The arrival of the fall holidays is nothing short of remarkable. Just recently, we were pondering the approaching festivities as if they were a distant memory. Halloween, with its rich traditions and decorations, takes a close second place to Christmas in terms of festive grandeur. Thanksgiving, too, has its own unique charm, making it a trifecta of autumnal bliss.
I find immense joy in decorating every nook and cranny of my home, spending quality moments with my daughters as we indulge in sweet treats and let our creativity shine. The atmosphere is further elevated by the warm, cozy tunes that fill the air from Halloween to Christmas. As we prepare to deck the halls, here are some awe-inspiring tips to bring out your inner decorator and celebrate this crisp, cool season.
Decorating During the Fall Holidays
Love the Lanterns
There’s something undeniably charming about outdoor lanterns, and I’m no exception to their allure. One of the things that sets them apart is their versatility – by adding unique ingredients inside, you can give them a seasonal twist that makes them perfect for any time of year. What I love most about these decorative pieces is their ability to be used year-round, making them an excellent addition to your outdoor space.
Tell Them Who You Are
In Tennessee, I often noticed a unique tradition where families would display giant wooden pumpkins with the last name of the family written on it, accompanied by smaller pumpkins bearing the first names of each family member. What makes this tradition special is that the wooden pumpkin can be reused year after year, allowing the family to update the smaller pumpkins to represent each individual annually. Despite being a simple idea, this concept speaks volumes through its subtlety.
The Scarecrows
This setup is particularly endearing because it embodies many aspects of fall’s essence. The scarecrows, while adorable to us, served an original purpose – to deter birds from crops, allowing our ancestors to harvest their hard-earned yield. Meanwhile, the twinkling lights in this image captivate me, a confessed aficionado of string lights and autumnal decor.
Pumpkins
As the season transitions from summer to fall, people often associate this time of year with a kaleidoscope of colors – orange, brown, and red being prominent among them. But what’s often overlooked is the striking effect white can have on these warm hues. When used as an accent, white can create a beautiful contrast that makes the surrounding autumn tones truly pop. In this case, the humble pumpkin is elevated to new heights when paired with its snow-white counterpart.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the use of white during fall also serves as a poignant reminder that the best is yet to come. As we count down the days until the holidays, which for me begin on Labor Day and extend through Easter, the crisp autumn air is filled with an air of anticipation and excitement. The simple act of adding a touch of white to our seasonal decor becomes a powerful symbol of what’s to come – a season of joy, giving, and celebration.
It’s Not Christmas but the Lighting is Beautiful, Nonetheless.
As the fall holiday season approaches, I’m reminded of my love for outdoor lighting. It all started when I stumbled upon a house with a stunning display of white lights wrapped around their fall leaves garland on the doorstep. The combination was nothing short of breathtaking and added an air of sophistication to the property.
But that’s not all – this same house took its decorations to the next level by stringing up lights along the stairways, adorning pumpkins, and even hanging a festive banner out front. It truly transformed the scenery into a winter wonderland-like atmosphere. The attention to detail was impressive, making it hard not to be impressed by the overall display.
Wreaths
While I initially hesitated to adorn my door with wreaths, they soon became a meaningful way to connect with others and express myself. My husband wasn’t overly enthusiastic about them at first, but after some time passed, he grew accustomed to the change. This experience taught me that it’s okay to prioritize personal preferences when they don’t significantly impact relationships. With encouragement from my mother-in-law and friends, I discovered a newfound appreciation for wreaths.
In fact, my enthusiasm was further fueled by a beautiful blue and silver Christmas wreath gifted by one of my closest friends. As I look ahead, I’m excited to embark on a new project: creating a Mardi Gras-themed wreath featuring beads in the colors representing the Three Wise Men and a mask, paying homage to this festive season.
For those who, like me, find themselves drawn to wreaths as a means of personal expression, I recommend exploring our own post on beautiful wreaths for further inspiration.
Use Junkyard Stuff Combined with Nice Things to Make it Beautiful
The Instagram page in question has caught my attention. I’m impressed by how they’ve curated their space by incorporating items from their yard sales with some carefully selected store-bought pieces. The absence of bold fall colors is surprisingly mitigated by the dominant black and white palette, which creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Chalkboard Lettering
The Jenna Sue Design Co has taken significant effort to create this stunning piece, meticulously printing and reassembling it. The result is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s an ideal centerpiece for a Thanksgiving gathering, bringing warmth and elegance to the table. For those interested in recreating this masterpiece, please refer to their blog post for a step-by-step guide.
Painted Pumpkin Mason Jars
These charming painted pumpkin mason jars not only embody seasonal flair, but also appear surprisingly effortless to create based on the provided instructions. If you’re inclined to use them as part of a floral arrangement, consider adding a stabilizing layer of rocks at the base to prevent any potential toppling. By following Linda’s tutorial, you can easily replicate this adorable DIY project.
Get Creative with Your Pumpkins
Pumpkins can serve as a stunning focal point for your autumnal decor, regardless of your carving skills. Why not get creative with your pumpkins – whether you opt for elaborate faces or simple, yet striking designs? Your fall display is sure to draw attention and spark conversation. I’m particularly enamored with the pumpkin spiced latte design concept. It’s so adorable that I might just have to recreate it next year as part of our coffee shop project with my students.
Fall Decor for the Foyer
There’s something undeniably charming about infusing every corner of your home with seasonal flair. The challenge lies in doing so without veering into tackiness. One approach is to incorporate subtle yet thoughtful touches that bring a sense of warmth and coziness to each room. For those fortunate enough to reside in a warm-weather area, these pillow additions would also be lovely on the porch or even a swing overlooking the ocean.
The thought of relaxing with a cool breeze by your side is nothing short of idyllic.
Hat Me on For Size
While exploring ideas for decorating the home, I stumbled upon this delightful centerpiece that caught my attention. The whimsical design has transformed my perception of witches, inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. The hat’s playful essence is amplified by the addition of pumpkins and stars, which harmoniously evoke the warmth and festivity associated with the season.
The Village – It’s not just for Christmas
As my daughters gaze in wonder at their grandmother’s Christmas Village, I couldn’t help but think why not create a fall village as well? One that embodies the essence of autumn – pumpkins, ghosts, and delectable treats. The vibrant colors and twinkling lights on each area captivate me just as much as they do my little ones.
Building a village of this scale would require patience, but I’m not opposed to a multi-year endeavor.
After all, I grew up with my mother’s ‘one Christmas CD per year’ rule – a tradition that has evolved into an impressive collection over time.
If you’re considering starting your own village, you might begin with 5 pieces the first year and then add one or two each subsequent year before and after the holiday. This approach would allow you to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand.
Say It With a Banner
Infusing your living room with holiday cheer is easier than ever with the trendy trend of incorporating banners into your decor. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also add a festive touch to the space. The addition of a leaf garland surrounding the candles at their base adds a charming and whimsical element that ties everything together beautifully.
I must say, The Frugal Homemaker has done an excellent job of incorporating these decorative elements into her holiday decor, truly deserving of praise.
That One Thing
As the holiday season approaches, a festive door sign can add to the ambiance and excitement of hosting a memorable gathering. The phrase ‘Get Ready for Turkey Time’ would be a humorous and relatable addition to any room where family and friends will gather around the table. It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge that the extra helpings of mashed potatoes and stuffing are just around the corner.
Painted Burlap Silverware Holders
I’m utterly charmed by these delightful creations, and they appear to be relatively straightforward to craft. It’s no surprise that Kimberly, a fellow crafter, has made them at least twice over on her blog, A Night Owl. What I appreciate most about Kimberly is our shared mindset – she, like me, is already thinking ahead to the next holiday, despite Halloween still being a ways off. This, of course, is all too familiar in the world of crafting, where forward planning is the name of the game.
The Tablecloth Worth a Thousand Words
Inspired by Sarah at The Holy Mess, I took her creative idea and turned it into a meaningful experience for my students last year. At our annual ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner, each student signed their name on a special tablecloth, leaving a tangible mark of their presence. This tradition holds a special significance as I transition to a new school this year. Rather than abandoning the tablecloth, I plan to continue the practice, having my current students sign alongside those from my previous school.
By doing so, I hope to instill in them an understanding that despite geographical differences, they share common experiences and challenges. Moreover, continuing this tradition allows me to create a lasting connection between both groups of students in my heart.
Get Cozy
I’d like to give credit where credit is due – Jenn from Clean and Scentsible has contributed two fantastic ideas that deserve their own spotlight in this post. The first one resonates with me because it embodies the essence of cozying up with loved ones, whether that’s watching a movie, reading a book, or simply enjoying each other’s company in quiet relaxation. Amidst the chaos of daily life, having moments to unwind and connect with family and friends is truly invaluable.
Sometimes It’s in the Subtle Things
In many ways, this compact truck in the kitchen serves as an ideal emblem for my family’s pursuits. As a culinary teacher, I’m committed to supporting local farmers in their quest for sustainability, while my husband has built a reputation in the automotive industry. This unique fusion of passions is what makes it special – it doesn’t overwhelm the space and is instead a thoughtful touch that speaks volumes about our values.
It’s the subtle yet significant details that often make all the difference.
Stairway to…
While my initial intention was to showcase a stunning fall decor staircase featuring garland and lights, I didn’t want to overdo it. Instead, I set out to find another showstopper that would impress you. What caught my eye about this particular display is the thoughtful combination of decorations, colors, and subtle touches that add depth without being too overwhelming.
The delicate spider perched atop the staircase and the artfully draped cobwebs are particularly noteworthy in their tasteful execution.
Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, my enthusiasm for decorating reaches new heights. I take great joy in transforming every room into a winter wonderland, and my daughters share my excitement. The fact that we can collectively celebrate this special time together only adds to the magic. While some may choose to go all out with decorations, others may prefer a more subtle approach. Regardless of your personal preference, I wish you a holiday season filled with joy, love, and cherished moments.
