LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Simple steps to usher in the season


Adorn your front door with a vintage mirror and fall foliage. Photos Amanda Eck

I must admit that autumn is hands-down one of my favorite times of the year. The crisp cool air, leaves changing colors and evenings with the family gathered around the fire with hot chocolate, telling stories. Oh, who am I kidding? That last part never happens in my crazy household of three kiddos. It's more like throwing together a pot of mac 'n' cheese and scrambling to get homework done before basketball practice. But regardless of the chaos that swirls through my house I always make an effort to add touches of fall to my home. And yes, I probably should also admit that I am one of "those" neighbors who puts her fall wreath on the front door the first week that school starts. Today I thought I would share some of my DIY tips for adding some unique fall elements to your home.

The Front Door

Instead of going with the traditional fall wreath, why not hang a mirror with ribbon and some faux autumn branches or leaves? You could use a mirror at a thrift shop, like I did years ago, or you could even use an ornate picture frame without the mirror. Add some silk ribbon, tuck in a few sprigs of leaves and voila!

Other front door ideas: Instead of a round wreath why not opt for a square wreath covered in moss and wrapped in ribbon, or try adding a vintage tea cup or plate with an autumnal pattern.

The Interior

If you have a chest or console table in your entrance bring in some store bought pumpkins in various colors and sizes. Trader Joe's always has some unique pumpkins and gourds this time of year. I used one of my garden urns and added a large moss ball with faux bittersweet berries wrapped around the rim and a few grocery store pumpkins.

The Fireplace Mantel

Another spot you can add some fall touches is your fireplace mantel. Sometimes I like to keep it simple and just line my mantel with candles and tuck in a few white baby boo pumpkins. One year I decided to add a little glam. I purchased some ceramic white pumpkins and dipped the bottoms in gold paint. You can also do this with real pumpkins.

The Dining Table

My all time favorite place in the house to decorate is my dining room table. I enjoy entertaining and love coming up with creative table-scape ideas. Several years ago I was on a "paint all the things" kick, and decided to spray paint my pumpkins in the metallic colors of gold, and champagne. I took one of my plaid scarves and used it as a table runner. I then added a small tree limb I found in the back yard, scattered some leaves, and tucked in a few faux boxwood balls. You don't have to go out and buy things for your table. Just use what you have. Walk out to your backyard and cut down some twigs or branches.

One of my favorite table-scapes was when I lined up several shed deer antlers my brother had given me that he found in the woods on his acreage out in east Texas, and tucked in some Spanish moss and faux succulents I found at Hobby Lobby. I added some mini boo pumpkins and used my vintage glassware.

I hope these ideas inspired you to try and add a little touch of fall to your home. It does not need to be a lot, just a few touches here and there to usher in the season.

Until next time sweet friends!