By Molly Borter
Fall is my favorite season, because the weather is just perfect enough to wear a sweatshirt, scarf, and sunglasses, and the air starts to smell of burning bonfires and pumpkin spice. September days are flying by and soon it’ll be October, so while school’s well underway for the little ones, nights are getting longer and chillier, and summer décor is old news, your home is in need of a fall pick-me-up. Splashes of autumn give it that warm, cozy vibe we love so much about the season: mums, leaves, pumpkins, and gourds are all beautiful, chic ways to spruce up your home. Transform your haven from summer’s brights to fall’s burnt oranges, reds, and yellows with just a few easy touches. Soon, your home will be a haven of harvest and tranquility in no time at all.
Bring the Outdoors Indoors
The best part of fall is the rich, beautiful colors of the leaves, fruit, and flowers; use these pieces to spruce up your living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms. Round up some fall foliage around your yard, on a hike, or at a craft store and pile them in hurricane dishes, large vases, and candle sets. Combining the outdoors with such stylish holders give it that shabby-chic elegance that’s so perfect for fall. For table centerpieces or mantel décor, try filling a tall vase (or a couple!) with apples or pears for a sophisticated simple touch. And don’t forget about the flowers: mums and sunflowers are the perfect way to bring fall’s splendor indoors.
Get Creative with Pumpkins
Pumpkins are more than just for carving: stick metal tacks onto the exterior or paint them with shiny golds and bronzes for instant class and a rustic feel. For an island or table centerpiece, stack different-shaped gourds or mini pumpkins. For a more diva-ish feel, rhinestone-studded designs on pumpkins, like a spider web or polka dots (all you need is a bag of jewels from the craft store and a hot glue gun) are a great way to add sparkle, too. For a more traditional feel with a twist, turn pumpkin carving into an accent piece for your shelves by carving cool designs or patterns and placing a yummy smelling candle inside. Pumpkins are such a fall décor do!
Make Baking a Decorative Piece
The most delicious part about fall? Caramel, cinnamon, pumpkin, ginger, vanilla, cloves and nutmeg—just to name a few. Make these staples in your cookie recipes this season, or use them in your pies and even your cocktails! And while you’re at it, you could make: apple crisp, pumpkin cheesecake, nutmeg and cinnamon French toast, pears with caramel drizzled over them, corn pudding, and brown-sugared squash (for a healthier-“ish” choice). The aromas and decorative deliciousness of autumn baking leaves you comforted, relaxed, satisfied and warm on the inside. Now all you need is a good book, a comfy blanket, and a cup of tea.
Author Bio:
Molly Borter works for The Affordable Style Network specializing in making everything fashionable, even mens diabetic socks. In her free time she enjoys blogging about sun safety, such as wearing bifocal sunglasses even into the fall, decorating her home for the seasons, and spending time with her nieces and family.
