Decorate for Fall: An Easy How To Guide

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How can I decorate for fall cheap? The fall season is a great time of year. It is the perfect season to enjoy fall festivities, crisp air and autumn leaves.  

I’m going to share my easy guide for fall nature crafts. You can decorate for almost free using natural materials you can find in your own backyard. You could also make it fun for kids of all ages by having a fall scavenger hunt, autumn nature adventure or just a fall walk. Let the outdoors be your inspiration. Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and as a bonus you can collect all you need for easy fall decorations.

Decorate for Fall: An Easy How To Guide

1. decorate with pine cones

You can collect pine cones from outside for free and place them in a bowl for this fall theme centerpiece. In many parts of the country, they can be found littering the forest floor or you may find them in your local park or even in your own neighborhood. For some added fun, you can give them a cinnamon scent. There are a few ways to do this and you can find my full tutorial featuring a few ways to add fragrance to your pine cones and you’ll come out ahead from buying them in the store. I placed these pine cones in a bowl I found at a thrift store and added some lights. This would be the perfect fall centerpiece to bring some fall color to you dining room table.

2. Make a Natural Fall Wreath

This is the perfect way to preserve beautiful fall foliage and welcome guests. You can collect berries and colorful leaves from outside and glue them to a wreath form for this easy and beautiful natural fall wreath. If you want to preserve the color and make it last you’ll need to seal the leaves with some Mod Podge. You could also collect acorns and make acorn wreaths.

3. Preserve fall leaves

You can preserve fall leaves and make a suncatcher,  lantern, and recycled jar candles. Go on a fall nature walk and collect leaves of different colors. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Preserve the leaves using wax paper, pressing between books, or using a medium like epoxy or Mod Podge.

4. Use Dried Food Items

Create easy and inexpensive fall decor using natural items like beans and popcorn that you can get at the dollar store. You can add them to some recycled jars. This is the perfect way to decorate your porch or mantel. This and would also be great alternative to floral arrangements on your Thanksgiving table. I have also filled jars with things like oak tree seeds (we called them helicopters when I was a kid), acorns, pine cones, and other things I find outside.

5. Make Real Tree Candle Holders

We had some scrap wood outside and we drilled a small hole into the top of them to place a candle in them. These fall candles are the perfect accents on the mantel and are one of my favorite fall decor projects. You can use battery-operated candles if you have kids or pets in your home.

You can also create some easy faux tree candle holders with just a few items from the dollar store.

When should you start decorating for fall?

I start decorating in August when the kids go back to school. Doing this, it helps us shift our mindset that we are moving into fall and that helps everyone settle back into a routine. Most people start decorating around Labor Day and continue through the months until Thanksgiving time.

There are many ideas out there to decorate for fall naturally. It saves so much money, and it’s so very easy to do.

How do I make my house cozy for fall?

In addition to fall home decor, we like to fill our home with cinnamon and other fall scents. We love to burn our candles or light our LED candles. We also start running our gas fireplace when the weather allows, add warm fuzzy blankets and pillows to curl up in, drink warm beverages like tea, apple cider, and hot cocoa. We start watching fall movies like “When Harry Met Sally” and seasonal favorites like “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”. We make crockpot meals like soups and chili and that comfort food can create a cozy environment as well. I have included some of our favorite fall and cozy recipes we enjoy through the season on my blog for you to try.

How do you decorate outdoors in the fall?

We add mason jars to our porch and fill them with fall natural elements we find when out on our scavenger hunts. I like to put things like bowls of gourds, apples, pine cones, and other items on our porch. We light up the walkway with solar lights. We add a garland and lights around our front door to bring a bit of warmth to the front porch.

You might be interested in my fall bucket list

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Check out my Fall Home Tour

How do I start decorating for fall?

Embrace Earth Tones: Utilize a warm and inviting color palette with hues of orange, brown, and deep reds to infuse your living room with the cozy essence of fall.

DIY Centerpiece: Create an eye-catching centerpiece for your dining table by placing a vase filled with fall florals and greenery amidst a scattering of miniature pumpkins and textured moss.

Plaid Accents: Add a touch of rustic charm to your decor by incorporating plaid-patterned throw pillows and table linens, effortlessly infusing your space with fall coziness.

Frame Your Memories: Showcase cherished autumn moments by adorning your walls with DIY frames, enhancing the ambiance with both personal touches and a visual connection to the season.

Entryway Elegance: Welcome guests with a statement-worthy entryway by placing urns brimming with white pumpkins and vibrant fall foliage on either side of the door.

Creative Crafts: Explore your artistic side by picking up supplies at the local crafts store and crafting your own unique fall decorations, from wreaths to garlands, using hot glue and other DIY techniques.

Mossy Magic: Incorporate a touch of nature by integrating textured moss into your decor, creating an earthy foundation that complements various fall-themed elements.

Harvest Baskets: Arrange a collection of baskets filled with mini pumpkins, dishes in warm tones, and even some DIY crafts to craft a charming display in your garage or living room.

October Ambiance: As September transitions into October, introduce scarves and cozy textiles to your living space for an extra layer of comfort that seamlessly bridges the seasons.

Thanksgiving Finesse: Prepare ahead for Thanksgiving by including elegant urns brimming with fall florals and lush greenery as part of your grand dining room decor.

Palette Perfection: Curate a harmonious color palette by blending earthy tones with pops of orange, creating a balanced atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.

Festive Frames: Frame fall-inspired artwork or vintage autumn postcards and display them in your living room, adding visual interest and enhancing your overall decor.

Cozy Throws: Drape plaid and textured throw pillows across your living room seating for an instant infusion of warmth, ensuring your space is both stylish and snug.

Enchanting Urns: Line your entryway with intricately designed urns overflowing with fall foliage, offering an inviting glimpse into the fall enchantment within your home.

Dishes of Delight: Arrange dishes in varying earthy tones atop your dining table, beautifully complementing the hues of white pumpkins and creating a captivating tablescape.

Click on the image above or any of the images below to shop some of my fall favorites

What month do you put out fall decor?

Fall decor is typically put out starting in September and is commonly associated with the months of September, October, and November. Many people start decorating for fall as soon as September begins, especially as the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change color. Fall decorations often include elements like pumpkins, leaves, warm color palettes, and cozy textiles to create a welcoming and seasonal atmosphere in homes and outdoor spaces.

Is August 1st too early to decorate for fall? Can I decorate for fall in August?

Decorating for fall on August 1st might be considered a bit early by some standards, as it’s still the height of summer in many places. However, the timing of fall decor is a matter of personal preference and can also depend on local climate and cultural factors.

If you’re excited about the fall season and want to start setting up your decorations on August 1st, there’s no hard and fast rule against it. Just keep in mind that some people might associate certain fall decorations more with September and October, and they might find it a bit unusual to see fall decor in full swing in early August.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. If decorating early helps you get into the fall spirit and brings you joy, then go ahead and do what feels right for you!

What is the earliest you should decorate for fall?

The timing for decorating for fall can vary based on personal preference, local climate, and cultural norms. While there’s no strict rule, here are a few general guidelines to consider:

Late August to Early September: This is a common timeframe for starting to decorate for fall. It’s when the weather begins to transition, and the leaves may start changing colors in some regions. Many people feel that this period strikes a balance between embracing the fall spirit and not jumping the gun too early.

After Labor Day (Early September): In the United States, Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday of September, is often seen as the unofficial end of summer. Decorating for fall after Labor Day is a popular choice as it marks a clear transition from summer to fall.

Mid to Late September: As the month progresses, more people tend to start decorating for fall. By this time, the weather may have cooled down further, and the fall season is in full swing.

Natural Cues: Pay attention to the natural signs of fall in your area. If you notice leaves changing color, temperatures dropping, and a general shift in the environment, it could be a good time to start your fall decor.

Holidays and Events: Some people choose to decorate for fall in line with specific holidays or events, such as the beginning of school, local fall festivals, or the arrival of pumpkin patches and apple orchards.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best time to decorate for fall is when it feels right for you. If you’re excited about the season and want to start decorating earlier, you should feel free to do so.

Remember that there’s no strict rule, and the goal is to create an atmosphere that brings you joy and makes your living space feel cozy and inviting. Whether you start decorating in late August, early September, or later in the season, the choice is yours!

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Happy Fall!!

Learn more about “Creating Seasonal Decor for Your Home” to create seasonal decor that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

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