Five Inexpensive Fall Decorating Ideas

Ah, the signs of autumn: the weather begins to cool, the days become shorter, and the kids are back in school. As people prepare for the changing season by changing their wardrobes, some also prepare by decorating their homes. Some choose to decorate for specific holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, but it is easy and rewarding to decorate in the early fall to last through to the Christmas season. Also, when cost is a consideration, decorating for autumn rather than for specific holidays avoids having to purchase a lot of extras. Here are five inexpensive ways to decorate for fall, creating a home that is both festive and inviting.

1. Apple Votives

These charming little candle holders are both beautiful and functional. Simply cut, core, and scoop out just enough of an apple to fit a small tea candle in. These can also be done with mini-pumpkins.

2. Leaf Wall Art

This is a very inexpensive way to bring the outside in. simply choose fall foliage in bright colors of red, gold, russet, and orange. Flatten large leaves between books overnight, then place in frames as a grouping, in front of a white background for a stunning autumn look.

3. Welcome Wreath

A glue gun, an inexpensive thrift store wreath, and some autumn inspiration are all you need to create a fall wreath to welcome guests. Simply remove the decoration from a thrift store wreath, or purchase a plain wreath on sale from a place like Michaels Crafts, who offer 40% off coupons weekly. Then, hot glue acorns, fall leaves, pine cones and other natural remnants of fall in a decorative pattern.

4. Autumn Mantel

Another way to decorate inexpensively for fall is to remove decorations and photos from a mantel and replace it with a bowl of apples, a few mini-pumpkins, a fall leaf garland, some gourds, and other fall accessories abundant in nature. Adding a string of white mini-lights also yields stunning results.

5. Textiles

Fall decorating can be inexpensive if one shops for textiles at the end of the season (in preparation for the next), at dollar stores, or in secondhand stores. Autumn-themed hand towels, tablecloths, and throw rugs help create a festive autumn home that is dressed from September until December.

Remember, décor doesn't have to be holiday specific. One can create autumn décor by utilizing the colors of the season such as rust, deep red, rich cream, and deep gold. Deeper shades, heavier fabrics, and softer lighting all enhance autumn décor. Think about what decorations can be utilized or transformed into fall décor. For example, an inexpensive white pillar candle can be transformed into fall décor by tying a brown ribbon around the center and hot gluing acorns around the perimeter. Also tucking a small autumn leaf in the ribbon can add a festive touch (be careful when lighting though). Then, when specific holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving approach, only a couple of accessories will be needed. Have fun creating unique, creative, and inexpensive fall décor!