How to Decorate for Fall Without Focusing on Halloween

Getting into the spirit of fall is easy enough to do without bringing Jack O'Lanterns into your home. If you want to brighten your look without going all the way into the spooks and goblins, it is easy to do with a little creativity. Bright door hangers and fall colored baskets will change the look of your entire house. Read on to find out how it is done!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Door wreath
• Artificial fruits and raffia
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Ribbon
• Baskets or bowls for your ornaments

1. 
    
   Bowl of fall leaves and fruit for the foyer or entry

   Check out your current supply of decorations. You may need to purchase new items. Find a local craft supply store. You may discover that many items are marked down or constantly on sale. Take advantage of sale items.
   
   Decide how many different sites or items you will create, such as a door wreath, a basket of fruit, mantle decoration, or simply a small bowl to add color to an entry or small table in your den or living room.

2. 
    
   Front Door Wreath

   Use a purchased wreath. Here I have chosen a wheat wreath with added mixture of leaves, fruit, and sugared fruit. Use hot glue to hold pieces together. You may have to accustom yourself to the timing for holding fruit pieces in place until they stick. Every glue gun is different. Some work fast and others take a few seconds. Take care not to get the glue on your fingers as it will burn.

3. 
    
   Fruit basket on padded foot stool

   Fruit Basket
   Creating a fruit basket is simple. Find an old basket that has been used for a while and the paint has faded. Stuff the bottom of the basket with plastic bags or shredded paper to build a foundation for the fruit you will place inside. Arrange the fruit and seeds carelessly in the basket. Tie a raffia bow on the handle and place in front of the fireplace. I have used a padded foot stool to add interest.

4. 
    
   Mantle Arrangement

   Mantle Arrangement
   Use candlesticks you already have and change out the candles. I have chosen a pair of Cinnamon Candles from Hobby Lobby. They smell wonderful and look great right through the season. I may use them through Christmas by adding gold bows to give them a bit of holiday glitter.
   I have a favorite pumpkin I always bring out that says simply, Give Thanks.

5. 
    
   Give Thanks

   It is easy to bring a bit of fall color into your home during the season. Find pieces that bring you joy and get them in place early so you have the most time with them in your home. My favorite is the pumpkin.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the wreath on a door near your work area where you can get the fruit and glue gun together conveniently. Be careful not to get glue on the door.
• Use your imagination when adding the fruit. It will be beautiful.
• Remember that while you welcome others into your home, this is really just for you and your family.
• Be cautious when using the glue gun. You may find it awkward at first and it is easy to get a burn.
• Always put safety first.

Resources

• How To Have A Worry Free Halloween
• How To Start the Halloween Boo in Your Neighborhood
• Halloween Pages of a Different Color - Alternative Themes
• Scary Halloween Treats & Cool Halloween Monster Cookies
• Sandra Rone Mireles Author Page

[cookiesmagic]

on 11/28/2009 GREAT TIPS

[sanderdoe]

on 11/7/2009 Great tips to decorate for fall! It's my favorite time of year! 5* & R

[lando123]

on 11/7/2009 Very good ideas! I don't like how Halloween focuses on the negative aspects of life. Fall can be a happy season, too. Thanks for the article!

[jenng]

on 11/3/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Decorate for Fall Without Focusing on Halloween 5*

[kinderhook]

on 10/29/2009 Lovely photos of the decorations you've made! My favorite candle is cinnamon, & I use it year-round. I think I'll pick up things needed to make the front door wreath tomorrow. Thanks for the ideas! 5*