Are you finding yourself in a rut, always using the same décor, and carving your pumpkins the same way every fall?  Fear not, there are a lot of fun and stylish trends this year that will price up your home, getting you back into the fall mood!

 

Fun with the Kids

Pumpkins!  There are so many different ways you can have fun decorating with pumpkins for the whole family!

·        Carving – The old classic.  If your kids are all old enough to enjoy carving without the safety risks, this is always guaranteed to be a memorable time!  Whether you’re carving a classic jack-o-lantern or the kids’ favorite characters, there are carving kits for everything. 

·        Paint – This is safe for older kids AND toddlers.  When painting a pumpkin, the possibilities are endless.  From finger painting to sponges, you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands in no time.  For added fun, consider including sparkles and stickers!

·        Buy plain pumpkin trick-or-treating baskets and let the kids decorate them to accentuate their costumes.

·        Turn the pumpkin into something else!  Get all of the craft supplies out and let the kids use their imaginations.  For example:

·        Wrap a smaller pumpkin in toilet paper and give him button eyes – a mummy! 

·        Use black felt to construct a witch hat and give her a spooky face with markers.

·        Make an eye patch and hat for a pumpkin pirate.

·        Paint the pumpkin green and use markers to make a monster face.

·        Stack pumpkins on top of one another and make a Halloween snowman!

Other fun decoration ideas for the kids!

·        Paper ring garlands – all this requires is Halloween/fall-colored construction paper, scissors, and tape.   Cut the paper into strips and make rings interlocking with one another.  A great addition to the playroom!

·        Popsicle stick spider webs – glue three popsicle sticks together to look like an asterisk (have the kids paint them first or after their glued!).  Then, have them wrap their favorite color yarn around each stick until they are covered (start and end by tying the yarn to a stick).  Once the web is done, they can glue plastic spiders all around the web and place their webs around your home!

·        Turn their favorite stuffed animals into ghosts – Grab old pillowcases and help them cut them down to size.  Then cut holes for their faces and, before you know It, their bedroom will be full of teddy bear ghosts!

 

Add Style to your Existing Seasonal Décor

One of the best things you can do if you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, while still getting that warm fall feeling out of your décor, is to look beyond the specific holiday section.  Especially for fall, there are so many décor concepts that you can incorporate, without going pumpkin crazy!

·        Planters and Baskets – Planters can be used for many functions within your home, while also adding a warm “harvest” feeling.  You can use them for your favorite flowers and stems but they also look great on their own!  Terra-Cotta planters are great for every season and do wonders when paired with fall décor and colors on your bookshelves and built-ins!  As far as baskets are concerned, neutral woven baskets are a terrific compliment for all of your throws and pillows.  Wall baskets are also perfect for this time of year. 

·        Stems – Stems are ideal for fall and the options are endless.  From dried wheat stems to faux stems full of warm colors, they add the perfect touch to your living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.  Whether you’re looking for a simple, single stem or a full vase, you won’t be disappointed with the outcome!

·        Throws – Summers get hot in the Lowcountry but now that fall has arrived it’s time to switch out the throw blankets.  Start by thinking about what materials best suit the season.  For fall, try out wools, flannels, and thicker linen materials.  Then it’s time to think about patterns.  Solids add a simple, classy touch and plaids are always an added bonus to the full fall theme. 

·        Neutral and warm materials – are you looking for a subtle way to emphasize your décor?  Think about accessorizing around it with neutrals tones and materials.  Natural wood, bronze metals, and wicker often add the perfect (but not over-emphasized) touch to a sophisticated fall look. 

 

Don’t Forget the Festive Curb Appeal!

This is one of the most fun parts of decorating for fall, especially in a time when you might not be entertaining guests inside as often as you’d like.  Here are a couple of ideas to guarantee quality curb appeal.

·        Lanterns.  What makes lanterns so wonderful is that they are classic and are a perfect nod to every season and holiday.  For fall, dress your outdoor lanterns up by adding various sized pumpkins and a thick, neutral, bow.  If the pumpkins are too simple for your taste, add natural items such as pinecones, leaves, and faux stems.  Place your fall lantern on the front porch under a sconce or next to your rocking chair for the perfect autumn vibe!

·        Cornstalks.  These are often forgotten about but are perfect for both the front porch or placed around the light post in the front of your yard.

·        Pumpkins and mums make for wonderful additions to both your front porch and around the focal point of your yard.  For an extra festive touch, put your potted mum in a straw pot.

·        Lighting!  There is something about the lighting that makes fall come full circle.  If you put out outside décor, make sure to accentuate it all at night by adding a simple spotlight on it.  

 

Whether you are looking to go all out with the kids or stick to the subtle accents, enjoy the best that fall has to offer!

 

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