Using Fall FOLIAGE to Inspire Your Country Decor

In many parts of the country, it’s the most colorful time of the year. Just go for a hike or take a drive through the country and you’ll see the proof.

Why not use that color to inspire your home décor, making things as lively indoors as they are outdoors? If you’re not quite sure how to do that, here are a few tips, pulled from Midwestern Living and Better Homes and Gardens, on using the shades of this season to inspire your country decor.

1. Create a golden glow

For this, you’ll need a clear glass container – like one of our mason jars –  or for more drama, the Hammered Glass Cylinder and a candle. Fill the container with candy corn or corn kernels (unpopped popcorn will work) to show off the candle as well as the colorful material inside.

2. A chandelier with leaves instead of lights

Here’s another project that mixes mason jars and fall colors. You’ll need four or five jars, some rope, and a few crisp fall leaves. Start by drilling a ¼ inch hole in each jar lid, then threading a piece of rope through each hole, tying knots under each lid to keep the rope in place. Put leaves in the jars, secure the lids, then tie the rope pieces together and hang them from a secure ceiling hook.

3. Turn gourds into vases…

You’ve probably carved a few pumpkins. This is much easier. Get some squash or other gourds and cut a hole in the top of one deep enough to fit a few florist tubes. Insert some flower stems, and you’ve got a unique seasonal vase.

4. …or hanging vases

If you have a swan gourd, you can turn it into a unique hanging vase. Cut a hole near the neck, and hollow out room for some fall flowers. Then hang the gourd from a gate or porch railing.

5. White pumpkin centerpieces

A pumpkin centerpiece doesn’t have to use an orange pumpkin, or even just one pumpkin, for that matter! Track down a white pumpkin (or maybe a collection of white mini pumpkins) – known as the “ghost pumpkins” –

and display them at the center of your table, atop an autumn-hued table runner.

6. Gourds on the mantel

All you’ll need to do to achieve the look in this display is to gather up a few gourds of varying sizes and shapes and place them on your mantel. Finish things off with a few maple leaves and a fall garland or spray.

7. Set the table for the harvest

Bring fall colors to your table with a mix of harvest foliage, pumpkins and candle rings dressing up the center of the table and each place setting.

8. Remember the wreaths

This is a concept we’ve promoted in the past: Wreaths work in any season. There are plenty of places to you can look online to find inspiration this fall to make your own wreath or – if you’re pressed for time – see what our store has to offer.

9. Autumn’s portrait

Here’s another mantle decoration, although it requires a little more work. You’ll need an empty picture frame, some S hooks from a craft store, a few colorful leaves, and some ribbon. String the ribbon across the picture frame, then use the hooks to hang the leaves.

10. Jack-o-lanterns

There is something so appealing (and a little bit spooky) about incorporating Jack-O-Lanterns into your harvest home displays. As temperatures dip and days shorten, we just love seeing them light up homes and porches in our town! Perfect for front steps, a fireplace or even as a centerpiece, the gas can version of old Jack is sure to add a playful, rustic touch to your farmhouse. Place a candle inside and watch his face glow, bringing ambiance and a weathered industrial touch to your harvest home.

Offering an entirely different look, is this sweet version of Jack as a round LED candle. It is one of our all-time fall best sellers! In fact, we have so much trouble keeping this guy in-stock, we decided to order tons this year so that we could meet the demand. Still, they do sell out every year before October arrives, so be sure to get ’em while you can!

11. Fall = warmth

There may be frost on the lawn when you wake up this time of year, but that’s all the more reason for your décor to say “warmth.” You can achieve this look by adding a touch of fall color with understated tones and textures in fabrics, bringing additional layers of interest to your seasonal displays.

12. Fall is more than just red, yellow and orange

You should also remember to add other colors beyond fall’s traditional red, orange and yellow. Think of the way some leaves turn a rich plum or leathery brown and incorporate this look into yours, if you love variety and spice. More muted tones can make for a nice contrast against some of the season’s brighter hues.

We hope this guide has given you some good ideas to help fill the decorating lull between Halloween and the winter holidays. Get out there and color your world.