Autumn is far and away my favorite season, and if I must choose, Halloween my favorite holiday! That being said, I’ve always had a soft spot for those few weeks ahead of spooky season that ease us into full-blown fall and signal change is coming. That noticeably chillier air in the mornings, the first hints of changing leaves, afternoons that still feel like summer, the last few harvests from the garden… I’ve always tried to soak up these weeks in which we say our final farewells to summer and transition into a quieter, cozier chapter.
So, while I place no judgement on those who get a jump start on Halloween and decorate as soon as Labor Day, in my heart of hearts, I’ll always need a few solid weeks of a transition period. Little hints of autumn that bridge the gap between lemonade season and pumpkin latte season. September has always felt extra sweet to me for this reason (and not just because it’s my birthday month)!
I wanted to share some of the subtle ways in which I begin this slow transition into fall in terms of home décor. How I start bringing pops of autumn in and upping the cozy factor before going all out for Halloween come the first of October!
What I love about a more minimal take on fall décor in September is that it does double duty and can make a comeback in November. I don’t do any of the traditional Thanksgiving décor, but still like to keep things feeling fallish during that period between Halloween and Thanksgiving, so by keeping things simple, I can return things back to September settings rather quickly!
Here are some very simple ways to transition your home into autumn with just a few key pieces.
Get in the spirit with some neutral fall wreaths. Think wheat, branches, and dried flowers. With things staying so green outside through September, I don’t usually swap out my summery front door wreath until later in the month, but love placing more neutral wreaths around inside for a pop of fall!
Add wheat stalks, dried grasses, and dried flowers to your vases. This is one of the quickest and most budget-friendly swaps for an instant ode to autumn! I usually just walk around my garden beds, snipping some of the tall grasses that have already dried or started to, or if they’re still green, put them in a vase without water so they’ll dry down to a golden or brown over the course of a few weeks! Of course, you can always invest in seasonal live flowers and bouquets, but dried options go a long way in terms of price and longevity, and are perfect for Thanksgiving season, too!
Break out the pumpkins! Faux pumpkins, that is. I don’t like to stock up on too many real pumpkins until a little later to ensure they last through Thanksgiving. It always seems like the sweet spot to get real ones that make it through November is the last week of September or first of October! In the meantime, I like to add a faux pumpkin here and there. In recent years, the options at craft stores have gotten so much better and look quite convincing! And don’t just think plain fake pumpkins; look for other items in pumpkin shapes, like pots, vases, mugs, candy jars… you name it, there’s probably a pumpkin version of it!
Pull out the throws and blankets. Another easy and multi-purpose fall update: throws and blankets. As the nights get chillier, you’ll be reaching for them anyway, and during the day, in the right colors and patterns, they can bring a subtle nod to fall and some added texture to your space.
Surround yourself with fall scents. Now’s the time to start using those candles, essential oils, and cleaning products that smell like a warm hug. Reach for scents like apple cider, pumpkin, and options with vanilla notes that’ll have everyone asking what you’ve got baking in the oven!
Add some cozy lights. With nightfall happening more quickly and more rainy days ahead, I like to make sure all my lamps and string lights are in working order. We have lots of cordless, battery-operated lights throughout our home that I like to set on timers to come on shortly after sunset for a warm glow when it gets dark. Be sure to look for options that offer warm or yellow light to keep it nice and moody!
There you have it, the few simple updates I make in September to usher in fall! I hope you’re savoring these final weeks of summer and looking forward to a magical new season.
Happy decorating, friends!
—Aly
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