Fall Décor Inspiration (because you’re staying home whether you want to or not)
I’d like to say we should just skip to the end of this year and pretend it never happened, but then we’re just in 2021 and dealing with second surges, a new eyeglass prescription from all the Zoom time we’re clocking and wondering why Belly Laugh Day doesn’t have a better name...or why it exists at all.
So here’s my proposal, let’s just lean into the damn season and get into fall decorating to lift our spirits. You could go all out like that McSweeney’s essay that won’t die (nor should it), or we could hit in the middle here with some impactful yet simple approaches that will have you feeling all pumpkin spicey but give you plenty of time to cozy up on your sofa where you belong.
Simon Pearce vase pictured is no longer available. Try this similar style.
Let’s start by bringing the outdoors in.
Branches, leaves, greenery- all of these are foolproof ways of bringing that feeling of a cool nip in the air indoors. In general, I love greenery all over the house, but if you’re new to the live greenery game then choose 2-3 areas for maximum impact. I would suggest the living room, dining room and bathroom.
Step 1: Start with a medium or large sized vase.
Here are some of my fall favorites:
Farmhouse Pottery Beehive Crock – Medium $165
Step 2: Add fall greenery of any kind.
The best part of using greenery is its very forgiving nature. It doesn’t have to be cut just right, so play with it a little and don’t pursue perfection. I used greenery from my local grocery stores (Metropolitan Market and QFC if you’re in or around Seattle), and these arrangements will last 2-3 weeks!
Step 3: Choose a focal point for your other decor. Choosing a focal point is key for impact and reducing fall decorating stress, so choose a spot (a fireplace, console table, dining room sideboard, etc) and focus your energy there. I chose my fireplace as it’s the heart of the living room, can be seen from the dining room and is also visible from the front hall. When I’m curled up on my sofa bingeing Netflix or reading to my kids, it’s nice to glance over and think “Oh hi, fall!”
Here are the elements I used:
Real pumpkins (I love a mix of colors)
Ghost garland (I bought mine at Home Goods, but here’s a cute alternative)
Variety of small vases/bowls/objects (the clear bowl is Simon Pearce and no longer available, but here’s an alternative, the green vase is IKEA and the wood piece is a vintage glass blowing form)
Large vases
- Crate & Barrel Poe Large Amber Glass Vase $49.95
- Bright Ceramicist Ceramic Bottle Vase in Shell Grey $60
Faux Eucalyptus branch - similar
What to do when fall is over?
Once the winter holidays come around, it’s an easy switch to a different garland, a couple of potted amaryllis/poinsettia/tiny live Christmas tree to replace the pumpkins and some pretty cedar branches in the wider vase. It’s a great formula, and I’m excited for a low stress swap come the day after Thanksgiving.
How are you feeling about the upcoming holidays?
More excited than last year? Dreading everything about them? Somewhere in the middle? Leave your thoughts below!
