The family is coming, the family is coming!
Ever feel like that scared little anxious chick in the story every time fall rolls around?
Everything on your to do list automatically becomes high priority because you didn’t finish painting that wall, recovering the chair or even replacing that one light bulb over the summer.
Where did the time go? How will your home be Pinterest worthy by the holidays?!
Refreshing your home decor for fall and the holidays can be a relatively painless weekend project with these simple tips:
#1 – Switch Out Pillows
If you have a relatively neutral furniture base this is pretty straight forward. You can add seasonal colored throws and pillows to get your home in the holiday spirit.
If you have a bolder color palette, then add textured pillows in a muted color that lends a nod to the season.
For a more sophisticated look, try to create the feeling of the holiday rather than the obvious turkey pillow or Christmas tree throw. Think haystack tan and rust with gold flecks or red and black plaid with multi colored tassels.
#2 – Update Drapes
Fifty years ago this would have been a luxury for the very rich. They would have heavy custom drapes brought in and so fourth. Nowadays most of us have more casual window coverings.
You can add a bold splash of color for Christmas like red and white stripes or some warm burlap with fringe for Thanksgiving relatively inexpensively.
#3 – Change Your Rug
It may not be practical to replace all of the rugs in your home, but a well placed entry rug, kitchen rug or dining room rug can change the whole look of a room.
And it doesn’t have to be an expensive variety. Target, Overstock or Homegoods are places where you can find rugs for less than $200 — and it will last years since you only use it a few months out of the year.
#4 – Let There Be Light
The fastest way to create a mood in a room is light!
Add candles throughout your space. Scented will add an unseen layer of festivity.
Lamps, or low lights, are also very important. You can even spruce up existing lamps with shade covers, or switch out the shade all together.
Use lamps in your every day decorating and you will feel the drama.
#5 – Fragrance
Whether you’re a candle or plug-in type, flowers or pine cones, infusing scent into your home will make your visitors feel welcome at first breath.
Melted warmers are a favorite of mine as they add a little light and light fragrance. They are available at Target, H-E-B and Bath & Bodyworks.
#6 – Have Fun with Colors & Textures
I like to decorate more for fall than Halloween, that way my designs can stay up through Thanksgiving. Use warm unexpected autumn colors like plum, berry, copper and mocha.
Christmas is fun to play with a twist on traditional colors such as mint and pink or aqua and white. Adding metallics to any season will give you that high glam look.
#7 – Tablescapes
You don’t have to go crazy, but it is fun to use unexpected items to make your spread more interesting!
Turn that cake plate upside down, many of the stands are hollow creating a bowl for dips. And if there is a rim you can add food to the surrounding plate.
For a fun and functional table, use brown rolled paper that you would find at the hardware store, as your table covering. You can write where each guest sits and even put fall colored markers in a jar so others can join in the fun while waiting for dinner.
Use random cylinder vases or glasses and fill them with water and raw cranberries. Add a tea light (they will float) for a little mood lighting.
To add even more drama, bring the outdoors in by finding a large yet slender shaped branch. Paint it with metallic spray paint and use in your centerpiece with your candles. Create a cohesive look with like colors and unexpected textures.
You don’t have to have a Pinterest centerpiece to make your home feel homey for the holidays. Little touches here and there make the overall look feel warm and welcoming with or without the stacked pumpkins on the doorstep or the decadent cornucopia of fabulousness on your dining room table.
Don’t let the holidays haunt you. Get on out there and spruce it up!
What’s your favorite home decor for fall tip? Share it with us on Facebook.
