So we’ve made it! The hottest summer I can remember is over. Can you believe 20% percent of our weather this year has been over 100 degrees? As bad as it was, it sure makes these cooler temperatures all the sweeter. And now we can all rejoice as we break out our pumpkins, straighten up our scarecrows, and work those corn husks into our homes. If you did your homework from last month, then you already have a vision for the perfect fall décor. But if the craziness of back to school kept you busy, here is your ‘cheat sheet’ for creating a warm, festive home this autumn.

The Colors: No matter the color scheme, you can easily work a pop of fall into your home. Try adding orange, black, tan or even lime green. This can be done with a big bowl of mini- pumpkins placed on your dining or entry table. Or swap out your usual accent pillow or throw blanket for something with warmer tones.

The Smells: Fill your home with warm, comforting scents. Buy a few new candles and create an atmosphere with the aroma of spices, pumpkin and other yummy fall treats. It always surprises me how much the smell of a new candle can lift my spirits.

Focus on an Area: Whether you change out your mantle seasonally or like to dress up your buffet table, pick an area to work on. Replace your usual floral arrangement with mums and sunflowers. Fill cloches and containers with acorns or mini gourds. Include a new fall print like subway art or a cute photo of your kiddos at the pumpkin patch.

Pick a Craft: Even if you scoured the Internet for fall inspiration, all those ideas can be overwhelming. So take the pressure off yourself and pick just one. Whether it is a plastic pumpkin made funky with mod podge, scrapbook paper and ribbon or a three-dimensional pumpkin crafted from an old book— add one new handmade item to your fall décor this year. It’s a great way to keep save money and sometimes it just feels great to say, “ps- I made that!”

Looking for the perfect craft to try? How about a wreath? A festive wreath on the door sets the tone for your home during the holidays and is a great way show your neighborhood a bit of your style.

 

Crafty How To:

Rosette Burlap Wreath

 

Supplies Needed:

- straw wreath

- 1 yard of burlap

- ribbon

- fabric scraps

- jute twine

- lots of hot glue

 

First, cut your burlap in 4-inch strips. Then wrap it around your straw wreath, hot gluing as needed to keep it secure. My burlap was actually the remnants from a coffee bag. I liked the bits of turquoise that peeked through.

Next, use your fabric scraps to create flowers. I made rolled rosettes using hot glue and twisting the fabric around in a swirl. There are lots of tutorials on the Internet that can show you various ways to create fabric flowers.

Finally, I glued the flowers to one side of the wreath. I added a few buttons for visual interest and then wrapped the jute twine to create texture. I looped the ribbon around the top and tied a knot.

I really like this wreath because of all the bright colors. I think it will look adorable on the front porch with a few pumpkins nested among our lime green sweet potato vine. And best of all, if I get too busy I could really stop there. Of course we all want our fall décor to look something out of the pages of “Better Homes and Gardens”. But if time, budget and energy just don’t cooperate–a great wreath and a few pumpkins is the perfect way to say “It’s finally fall!”