I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that summer is coming to a close and fall is upon us. It’s definitely my most favorite season of the year but it always feels so bittersweet to say “so long for now” to our warm days, fresh flowers from my garden and the slower pace of our family life.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that the best way for me to transition my home into the next season is to ease into it. By starting at the beginning of September and just switching out a few things here and there, it makes the process much more enjoyable and it feels like less of a shock to the system.
As I’ve written about before, keeping my seasonal decor as simple as possible also helps me to focus more on the beauty outside my windows and have more time to just enjoy it all before winter is upon us.
So, here are five areas to focus on and some easy ways to transition them to Autumn.
- Entry: The recipe for an entry table is very simple. A lamp on one side, a pot/urn/basket with some greenery or branches and combination of smaller, decorative items. Place something on a stack of books to elevate. Every year I do some kind of variation of this recipe and it never fails! And, if you want to go an extra step, print out some fall images to put in frames for subtle seasonal impact.
2. Fireplace Mantel: Of course, you can go crazy and add as much seasonal decor as you want to any surface. But, if you like to keep things on the simpler side, my recipe for mantels is similar to the one for an entry table. Keep things balanced with taller items on the outside but make sure one side is softened by using an urn or vase with flowers, branches, etc. Candleholders are a great option for the other side and then you can fill in with pumpkins or gourds for an extra seasonal touch. You can even add in a smaller mirror or framed painting for a more layered look.
3. Table Centerpiece: I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to sacrifice functionality to have a beautiful home. So when it comes to centerpieces, I try to keep them styled in such a way that I don’t have to move them around when it comes time to actually sit down for a meal. The best way to do this is to use a basket or tray in the center of your table and fill it with decorative items that reflect the season. And don’t forget a candle for warmth and ambiance!
4. Kitchen: I always try to keep the surfaces of my kitchen as uncluttered as possible so when it comes to bringing in seasonal touches I simply add them to my existing decor. Fresh flowers in a pitcher are replaced with wheat and cinnamon sticks. Apples or pumpkins are piled onto my fruit tray and the urn behind the sink gets some autumn branches tucked inside. And, a little something will be added to my island only for the sake of getting a good photo before it’s whisked away to another location so I can keep that area completely open. 😉
5. Coffee Table: While I’ve always loved the look of a coffee table filled with stacks of books and treasured finds, the reality is that we like to actually use our coffee table. Feet are rested on top, mugs are placed on coasters and it would be a pain to constantly move items in order to make room for our everyday activities. So, I finally learned that the best solution was to use a basket tray. Inside I have a stack of books (my favorite Spurgeon devotional is on top and waiting for me each morning), a glass candleholder with a battery operated candle set to turn on every evening and some kind of potted plant or fresh flowers.
If you don’t need as much open space on your coffee table, you could take a different approach and do something similar to what I’ve done in our living room which doesn’t get used as much as the one in our family room. A grouping of decorative items fill up the surface without overpowering it and still leave room for placing a mug or resting your feet.
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him. In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8
Much love to you friends,
Nice surprise to At the Picket Fence in my email this morning and here in the Willamette Valley it’s certainly giving a taste of Fall the last couple of days. Not ready for the heavy rains to begin but nothing to do but roll with it. I need a little more seasonal decor to brighten the coming gray days and pulling it from tubs is much like seeing old friends. Enjoyed seeing your nod to Fall. Thanks.
One of the loveliest, subtle and appealing posts I’ve seen this season on fall decor! I want to copy each one. Beautifully done!
What stunning, and simply beautiful autumn decor inspiration, Vanessa. Every picture is pinworthy, Your home is so beautiful, as is your spirit.
May you be blessed with harmony and joy – and good health- this season and beyond.
PS: I wish I could enter your generous giveaway, but I know myself well with my addictive personality to ever open up a FB or Insta account, I’d have no “real life” back if I did it, so I stay with reading my dav blogs (yours has been for years, back when it was the sisters doing so together) and my phone games and internet browsing. As it is I am in front of back-lit screens entirely too much. So, I am sad I cannot join, but
wanted to wish you a happy autumn season.