I shooed out all the orange for neutral fall colors this year. I went for everything that is wood and white and natural. There’s something simple and calming about it. Because it is subtle, I don’t think I’ll have a problem leaving it up until Thanksgiving.
I’ll show you all the details and then how I repurposed what I already had and a few more DIY projects — like the acorn garland, thankful pillow and $10 sign.
Entry way
I did another little fall vignette over in the entryway. I’m feeling the neutrals this year, but I couldn’t pass by these mustard yellow billy balls on sale at Hobby Lobby!
(By the way, this dresser and art look to dinky in this spot. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do about it yet. Maybe moulding?)
DIY
The only fall things I bought this year were the cotton stems and yellow stems. Everything else was either DIY, painted white or from years past. Here’s how I decorate for fall on the cheap:
Placemat pillow
I’m going to keep talking about placemat pillow until somebody cares, haha! Five dollars and 10 minutes will get you your very own placemat pillow. Get the simple tutorial here.
DIY acorn garland
Gather acorns from the yard and simply knot twine around them. I hung mine on the top of my sign. You could string them along a window or run them down the table.
$10 sign
I made this sign on the super cheap and it makes a great, simple backdrop for any holiday decor. You can find out more info here.
Painting pumpkins
Last year I painted all my orange and black pumpkins! I tried a few different paints, but good ol’ spray paint was the way to go for the bold and dark colors.
Just remove the stems and spray. If you want a more realistic look, you could add some acrylic on top in darker tones.
I love saving money by repurposing what I already have!
Painting old decorations
And finally, as I wasn’t feeling into orange this year, I also painted these stems white. I put them in dollar store vases running down the table for a cheap centerpiece. I like that they can work for Christmas too.
I think most bloggers are supposed to have their fall decor up by now, but it’s so hot in Florida I haven’t really been in the mood! I’m loving it now though! When do you start decorating for fall? Or do you?
One of these days, I’m actually going to make a placemat pillow. I’m always attracted to the lovely placemats, but I don’t particularly like using them on my table, so I never buy them. I do LOVE pillows, though. I actually had one of my senior portraits taken with all my pillows. :)
I keep talking about placemat pillows but it never really catches on, haha! That’s awesome that you had a senior picture taken with pillows! I love them too, but my kids throw them all on the floor :(
Your decorations look festive and cozy.
Perhaps try hanging the art in the Entryway rather than leaning?
Thanks, Anne! I would hang it buuuuuut I’m a commitaphobe, haha! I’m just not sure what should be here :)
You are such a frugal decorating genius! I love the place mat pillow. I hate sewing and am not a big DIYer, but that feels doable and such a fun, inexpensive way to get some new decor.
The pinecone garland is so fun too!
Wow, thanks, Lydia! That means so much coming from you. I love placemat pillows! I keep talking about them but they’ve never caught on, haha! They’re so easy.
Hi Kate – Love the pillow and the honey color matches the chair perfectly! The wooden leaves are so lovely, and I discovered your Steamer Trunk under the table. The colors match beautifully. The Trunk gives me the impression it is ready for another long overdue trip! Glad you did not change or painted it like so many of us suggested …. Sometimes you just have to follow your own instincts. Glad to see you are enjoying your home and sharing your ideas. Cheerio
Thanks, Elize! Yes, that trunk! I didn’t do anything to it, including my own ideas, haha! And so it sits. But I like it :) It’s kind of funny decorating for fall when it’s so hot here, but it makes the kids and I festive and happy. Not sure Marcello even notices, ha!!
Where did you get your yellow stems?
Hobby Lobby :)
Beautiful. I enjoyed your blog. Did you paint the patterns in white on your wood vases? So clever.
I didn’t! I wish I could take credit for those fun designs! Thanks so much for reading :)