Fall Decorating Ideas: Repurpose, Re-Use and Add a Little New

by Randi Destefano

I love getting ready for fall! I love the colors, the textures, and the aromas of fall. But with summer in the South lasting through September, it’s hard to think about warm and cozy when it’s still hot outside.

And that’s when planning a party pushes the “get going” button! Have you ever noticed how fast an idea is implemented when you’ve got company coming?

For some of us it’s a graduation, a wedding, or a holiday. For others it’s overnight guests or a dinner party. Whatever it is that motivates you, waiting until a few days before, adds a little pressure…and a jolt of adrenaline… to get it done.

But when you wait till “almost the last minute”, the first thing on the list is to shop your closets, pantries, and attic to see if there’s anything around that can be re-purposed and re-used for the occasion.

It’s amazing to see what fall decorating ideas you come up with when you really try!

I call him “Pumpkin Man”!  A favorite purchase from a friend’s craft show many years ago.

I love the salt box house painted on this pumpkin!  The saying that goes along with it is about having peace in your home.  Sometimes it graces our foyer, but this year it’s nestled nicely in the twig chair from the flea market.

Step 2 is to look through magazines and online sources to find decorating ideas that will  get your creativity flowing.

I love that everyday items were used for most of these vignettes.  Hmmm….it might be time to do even more digging around the house for unique display pieces!

Step 3 is for list making. When you have your ideas, and everything spread out in front of you, it’s easy to see what you might need to make it all come together.

Sometimes a walk in the woods is all you need to create the perfect fall decorations. Other times, a trip to the craft store or grocery store will help with the fill-in items to make it special.

Using candy corn to fill the bottom of a vase and placing a candle on top is a quick and easy tip. And, of course, making a trip to purchase orange pumpkins, heirloom pumpkins, and gourds is a must.

I couldn’t resist this beautiful display of heirloom tomatoes! They weren’t on my list, but I soon filled a bag of beauties. Since I’ve planned caprese for dinner, these will be displayed in the center of the tray…just because!

My finished front porch decorations are ready to greet our guests.  But who knows….I still have a few more hours to make some last minute changes.  Maybe a bale of hay and some mums will really help to Get Ready For Fall!!!! What fall decorating ideas do you have?