How can it already be almost Fall? My other job is that of a full-time teacher and I look forward to the season change with the anticipation of the start of a new school year. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the trips to cider mills and pumpkin patches. I also love to decorate for fall.
I believe that decorating does not mean you have to go out and buy all new stuff. I am really not a fan of new things. I love old and found objects and prefer to use what I have. I love to salvage, repurpose, and create. Here are my top five Fall must-haves.
#5 Chalkboards
Back-to-School means the first days of school photo shoots. What a great way to keep track of how much your kids have changed in just one year. Instead of using a printable, I use a chalkboard to help to remind me of the grade and year for all my daughter’s photos. Chalkboards can be made from anything. I like to use old kitchen cupboard doors turned into chalkboards. I have even made a chalkboard from the back of an old chair. To make any surface into a chalkboard just apply DIY Paint (in any color - I prefer Little Black Dress or Old School) and you have an instant chalkboard. (Want to learn how? Watch my YouTube Video - How to Make a Chalkboard with DIY Paint. If you don’t have time to make your own I also sell a variety in my booth at Plaza Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Lincoln Park, MI
Salvaged kitchen cupboard doors for sale in my booth. They make great chalkboards and trays.
#4 Pumpkins
What is Fall without pumpkins? I love to go to pumpkin patches and farmer's markets and pick out a whole bunch of real pumpkins in all sizes and colors. I also love to paint artificial pumpkins with DIY Paint. When you use DIY Paint you can create any color pumpkin you want. And because DIY Paint is all-natural and has no VOC’s your kids can even help you. Want to find out more? Read my blog post - Why I Love DIY Paint.
And probably not surprising, but my favorite pumpkins I have created from found objects. I have used scrap wood and even old oil cans. My oil can pumpkin is my favorite. I found a pin on Pinterest last year where someone actually cut into an old oil can into a jack-o-lantern with welding equipment and was inspired to create my own with paint.
Every year I also create “Junkins”, which are Jack-o-lanterns I make from junk I collect throughout the year.
#3 Wood
Natural wood seems to be more popular than ever and Fall is the perfect time to show it off. Besides all wood furniture & furniture with wood tops, I love to also use lots of wooden bowls. You can fill them or group them and have an instant touch of Fall. I also think that no home is complete when the weather turns colder without a bowl filled with nuts and a nutcracker.
Crinoline DIY Paint with Dark & Decrepit stained top
Vintage Linen DIY Paint with Dark & Decrepit stained top
Fancy Farm Girl DIY Paint with Dark & Decrepit Stained Top
#2 Vintage Throws & Thermos
Fall means football games and trips to the cider mill. It also means the weather will start to turn colder and what starts out as a nice warm day can get downright chilly. I love to keep a vintage wool throw or afghan with me in my car and at home just in case I need it. It is so nice to cuddle up on the couch on a cold morning. A vintage thermos is also great to have - not only to look pretty but to keep you warm. Fill the thermos with coffee, hot cider or hot chocolate and you are set to go on a Fall color tour, apple picking or sporting event. The combination also makes a great fall gift idea. I always try to keep a variety of both in stock in my booth (and home) at Plaza Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Lincoln Park, MI.
#1 Orange
My last decor must-haves is a no brainer - orange. I think orange just equals fall. You see it everywhere - orange leaves, orange pumpkins. Find anything orange and pop it into your display and you have Fall decor. Some of my favorite orange items are fresh pumpkins, hand-painted signs, carnival glass, and orange painted picture frames. My favorite orange paint right now is Summer Crush from DIY Paint. It is a little more subtle orange and the perfect complement to Fall.
(DIY Paint Summer Crush. Picture courtesy of DIY Paint)
These are just a few of my must-have for Fall, but I would love to hear what you think is essential to decorate for fall at your house.
Happy Fall! Happy Decorating!