As the temperatures start to dip and the leaves begin to change colors to fiery reds and vibrant yellow and oranges, we begin to snuggle into welcoming and cozy spaces. But before you start swiping your card and loading up on expensive fall décor, check out these DIY fall decorations to help you celebrate the season without breaking the bank – in the snuggliest, comfiest way possible.

1. Make a wreath.

If you’re feeling crafty, whip out the glue gun and some plastic leaves and pumpkins to create a beautiful fall wreath. If arts and crafts aren’t up your alley, scour some local stores to see if you can find a wreath within your budget.

2. Get local pumpkins.

Make a day of visiting a local pumpkin patch. It’s a fun family day and also helps the local economy!  

3. Collect from nature.

Gathering pinecones is a family-friendly activity that can double as an easy, free way to stock up on fall decorations for your home. If pinecones aren’t an option, you can also collect leaves, tree limbs or acorns.

4. Buy faux decorations.

Local hobby stores—and most thrift stores—often carry faux leaf garlands, plastic pumpkins and ceramic gourds.

5. Display blankets.

Fall brings cooler weather, which means it’s time to break out the blankets. Having them displayed in main living areas can make your home instantly feel more festive.

6. Buy cinnamon brooms.

If you want to make your house smell more like autumn without purchasing expensive fancy scented candles, decorate the prominent areas of your home with cinnamon brooms. Your local Trader Joes often has a ton!

7. Decorate with baskets.

Nothing says fall like a basket full of crisp red apples or small gourds from your local grocery store. It makes your space look warm and inviting—and should only cost you a few dollars!

The post How to make your apartment extra cozy for the new season appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

Here are just a few ways to fill your living space with the sights and smells of the year’s most cozy season.

Throws and Pillows and Blankets, Oh My

Kill two birds with one stone (keeping warm and decorating for fall) by putting some beautiful throws and comfy blankets out on display. There’s nothing better than cozying up with an earth-toned blanket on a lazy day. To create a “fall vibe” in your home, go for classic prints, like plaid, and materials like chunky cable knit. We especially love this one from Pier One Imports, this cable knit throw from Wayfair, or this inexpensive pumpkin throw pillow.

Light Those Candles

As the days get darker, you’ll need a little more light in your house to lift your spirits. Gather tea lights, votives, and rustic lanterns! Buy fall-scented candles to make your apartment feel (and smell) like an autumn haven. (Just don’t forget to blow them out before you go out or go to bed!)

Pumpkins!

Using mini pumpkins as accents for your home is such a cute way to welcome fall into your home! You can buy all different colors, shapes, and sizes from Trader Joe’s or any grocery store throughout the U.S.

Make a Wreath

Dress up doors, windows, or even an empty space above your stove or mantel with a colorful fall wreath. You can buy them rather inexpensively, or make one yourself using cobs of corn, mini pumpkins, zucchini, berry garlands or autumnal flowers to add splashes of orange, reds, yellows and browns. 

Berry Garland

If you have a banister or a mantle, run a beautiful berry garland along the wood to make just the right fall statement.

Create a Fall Centerpiece for Your Table

Decorate your table with a homemade centerpiece made from fall flowers, pumpkins, leaves, pine cones, and of course, candles. All you’ll really need is a few fall elements, a table top, and some imagination to create something that looks festive at every meal. Or, simply place different sizes of fall vegetables, gourds, pumpkins, etc. on the dining room table for a (cost-effective) centerpiece.

Fall Flowers

Use dahlias, ranunculus, and foraged clippings from your yard, even leaves and branches. Then style them in a simple vase, or rustic pot (depending upon the size of your arrangement) to create an arrangement that would look perfect on your mantel.

The post Filling your Apartment with Fall Decor appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.