Happy Fall Decorating!
I love the fall… from the crisp weather and changing leaves, to the excuse to pull out my favorite wool sweaters and boots. It’s also the start of party season, which means decorating for the upcoming holidays. I am drawn to rustic, nature-inspired decorations around Halloween and Thanksgiving, like gourds, wreaths, and white candles. And of course I love the subtle, yet rich look of hand painted Italian ceramics. The deep red and gold glazes are perfect for holiday entertaining. Here are some more style ideas for the fall…
Autumn motifs often include harvest foods (like gourds, corn, and berries), leaves, pine cones, and nuts. I’ve seen these in everything from door wreaths to window decorations and table centerpieces. Pumpkin-shaped bowls and other accessories come out as well as ceramic roosters, chickens and turkeys. I enjoy adding small seasonal touches to the table, like a charming set of rooster salt and pepper shakers. They also make great hostess gifts this time of year!
Inside the home, you have lots of decorating options, depending on how crafty you want to get and how much of a statement you want to make. I found a few fun ideas on Kevin Sharkley’s Home Design Blog: Wrap votive holders in dried corn husks to make for a elegant accent on the table or elsewhere. I loved this lamp which is made from a giant gourd! Along the same line of decorating with a sense of humor is this fun blue and white ceramic rooster. While not meant to be seasonal, it makes an especially strong statement this time of year.
For exterior decorating, a wreath made of cornhusks, dried leaves, or fresh bittersweet makes a great statement. These can stay up longer than something that’s obviously just for Halloween or Christmas. Also, fill your planters with potted mums or pansies to add color to your porch or patio in the cold months ahead. I’m a sucker for the simple beauty of potted Paper White bulbs.
The warm tones of fall colors (red, amber, gold, and orange) bring an instant festiveness to the kitchen and dining room. When it comes to table settings, Italian ceramic roosters are perfect, both in motif and color. From serving bowls, plates and mugs, to rooster salt and pepper shakers, these seasonal decorations are the perfect touch for a fall table. I love using this ceramic rooster pitcher to serve water or display fresh flowers. Leaf trivets, napkins, and a special table cloth are other ways to bring the season into your home.
Whether you like big statement pieces or subtle touches around the home, here’s to enjoying fall and its bounty of decorating possibilities.
