by Sam O'Quinn

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2010

Autumn brings in the bounty of hard work, an abundance of glorious color, and chilled mornings with even chillier rains. It is Mother Nature's last hoorah before winter snowflakes begin tickling your nose. Don't let Mother Nature keep all that splendor to herself, though. Take this opportunity to invite autumn into your home to create a space full of color, warmth, and hospitality.

One of the first things many people do to prepare for autumn is decorate their lawns and porches. Although this is not technically inside the home, it is the first impression people get when approaching the front door. A bale of straw laden with cheerful orange pumpkins and several mums in your favorite color can brighten any day, as well as any home. Personalize your pumpkins by painting silly faces on them as carving will cause them to decay too soon. Adding mums to steps or on a table by the door creates an inviting quality before your visitor ever crosses the threshold. A special welcome mat or a fall wreath on the door also creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Adding the wonderful, deep colors of autumn into your home can be quick and easy.

Covering your couch with an autumn themed slipcover and revving up your throw pillows are inexpensive ways to change up your furniture for the season. Add similar fabrics to coffee tables and end tables, then carry the theme into the dining or kitchen areas as well. Light specifically scented candles to enhance the welcoming feeling. Choose flavors of the season such as Autumn Harvest, Apple Wreath, or fresh baked Pumpkin Pie. The varieties are delicious! Also, a quick change of decorative towels or a few miniature pumpkins and gourds on the bathroom sink carries the autumn feel throughout your home.

To bring in the natural elements of autumn, choose nuts, pine cones, dried pods, long grasses, fresh autumn flowers, miniature pumpkins, gourds, and leaves to create a fresh centerpiece for the dining room table and a smaller version for the coffee table. Using a simple, water filled, vase, arrange the grasses, flowers, and pods. For an added dramatic effect, arrange the mini-gourds or pine cones around the vase. For something different, try a using a low basket. Sit a small glass of water in the bottom for the fresh flowers, then arrange the other elements around them to hide the glass and create a gorgeous fall themed centerpiece.

Fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries can also be used as a great decorating idea. Invite guests to take a bite off of a fresh fruit tree or plunge into a brimming basket. Another sweet idea is to fill autumn themed bowls, platters, or oversized goblets with colorful candies and place on side or coffee tables. With Halloween just around the corner, you will have an inexpensive variety from which to choose!

Celebrate the season by ushering autumn into your home and brighten it with a few simple decorating ideas. You will bring a cheerfulness and warmth to your home that will be inviting and comforting to anyone who enters. What could be more welcoming than the scent of baking pumpkin pie or being met at the door with a few silly, smiling faces?

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