How formal are you when it comes to fall decorating? I’m more of a “decorate” person than a “design” person. I arrange, adjust, and arrange some more until I achieve a look I like. I try not to do the same thing twice two years in a row, unless it’s just something I adore (the same is true for Christmas and other holidays).
I have heard of people that create a specific design, and stick to it year after year, even taking photos of the completed design to store with the decorations. That way, the next year, they can decorate without a thing out of place. I actually know a couple of women who do that.
Bleh! That’s way too boring for me. It looks nice, and they should of course do as they please, but that would take all the fun out of it for me. I like not knowing what the overall décor is going to look like until I’m done. I like to use old things in new ways, or add a few new items to liven things up.
What do you think? Do you design, or do you just go for it?
With all of this in mind, I began trying to come up with some new ideas for this year. How about straw mats or some burlap to anchor centerpieces or tabletoppers? Maybe even a burlap tablecloth with a runner in warm colors.
Picking up on Mary Ann’s Pretty Plates idea, I thought pretty leaves or grasses placed beneath clear glass candle plates or decorative bowls so the leaves show through would be pretty too.
Instead of just placing a pot of mums on a table, place the pot inside a pretty basket first. Try wrapping a glass candleholder (clear or colored) with vines or rough string. Leave it loose enough to add leaves, berries, and twigs, behind the string and arrange for a rustic look.
The best part is these ideas work for Halloween or Harvest and straight through to Thanksgiving. Add a few pumpkins and some other Halloween touches and simply remove the Halloween specific elements November 1 to gear the look toward Thanksgiving.
Seasonal Decorating: The Backdrop
Contemporary Fall Wreath Ideas
Tips for Use and Care of Leaves for your Décor