Top Five Fall Must-Haves

My fall decor moolah has got to stretch like a cirque du soleil performer. I figure my decorations can’t just last through Halloween, but have to keep me going strong till Thanksgiving. And that is why I choose Autumn-y items over the uber-cute Jack-o-lantern. Being that this is the first full fall season that Jeremy and I get to decorate our house together, it was really important to not go overboard (which is very easy to do when you see all the spooky, scary and super stuff they have in EVERY store).

In order to get the most out of each last dollar, I first did my research. I gathered tons of magazines from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Target, etc. to identify the trends and traditions in Autumn decor. After categorizing the items that would be fabulous to adorn my house from September through November, I felt well-equipped when I went shopping. Granted, it is quite hard to resist those blow-up dancing turkeys when they look so fun in the store, but since I had a list and a dream, I knew I could pass on the tacky and go straight to the I-will-love-this-item-for-years-to-come.

And now this info gets to be shared with you…my lovely ten readers (YES, I AM IN DOUBLE DIGITS!!) It’s almost like I should have an acceptance speech. oh, really? you would like to hear that? ok! I would like to thank my brother for giving me a sense of humor by relentlessly tormenting me through middle school. I would like to thank Freckles Chick for putting me on her blog roll…I knew I reached the epitome of cool when I saw it happen. A big shoutout to my orthodontist, my eye doctor and my hairstylist in 7th grade – without you, I wouldn’t be able to relate to the nerds in the movies. Thanks to the guy who dances in his car with me when I sit at the light on the way home – you really know how to do the hustle. And lastly my boyfriend, who listened to me ‘get my words in’ each night for the first eight months of our marriage (that was my pre-blog era) and never says no when I ask if my posts are funny (although sometimes I get a ‘you could do better’). I love you all. Kisses (no tongue) and Thank you.

Now back to the post – these are the FIVE Must-Haves for Fall:

Yes, you lil bumkin, go get your pumpkin on. This is not just for Halloween anymore – it extends into Harvest season with style. Limit the number of carved ‘kins you display after Oct 31st…unless you were coy enough to do fall-themed carvings – then display away. Also, be aware that different colored pumpkins are all the rage – red, white, gold all look fabulous on a table in November. Remember my white ones? I like to stay away from the clear versions cause it feels cluttered when I see the unmatching candies inside. And remember that buying real ones at your nearby church/school can help out a local farmer!

Acacia Pumpkin Trivet – Crate & Barrel $10
Pumpkin/Cinnamon Scented Pillar Candles – Crate & Barrel $6-9
Copper Pumpkins – Crate & Barrel $16-20

Berries are hot hot hot! Go traditional with a wreath, subtle with a few berry accents, or interpretive with a raspberry colored quilt – either way, your home will thank you for the extra punch of color and the warmth during the cold season. Bonus points for this fall fad as it carries right into the Christmas decor. Personally, I dig a smattering of berries around a glowing candle centerpiece.

Red Berries Dinnerware 16pc set – Bed Bath & Beyond $80
Better Homes and Gardens Nestor Coverlet Set – Walmart $65-75
Berry Wreath – Pier 1 $35

The best things in life are free. And baby, it doesn’t get any free-er than leaves. Sure you could spend a pretty penny on the leaf-inspired decor items above but if you prefer to spend closer to the zero dollar amount, go to your friendly near-by branch and borrow some nature. Frame a pretty copper colored leaf for instant autumn art. Hot glue a variety of evergreen leaves to a styrofoam ball for a home-made topiary. Heck – tuck some golden hued leaves in a tray under a piece of glass or plexi for a instant fall infusion.

Leaves Pillow in gray – Target $17
Flocked Leaf Place Mats set of 6 – Pottery Barn $70
Margo Leaf Plate – Crate & Barrel $9

Turkeys aren’t just for the birds anymore. These feathered friends will add some wildlife to your home interior without that whole nasty avian flu problem. Plus I hear that ceramic turkeys won’t bite. I am really dig
gin the spreaders…it is sometimes the littlest accessories that will transform your plain-jane white dinnerware into a chic monochromatic harvest table setting.