Ahhh …. Fall. Fall is the season that lends itself to effortless decorating with natural elements, a few “tricks” and some pops of warm color. Here are 5 quick and easy decorating ideas to get your home ready for fall.

1. Fill in with natural elements.

Nature is an abundant source of home accessories this season! Look for what’s plentiful in your area: gather pine cones, seed pods, colorful leaves, and even twigs and branches. Display your finds mounded in bowls on your coffee table, layer them in clear vases, or use them as a base for a candle display. Mix in bird seed for added texture and color, or add some softness with Spanish moss.

2. Get crafty with kraft paper.

Brown kraft paper begs to used during the fall! If you don’t have a roll of kraft paper, use brown paper grocery bags and give yourself a high five for recycling. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to add some fall feels.  Here are three things you can do right now with this versatile paper:

• Wrap ivory or white flameless pillar candles with a 2 or 3 inch band of kraft paper and secure with double-sided tape. For more texture, tie on some raffia, ribbon, or even lace trim. (I’m using a gray velvet ribbon this year.)
• Create autumn art. Cut kraft paper to fit an existing frame; layer leaves (real or faux) on top and secure with double-sided tape. Or add a fall image from a calendar or a book, leaving a margin of kraft paper. Pop your artwork back into the frame.
• Cover books with kraft paper and stack them. Use them on their own or as a riser to display a photo, a pumpkin, or other decorative item.

3. Go all-in on hygge.

We’ve had our fair share of staying home over the last year or so, so the last thing you might want to do more of is … stay home. But have you heard of the Danish concept of hygge? Read this quick e-book for a better understanding of the concept. Essentially, it’s getting intentionally cozy at home, spending time with friends and family in a non-digital way. Hunkering down (because you want to, not because you have to) and enjoying each other’s company is my way-too-simplified way to explain it.

Here are two ways to set your home up for hygge:

• Give yourself a warm and welcoming space—either to come home to or to mark the end of your work-from-home workday—by setting a few lamps on timers and placing flameless candles on timers around your living space. Pay special attention to the area you first see when you come home or emerge from your workspace after a long day. My friend Gina has about 30 flameless candles in her great room and it’s magical in the evening!

• Extend the life of your outdoor living space. Cozy up on cooler autumn evenings with warm throws, a mug of mulled wine or cider, and maybe even a fire pit. Keep those throws easily accessible by rolling them and placing them in a basket near the back door so you can grab one on your way outside. 

4. Add some color to your couch.

When I was about 10 years old, I wanted a home with white couches so I could change out the throw pillows with the seasons.

Little did I know how impractical white couches are (especially with the chocolate habit I have), but I do still love to change out the pillows with the season. It takes minutes and makes a huge impact! When I can, I buy just the pillow covers and re-use the inserts season after season. It’s easier to store flat covers than bulky pillows.

Punch up your sofa with autumnal colors that coordinate well with your everyday décor, and mix in a print or an embroidered design. My go-to shops for pillows include Pottery Barn, West Elm, Home Goods and World Market. New hues this year include navy, gold and mauve, along with traditional deep oranges and russets. You only need 2 or 3 autumn-hued pillows to make a big impact.

5. Infuse your home with fall.

I love scented candles, particularly in the fall. Filling the air with pumpkin, cinnamon, spices, apples and a dash of sandalwood is a sure-fire way to reset your mind and body to the season.

But, not all scented candles are created equal! Some use harsh, artificial fragrances and chemicals that actually coat the hairs and membranes in your nose. Gross, right!?

Instead, try this totally natural way to set a fragrant fall backdrop for your home: fill a small pan with about 2 cups of water. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks, some cardamom pods, a few cloves, a few strips of orange peel (use a vegetable peeler to remove just the peel, none of the white pith), and a few star anise if you like. Let it gently simmer, but keep an eye on it. Add water as it evaporates, and do not let it boil dry or you’ll ruin your pan (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything).

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What are some other ways you’re bringing in some autumn ambience to your home this fall? Leave a comment and let me know. Be sure to pin this to your favorite fall Pinterest board, and I’d love it if you’d share this post on your favorite social channel.