic threads, ruffles or sequins can make for a couture display.  But don’t limit yourself to accent pieces in common rooms – body pillows made of microsuede can be a warmer alternative to the cotton pillowcase it’s currently nestled in for a good night’s rest in your own bedroom. Pumpkins: Like leaves, pumpkins are the ultimate symbol of autumn.  They are easy to find and in various price ranges.  Visit your local farm market or grocer for medium and large pumpkins.  Visit a nearby cider mill for extra large pumpkins, mini pumpkins and special gourds.  Place them on the porch, nestled between the landscaping around your home, or bring a few indoors.  Leave them plain until it’s closer to Halloween and then you can turn them into jack-o-lanterns! Rugs: Swap the nautical blues and whites for burgundy, forest green or butterscotch.  These serve as “neutrals” for your floor and compliment your walls and furniture. 

They are good choices for bathroom rugs too, which can serve as a base for matching shower curtains and towels, creating a continuous flow of fall color between rooms. Table Linens: Whether you have a dining table or server, table linens in fall colors like orange, red, gold and bronze can add elegance to wood furniture.  Tablecloths, runners, napkins and placemats can often be found in coordinating sets, complete with napkin rings that tie it all together for a more formal occasion.  Dig out those autumn dishes you have hidden in the cabinet and add some tinted wine glasses to wow your guests! Wheat:  Home accessory stores and craft stores sell wheat as individual picks or gathered in a cluster with ribbon for decorative purposes.  Use wheat as a centerpiece on a dining table, vase filler, or to give height to a mantle display above the fireplace. Wood: Bring the outdoors in with distressed wood pieces like log vases or birch-themed pedestals to display candles or flowers.