Easy, Affordable Fall Decorating Ideas

Where can you get some inspiration for fall decorating? Look outside! All the colors and textures virtually beg to be used in ways that warm up your indoor and outdoor décor. Take advantage of natural elements to set the stage for fall. Adding an instant autumn touch can be as simple as filling a basket with pine cones, tying ribbon around a single pine cone or tying a small bunch of twigs together with ribbon in warm, fall colors.

Try some of these ideas to welcome the changing season:

Distinctive decorations
You will probably begin to see various autumn wreaths on or in other people's homes. Wreaths are the perfect way to add natural elements and embrace autumn. However, instead of making a classic wreath, try something new and unique.

Who says wreaths have to be round? Instead of purchasing a typical wreath form, simply remove the glass from an old picture frame and use it in place of a wreath form. Wrap with vines, twigs, real or silk leaves, flowers, ribbon… whatever you desire.

A square or rectangular wreath will give your fall decorating a contemporary, distinctive edge. Hang your creations on interior or exterior doors or walls, or use one on a table as a foundation for a centerpiece when entertaining.

Effortless elegance
Place a dee- red votive candle inside a snifter or wineglass. Surround the candle with cranberries. Another option is to use a chocolate- or caramel-colored candle and fill the glass with an assortment of nuts. Use one or many. Try alternating with taper candles in a coordinating color, using clear glass or crystal candleholders or filling a clear vase with pinecones, nuts or berries and surrounding it with the glasses.

Sew simple
To change the look of chairs in your kitchen or dining room, make slipcovers for the chair backs. In most cases, it is as simple as sewing straight lines or applying iron-on seam tape. The basic structure is similar to a pillowcase and your fabric choices are nearly endless.

For a fun, informal look, mix and match chair covers. You can often find tapestry vests at a thrift store that can be made into chair covers that have great texture and rich color. Make a tapestry runner or a mat for the center of the table.

Autumn artwork
Replace your existing artwork with pieces that say autumn. Framed photos of the changing landscape work well. You can often find table runners made from luxurious fabrics (they are still affordable since they do not require much fabric to make) and they can be made into terrific wall hangings. Use alone, or use as a background for a vertical grouping of botanical prints, pressed flowers, autumn photos or existing artwork.