Since we are now officially in Fall, I think this is the perfect time to give some super simple how-tos for fall decor. I'm going to make this list super basic and easy because I know for myself, If something doesn't come incredibly natural to me, I like things to be spelled out in bite size pieces to understand. Some may find decorating for the seasons to be overwhelming, tiring and expensive. It doesn't have to be at all!! Don't go into places like Hobby Lobby or HomeGoods and think you need ALL THE THINGS. In reality, you only need a tiny fraction for the same look. Here's how...
1. Remember the 80/20 rule. 80% of your home stays the same. Always. This means keeping 80% of your home neutral, classic, and bright. This allows you to take 20% of your space to use as artistically and bold as you'd like, without overwhelming your space with a theme or design.
2. Start outside. Something I love about fall is the natural elements that are great for decor. Acorns, sticks, hay, flowers....all these things are super cheap or even free. Have the kids gather acorns and fill a vase, paint some twigs and sticks in a brassy or golden color to place on your fireplace mantel. It may sound a little cheesy to use natural pieces but I promise, it can really work well to decorate with. 
3. The porch. Guess what? You DON'T need to have an extravagant porch filled with 30 pumpkins, an arched walkway with an arbor of leaves, and 10 rocking chairs. Here's my advice on porches-
- Above all. Start with a blank canvas. Remove everything off your porch and add things back in piece by piece. When you don't have a lot of fall decor, let what you do have be the star of the show.
- Buy 5 or 6 pumpkins that each look different. Buy different colors and funky shapes. Stack them or arrange them in various heights. What catches the eye isn't the amount but the diversity. The weirdest out of shape and bold colored pumpkins make for the best porch decor.
- Baskets. A cute wicker basket with some fake or real wildflowers peeking out the top make for a cute and affordable porch accessory. Place it next to a bench or a chair. It's a super welcoming and classic look.
- Simple Wreathe. You can never go wrong with a simple fall wreathe.
- Hay. If you're like me, you live near dozens of farms. When farmers are selling hay bales, snag one. Big and eye catching, they can be used in so many ways to give your porch that fall feel.
- Mums. Yes, Mums are pretty obvious for fall, but did you know you don't need a huge pot of mums or multiple pots to give the same effect? When working with one or two mums, don't buy ones that match the color of your house (No matter how tempting that is). Grab the brightest color you can find (I personally like Yellow and Whites). You want your one or two plants to POP. Buy a bright mum to place near the steps or walkway to your door. One bright mum will give off the same feeling of fall as 10 darker mums next to a dark house.
Inside you home. This is where that 80/20 comes in. Below I'm going to list items that make for easy peasy decor and isn't overwhelming.
- Throw Blanket. Just one. I love me a good blanket ladder but it's also not necessary when you’re in the beginnings of decorating for fall. Grab one fall colored throw and "throw" it over the corner of your couch or chair. Viola, that's it.
- Table Runner. Clean off the junk mail, the laundry, the school papers (I know, I know. It's all over my table, too) and place a golden, brown, or creamy colored table runner on your dining table. Don't do anything else in your dining room or dining area at this moment. We can add something later. Remember, we are keeping this How-To list simple.
- Vase and wooden bowls. If I had to pick a favorite piece of decor, it'd probably be vases. Flowers, fillers, candy....so many things look 10x more elegant when put in a vase or wooden bowl. This is where those acorns come in, or flowers from your local florist, or even a stack of pretty fall colored leaves. Get creative with what goes in it. Put in on top of your table runner or island and call it a day.
- Candles. This one is self explanatory. Is it really fall out if your Home doesn't smell like a tidal wave of pumpkin spice or cinnamon? You don't need tons candles. Find one candle that is substantial in size that you love the smell of. The trick to making candles look extra elegant is in the sizing, wick and container. Find a candle you need two hands to grab onto. Bonus points for dark, amber or forest green container with a simple label or no label, plus a wooden wick or multiple wicks. A good sized candle will make any surface it's on give off a sophisticated, classy, substantial look.
- THE table. What does this mean?? Pick ONE table or mantle that will be where you put a little extra effort into. Every surface doesn't need to be decorated. Pick a spot that is seen by most who visit. Maybe that's an entryway table, or wall table or shelving. This is where you can place those smaller and more detailed decor items. Those 5 or 6 pieces of fall decor that you personally connect with will do just fine. Remember, when decorating a surface, it's not the amount of things on the surface but the shape, height and texture. Things that are bigger and smaller but still the same theme is what will make it eye-catching. Mix textures and colors. This is your particular spot to show who you are without over doing it. Have fun with it!
- Throw Pillows. One or two creamy white colored throw pillows will go with most couches and can transition into the Christmas season seamlessly. It's just nicer when there's one less thing to switch out for the next season.
Ok, yes, this list may seem so obvious. But that's the point. Instagram and Facebook have a way of showing you these extravagant homes with thousands of dollars of magazine worthy decor. Your house too can look magazine worthy if you number 1; don't over think it, and number 2; keep it SIMPLE. Start with a blank clean canvas and add in piece by piece. It will work out and look beautiful every time.
Happy Decorating!
XO -Keri