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With cooler weather comes changing colors, and our natural inclination to cozy up our homes for fall. Some of us can’t resist throwing warm blankets and extra pillows on sofas, while others might warm up their glue guns for marathon crafting sessions. And while it feels like every fall tablescape and vignette incorporates at least one obligatory pumpkin, it doesn’t have to be that way. Colors, textures, and yes, other fruits can still help you create the crisp, autumnal space you’re envisioning.
1. Hang a fall felt garland.
Life can definitely be messy, but joy is in the details—like this handmade felt-and-yarn leaf garland by the DIYers at A Beautiful Mess. Spend a little time cutting, stitching, and reveling in good old-fashioned fun!
2. Wrap a wreath in leather.
Seeking a more modern, minimal approach to fall decor? The Crafty Blog Stalker’s leather wreath conveys elegant autumn vibes. With four inexpensive elements and less than an hour of crafting time, your door will be the envy of the neighborhood.
3. Put produce in your floral arrangements.
Ease off the mini pumpkins, but continue to mix florals and fall produce. That’s the advice from Cupcakes and Cashmere blogger, Emily. Artichokes, pomegranates, persimmons, squash, and apples are not only good to eat, but can assume places of honor in your centerpiece.
4. Fashion a fall grapevine wreath.
Laura at Make Life Lovely, lives in California and has designed a long-lasting alternative to floral wreaths that features pinecones, acorns, berries and other natural elements. Usher fall in properly, even if you’re still in shorts when it rolls around!
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See It5. Layer beads and fronds as modern wall decor.
Who said wreaths must be round? Upend tradition and blend natural textures and foliage for stunning decoration, courtesy of Homey Oh My. With a few tricks and tools, wooden dowels and beads are transformed into wall art.
6. Slice and stencil some coasters.
Perhaps you fancy just a touch of fall in your living room. If so, handmade coasters are an easy and subtle way to add some seasonality to your home. Wood slices can be stenciled with anything from monogrammed initials to stag’s heads. Great as gifts too.
7. Hand-cut paper lanterns.
We love Lia Griffith’s paper cut-out lanterns. A paper cutting machine makes the job easier, but there are plenty of hand-cut out options, including leaf patterns and Halloween graveyard scenes.
8. Make a sign to welcome fall.
Is PSL season your jam and you’re not shy about it? Put the word out with this “Happy Fall” sign, designed by Kelli and Kristi at Lolly Jane. This simple project includes some staining, painting, and stencil printing—that’s it!
9. Create a cozy vignette.
Tell your own fall story by making a vignette—a grouping of objects that brings charm and coziness to any space. Above, A Night Owl‘s fresh, farmer’s market vignette, perfect for hutch, porch, or front stoop.
10. Dry and wrap wheat bouquets.
Simple is often best where crafting is concerned: Pretty DIY Home‘s tutorial explains how to properly dry wheat and wrap the stalks in twine for beautiful, elegant wheat bundles. Place them in vases or baskets and enjoy them all season long.
11. Give candle holders a fall twist.
Fall leaves and burlap get an update with Garden Therapy’s rustic candle holders. While these glowing votives would be beautiful inside, they are especially appropriate for an outdoor setting, like an early fall garden party.
12. Make a pom pom garland with the kids.
Fall is for making memories, the perfect time to embark on a craft that you can do with your kids. Lia Griffith has materials and instructions for these cozy pom pom garlands—all you have to do is set up a table and get crafting.
13. Build and decorate a rustic wheelbarrow.
Want to create some fun fall decor, but need guidance? The Home Depot offers free classes to help you improve your DIY skills while completing seasonal projects: See how Home Made by Carmona put the class to use, starting with a readymade wood crate.
14. Manifest longevity by assembling an acorn wreath.
In many cultures, acorns signal long life. Bring nature’s blessings to your home with an acorn wreath. It’s easy to create by following the how-to at Tried & True.
15. Spell out fall greetings.
Welcome the season—and family and friends—to your home with a playful fall garland. After deciding what you want the garland to spell out, follow A Beautiful Mess‘s helpful how-to.
16. Get the family talking over a lovely fall tablescape.
Get Thanksgiving conversations rolling with a Q&A dinner game that doubles as a tablescape: Cut leaves from paper, spraying one side with paint. Write fun, family-friendly conversation starters on the other side. With a little help from Home Made by Carmona‘s tutorial, you’ll never have to sit through awkward family small talk again.
17. Dress up your decor with gold leaf.
Fall’s beauty lies in nature’s changing hues, so why not incorporate red and gold leaves into your decorating scheme? The Modern Glam has an easy solution: Dress up dried fall leaves with gold or silver paint.
18. Make homemade candles.
Amp up fall’s cozy vibes by making homemade soy candles that you can use in your own home, or give as holiday gifts and party favors. Dans le Lakehouse blogger Tanya pours candles into a variety of vintage vessels, including tea cups and glass votive holders.
19. Create napkin rings fit for the season.
Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to break out the fine china and cloth napkins. Boost your table’s visual appeal with fall leaf napkin rings fashioned with craft wire and a few other materials. Cherished Bliss uses Apple Barrel’s acrylic paint set, but feel free to experiment with your own paints and materials.
20. Sew a seasonal appliqué.
Don’t bother buying expensive new seasonal decor. Instead, just spruce up old cushions with felt appliqués. Once you learn Lia Griffith‘s technique, you’ll want to celebrate every holiday and season with a “new” pillow.
21. Slice branches and boughs for a fall wreath.
This wood wreath idea from Twelve on Main will never wilt, and can last for years to come. Wood slices and burlap ribbon pair up for a natural look that makes even urban retreats a little bit country.
22. Bring mums inside.
Grouping potted mums by your home’s entry is an ever-so-easy way to give your curb appeal some autumnal flair, but why do so few of us bring the mum love outside? The Home Depot recommends using the blooms in individual bouquets at dinner guests’ place settings. Tie the mums together with sunflowers or zinnias, or keep it simple and artfully arrange a handful of mums in a glass jar.
23. Display gilded acorns.
If you fill a bowl with these gilded acorns, just make sure no one eats them! Make Life Lovely explains how easily metallic paint transforms these natural jewels.
24. Build a corny cake stand.
Bethany Sy reinvented the humble cake stand, and found a new purpose for dried Indian corn when she created this handmade home good. Reality Daydream explains how to turn Indian corn into a useful work of art.
25. Repurpose Mason jars into a centerpiece.
Put an autumnal twist on traditional Mason jars by copying Oh My! Creative‘s sweet centerpiece. Its colors and materials—burnt orange burlap, wheat stalks, and raffia—all signal fall.
26. Take 10 minutes to DIY a wicker wreath.
Ten minutes and a few materials is all you need to whip up a fall wreath. Get faux flowers and a wicker wreath, and follow the instructions at A Piece of Rainbow. No glue gun or wire required!
27. Group wicker balls in a bowl.
If crafting isn’t your thing and you’ve never seen the inside of a Michael’s, don’t give up hope—your place can still give fall vibes. Fill a pretty bowl with wicker balls for as a low-key fall centerpiece. Finish the arrangement—or not!—with dried pomegranates, poppy pods, or potpourri for a subtle, aromatic sign of the season.
28. Pop some corn…into a votive holder.
It doesn’t get any easier than this DIY popcorn candle holder, a project that only requires popcorn kernels, a glass candle holder, and a candle to pull off. No popcorn in the pantry? Try experimenting with dried kidney beans and split peas for other colors and textures—just don’t mix them together, warns DIY expert Shirley, who blogs at Intelligent Domestications.
29. Fill Out a Fall Planter
Do you have 30 minutes? Use your time to good effect and design a fall planter for your patio or entryway. A Piece of Rainbow‘s step-by-step instructions can help you create your own gorgeous botanical arrangement. Her pro tip? line big planters with plastic bottles or foam to keep them from weighing a ton.
30. Accessorize with orange and brown.
Here’s another easy decorating idea for non-crafters: Swap out your throw pillow covers for fall jewel tones, or toss an orange blanket over the sofa. Think beyond the couch, too: Fall-colored curtains, throw rugs, or towels can also make a big impact.