by Allyson Ribar

Created on: September 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2010

Autumn is a time of transforming beauty. You can bring the warmth and beauty of the season inside by incorporating natural elements in your home's decor.

Apples-A simple bowl of apples is a homey touch to your dinner of coffee table. Hollow out the top of an apple so a tea light size candle fits inside. Use one or more apple-candles to light your table. They also look terrific all in a row on your mantle. Use apples to hold place cards for dinner. Push cloves

Ornamental corn, sheaves of wheat and fall vegetables-Use separately or together to make a cornucopia centerpiece. Stand wheat up in vases or tie with colored ribbon

Pumpkins and gourds-These look great arranged around your front door inside and out, plus as Halloween nears you can carve your pumpkins into spooky or cute jack o' lanterns. Mini pumpkins also make cute place card holders.

Candles or flameless candles (LED)-Try candles in rich reds, oranges, and browns all around the house to bring coziness and warmth into your home.

Wreaths and above door and window swags- Using a basic straw wreathe form or basic swag form and natural elements of autumn anyone can create a number of different designs. Use artificial berries, flowers, or leaves for a longer lasting wreathe.

Scent your home by pushing cloves into your apples on display or create a potpourri by adding sliced apples, cloves, and cinnamon to water in saucepan. Boil and then simmer on stove. Remember to turn it off before all the water disappears!

Look for baskets and containers made from natural materials such as wicker, willow and other twigs to keep things organized around the house or to hold your apples, miniature pumpkin, and ornamental corn.

For a larger display, inside or out, use one or two small bales of straw as a base and decorate using the apples, pumpkins, gourds and ornamental corn.
Add some placemats, cloth napkins, and tablecloths in vibrant hues of red and orange and rich chocolate browns and earth tones and your decorating is complete.

Fall decorating doesn't have to cost much and many elements such as the candles and fabrics will transition well into the winter season.

Learn more about this author, Allyson Ribar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.