Decorating for Fall: A Tour of Our Home

by Mandi on September 7, 2010

I love fall. I love the chill in the air, apple picking, drinking hot cider and just hanging out on our front porch as a family.

Truth be told, we use a lot of organic materials like bundles of sticks and wooden accessories as part of our regular decor, so we don’t make too many changes during the fall season inside our house, but one of the things I most look forward to each fall is putting up the display on our porch with a family of scarecrows, hay bales and pumpkins:

scarecrows

And although we don’t do quite as much as we do at Christmas, I think our house still ends up looking pretty seasonal!

porch swing

sticks

wooden tree

What about you? Do you decorate for the fall? What is your favorite seasonal accessory?


  • http://nauticalcottageblog.com Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea

    I’m a new follower from the Fall Nesting Party at The Inspired Room!

    Your blog is wonderful and I’m so glad I found it.

    Happy Fall & nice to meet you!

  • http://nauticalcottageblog.com Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea

    I’m a new follower from the Fall Nesting Party at The Inspired Room!

    Your blog is wonderful and I’m so glad I found it.

    Happy Fall & nice to meet you!

  • Teresa

    i heart fall! i just love it! it’s my favorite time of the year aside from christmas. the crisp, clean, fresh air rejuvenates me! love it! we don’t really decorate in the fall. we only do a few things. we change out our crisp cotton softly plaid livingroom curtains to mocha colored ultra suede cozy ones for the cooler months, we put up a new wreath on the front door – either one with hydrangeas or a black feather one and i either put a big wooden green pot of branches or a pile of pumpkins on the front step. so many families i know decorate in the fall and i think it’s wonderful – i hold my major decorating for christmas. :o ) HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!

    • Mandi

      Christmas has my heart too, Teresa!

  • Teresa

    i heart fall! i just love it! it’s my favorite time of the year aside from christmas. the crisp, clean, fresh air rejuvenates me! love it! we don’t really decorate in the fall. we only do a few things. we change out our crisp cotton softly plaid livingroom curtains to mocha colored ultra suede cozy ones for the cooler months, we put up a new wreath on the front door – either one with hydrangeas or a black feather one and i either put a big wooden green pot of branches or a pile of pumpkins on the front step. so many families i know decorate in the fall and i think it’s wonderful – i hold my major decorating for christmas. :o ) HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!

    • Mandi

      Christmas has my heart too, Teresa!

  • http://thelocalhoney.com/ Gabby

    Oh how I love Fall! And yes I do decorate for this wonderful season :) Love your decor. Very fun!

  • http://thelocalhoney.com/ Gabby

    Oh how I love Fall! And yes I do decorate for this wonderful season :) Love your decor. Very fun!

  • http://www.simplekids.net Kara @Simple Kids

    With gorgeous views like you have, you can let nature change your decor seasonally :-)

    But, I love your pumpkins and wooden accents, special touches here and there. I agree: fall is one of the most lovely times for decorating. Just something special in the air!

  • http://www.simplekids.net Kara @Simple Kids

    With gorgeous views like you have, you can let nature change your decor seasonally :-)

    But, I love your pumpkins and wooden accents, special touches here and there. I agree: fall is one of the most lovely times for decorating. Just something special in the air!

  • http://sullivanandmurphy.blogspot.com Sue

    Love that tree with the decorative balls hanging off the branches. I’ve been saying I’m going into the woods to cut a big branch so I can hang all my Halloween bats… You’ve inspired me to definitely do it tomorrow. :-) Sue

    • Mandi

      Awesome, Sue — I can’t wait to see!

  • http://sullivanandmurphy.blogspot.com Sue

    Love that tree with the decorative balls hanging off the branches. I’ve been saying I’m going into the woods to cut a big branch so I can hang all my Halloween bats… You’ve inspired me to definitely do it tomorrow. :-) Sue

    • Mandi

      Awesome, Sue — I can’t wait to see!

  • http://theinspiredroom.net melissa @ the inspired room

    That is such a neat idea to hang the little balls from the stick tree! And so fun to have a porch to decorate all festive in fall!! Thanks for linking to the Fall Nesting Party!! :-)

  • http://theinspiredroom.net melissa @ the inspired room

    That is such a neat idea to hang the little balls from the stick tree! And so fun to have a porch to decorate all festive in fall!! Thanks for linking to the Fall Nesting Party!! :-)

  • http://therommfamily.blogspot.com/ keely aka LKP

    jealous. have had the greatest hankerin’ for a porch swing lately. can’t describe it. definitely need to add one to our deck. =)

    • Mandi

      It was one of my top requirements when we built the house — I love it!

  • http://therommfamily.blogspot.com/ keely aka LKP

    jealous. have had the greatest hankerin’ for a porch swing lately. can’t describe it. definitely need to add one to our deck. =)

    • Mandi

      It was one of my top requirements when we built the house — I love it!

  • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

    Pumpkins…love decorating with pumpkins!! Different sizes can really make a room pop…for example, I have a cylindrical glass vase and I stick about 4-5 mini pumpkins inside…looks awesome!

    • Mandi

      Ooh, me too! The farmer’s market on 522 didn’t have any gourds last weekend, but we’re planning to get some as soon as they come in!

      • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

        We have never been to that one..we go to Apple Tree Market on 50 because it’s closer…where did you get your hay? I’ve been wanting some :)

        • Mandi

          We got our hay and cornstalks there too (on 522)!

          • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

            Hmmmm….I might have to swing by there on the way to Lilli’s 4H meeting tonight…thanks!!!!

    • Lindsey

      I’m inspired to do mini pumpkins now…

  • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

    Pumpkins…love decorating with pumpkins!! Different sizes can really make a room pop…for example, I have a cylindrical glass vase and I stick about 4-5 mini pumpkins inside…looks awesome!

    • Mandi

      Ooh, me too! The farmer’s market on 522 didn’t have any gourds last weekend, but we’re planning to get some as soon as they come in!

      • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

        We have never been to that one..we go to Apple Tree Market on 50 because it’s closer…where did you get your hay? I’ve been wanting some :)

        • Mandi

          We got our hay and cornstalks there too (on 522)!

          • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

            Hmmmm….I might have to swing by there on the way to Lilli’s 4H meeting tonight…thanks!!!!

    • Lindsey

      I’m inspired to do mini pumpkins now…

  • http://www.themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com Laurel

    I love those little balls hanging from the sticks!

    • Mandi

      Thank you, Laurel! My husband actually made that wooden tree, and we hang Christmas balls from it during the holidays! Still looking for something for the spring and summer, though!

      • Shannon

        Mandi – what about blown out eggs (colored with natural materials a la Martha Stewart) and hung with twine for Spring. You can compost them when Summer roles around or store them carfully for coming years.

        • Mandi

          Oh, that’s a really cute idea, Shannon! We’ll be adding this to the project list for next spring!

  • http://www.themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com Laurel

    I love those little balls hanging from the sticks!

    • Mandi

      Thank you, Laurel! My husband actually made that wooden tree, and we hang Christmas balls from it during the holidays! Still looking for something for the spring and summer, though!

      • Shannon

        Mandi – what about blown out eggs (colored with natural materials a la Martha Stewart) and hung with twine for Spring. You can compost them when Summer roles around or store them carfully for coming years.

        • Mandi

          Oh, that’s a really cute idea, Shannon! We’ll be adding this to the project list for next spring!

  • http://www.simplysavvyliving.com Marjorie

    Just love the decoration at the front door, and the swing looks so inviting! What don’t I love about fall: the weather, the beautiful colors. Love your site’s new look!

    • Mandi

      Thank you so much, Marjorie!

  • http://www.simplysavvyliving.com Marjorie

    Just love the decoration at the front door, and the swing looks so inviting! What don’t I love about fall: the weather, the beautiful colors. Love your site’s new look!

    • Mandi

      Thank you so much, Marjorie!

  • http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Sherry

    Love the natural elements you use in your home. I really think you never go wrong with those. They are incredible accessories!
    Sherry

    • Mandi

      Thank you, Sherry! We love that they make our modern style decor feel warm and cozy!

  • http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Sherry

    Love the natural elements you use in your home. I really think you never go wrong with those. They are incredible accessories!
    Sherry

    • Mandi

      Thank you, Sherry! We love that they make our modern style decor feel warm and cozy!

  • http://www.lifeasmom.com FishMama

    If it wasn’t so far from the beach, I’d take your house in a heartbeat. ;)

    • Mandi

      LOL, that is a downside, huh?! Thanks!

  • http://www.lifeasmom.com FishMama

    If it wasn’t so far from the beach, I’d take your house in a heartbeat. ;)

    • Mandi

      LOL, that is a downside, huh?! Thanks!

  • Lacy

    I love your family of scarecrows! I think I may need to do that for our family of 6 this year too!

  • Lacy

    I love your family of scarecrows! I think I may need to do that for our family of 6 this year too!

  • Vee

    This reminds me to get going on the outside, too! Thank you for that. I certainly don’t decorate for fall as much as for Christmas, but I like a few subtle autumnal touches.

  • Vee

    This reminds me to get going on the outside, too! Thank you for that. I certainly don’t decorate for fall as much as for Christmas, but I like a few subtle autumnal touches.

  • http://scrapbliss.blogspot.com Kristen

    Hi! I am visiting from the Fall Nesting Party! Love your blog and your front porch is just so warm and inviting!

  • http://scrapbliss.blogspot.com Kristen

    Hi! I am visiting from the Fall Nesting Party! Love your blog and your front porch is just so warm and inviting!

  • http://www.owningsingle.com OwningSingle

    I love it. I also decorate with pumpkins and hay on my porch. My must haves for fall are pinecones and cinnamon stick. Love the scent.

    • Mandi

      I love the scent of cinnamon too. One of my favorite things to do is to leave wassail simmering on the stove because it smells sooooo good and tastes good too!

      • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

        Hmmmm….I might have to swing by there on the way to Lilli’s 4H meeting tonight…thanks!!!!

  • http://www.owningsingle.com OwningSingle

    I love it. I also decorate with pumpkins and hay on my porch. My must haves for fall are pinecones and cinnamon stick. Love the scent.

    • Mandi

      I love the scent of cinnamon too. One of my favorite things to do is to leave wassail simmering on the stove because it smells sooooo good and tastes good too!

      • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

        Hmmmm….I might have to swing by there on the way to Lilli’s 4H meeting tonight…thanks!!!!

  • http://www.myownsnugfireside.blogspot.com Cheryl

    I’m new to your blog but I just wanted to say that I love your home! The cornstalks and haybales at the front door are a great touch. And the view from your front porch is wonderful. I’m so jealous. I’m finishing up my Fall cleaning which I started today and I will be getting out my decorations this weekend. I can’t wait to go pumpkin picking and to buy mums for my front door. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Cheryl@My Own Snug Fireside

    • Mandi

      Thanks so much, Cheryl!

  • http://www.myownsnugfireside.blogspot.com Cheryl

    I’m new to your blog but I just wanted to say that I love your home! The cornstalks and haybales at the front door are a great touch. And the view from your front porch is wonderful. I’m so jealous. I’m finishing up my Fall cleaning which I started today and I will be getting out my decorations this weekend. I can’t wait to go pumpkin picking and to buy mums for my front door. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Cheryl@My Own Snug Fireside

    • Mandi

      Thanks so much, Cheryl!

  • http://www.cindybazzy.blogspot.com Cindy

    What a great front porch display. Looks very AUTUMY!!

    Reminds me that I need to get to work on my front porch. But they haven’t started selling cornstalks around here yet. Soon though!

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs!

    • Mandi

      Thanks so much, Cindy!

  • http://www.cindybazzy.blogspot.com Cindy

    What a great front porch display. Looks very AUTUMY!!

    Reminds me that I need to get to work on my front porch. But they haven’t started selling cornstalks around here yet. Soon though!

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs!

    • Mandi

      Thanks so much, Cindy!

  • http://www.thecapeonthecorner.blogspot.com the cape on the corner

    ooh, i love those hanging wood balls on that tree, and i wish i had a porch where i’d feel secure doing that whole display! looks great, so glad i stopped by!

  • http://www.thecapeonthecorner.blogspot.com the cape on the corner

    ooh, i love those hanging wood balls on that tree, and i wish i had a porch where i’d feel secure doing that whole display! looks great, so glad i stopped by!

  • http://bernicewood.wordpress.com Ramblings of a Woman

    Oh how cute all these are! I really love the last tree, very cool!
    I am not good at doing this, unfortunatley, I am too busy just trying to keep things cleaned to decorate extra! That makes me sad to say that! I am in process of decluttering and trying to minimize and then creating some spots of beauty in our home.
    Bernice

  • http://bernicewood.wordpress.com Ramblings of a Woman

    Oh how cute all these are! I really love the last tree, very cool!
    I am not good at doing this, unfortunatley, I am too busy just trying to keep things cleaned to decorate extra! That makes me sad to say that! I am in process of decluttering and trying to minimize and then creating some spots of beauty in our home.
    Bernice

  • guest

    worldcrafts is another great company – it helps people all around the world and pays them a real wage – they support women getting out of lots of awful situations

  • http://momskitchenandstuff.com Brittany

    YAY for Come Together Fair Trading! They even donate 20% of sales to Compassion International :)

  • sherd6

    When anyone in our family feels a cold coming on we use Oil of Oregano. Must be natural and 10 drops in water, 3 times daily will do the trick. It also works for skin irritations, (a drop on a pimple) It’s the best!

    • http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

      Just a quick comment – I have a natural health practitioner who reads my regular blog, and she commented a few weeks ago that taking essential oils, especially oregano, orally is like using a bulldozer to knock down a cardboard box. I guess you’re supposed to just inhale them, not take orally. ??? That’s just uninformed me sharing what I heard… :) Katie

  • Mamalovey13

    A squirt of breastmilk into an ear will deaden the pain immediately and clear the infection within two days. They still do this in Colombia. My husband was 15 for his last ear infection that was cured by his aunt :)

  • susan

    I’ll have to try the cinnamon and honey. I’ve been using raw garlic and honey at the first sign of illness (pressed 10 minutes before ingesting) and it seems to work nicely. The honey makes it really easy to take (especially for my two-year-old).

    I also love to make a tea of ginger, honey, and lemon. I buy a lot of ginger at a time, peel it and mince it in my food processor, and then freeze it. That way I always have it on hand. I just pour boiling water over about a tbsp or two of the frozen ginger and let it steep until it’s cool enough to drink. At that point I add lemon and raw honey. Actually, I woke up this morning feeling on the verge of a cold, and this concoction seemed to knock it out within a half hour. (coincidence? perhaps. But it tasted pretty darn good and put some extra fluids into my body, so it certainly didn’t hurt.)

  • http://jewelsandtreasures.blogspot.com/ jewelsntreasures

    I don’t think I’ve had a cold in years since I started eating garlic (fresh) whenever I feel a cold coming on. Yes it is potent, and I may stink afterwards, but no colds are worth it! :)

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  • http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com Miranda

    I’m happy to see how the improved site will look! I’m an avid follower and already have your ebook so I’m looking forward to going along with the ebook club. Big congrats on 1 year :) !

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Thanks, Miranda — I appreciate your continued support so much!

  • http://adelightfulhome.com Stacy

    That all sounds wonderful Mandi! Looking forward to seeing everything come to fruition. 

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Thanks, Stacy!

  • http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

    That’s an awesome story! We just started taking fermented cod liver oil (with both Vits A and D) with that goal in mind, but we haven’t actually gotten tested for D levels. That would be kind of neat, to see empirically that what we’re doing is having an impact… Thank you for sharing! :) Katie

  • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

    I’ve heard this as well, and that you can even add a little garlic to it
    for an extra oomph, but it’s always good to have a firsthand testimonial
    from someone who’s used it! Thanks for sharing!

  • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

    Thanks so much, Heather — looking forward to it too!

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