Fall is one of my favorite seasons to decorate in my home. Probably, because I am drawn towards neutral colored decor which really allows the textures to take precedence. For example, cozy cable-knit throw blankets and woven rattan, cane and wicker accents add a beautiful detail to any space. I like to keep things more simple and natural, before the entourage of glitter and flocking knocks at the door for Christmas.
Here are a few ways that you can add fall decor into your home.
Place a seasonal wreath on the front door.
Use traditional Fall accents like pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, dried corn, or gourds.
Replace greenery in vases with leafy, textured and floral Fall stems.
Decorate with natural materials like wooden bowls or rattan baskets.
Replace candles and hand soaps with Fall scents like cedar wood or pumpkin spice.
Add Fall themed pillows on sofas, sitting chairs or entryway benches.
Swap out lightweight throw blankets for chunkier knit textures or cozier fleece, sherpa, or wool.
Dress up the dining table with neutral decor and invite family and friends to share a meal.
Add warm, metallic finishes like gold, brass or copper.
Style a few seasonal vignettes with trays or glass cloches.
One of my favorite home decor shops, From: Susie, has a beautiful selection of handmade & vintage wood bowls and baskets. You can use code “CUTER10′ for 10% off anything in the shop. For example, I love this glass cloche with rattan base. It’s perfect for holding holiday treats or accentuating seasonal accents in your Fall decor.
Integrate natural elements and neutral colors into your home.
One of my favorite things to style seasonally is trays. This set of handmade lantern style trays, From: Susie, is perfect for creating seasonal vignettes with Fall decorations. From a centerpiece on the dining room table to coffee table decor, these trays are so versatile and great to have in your decor toolbox. Here are a few ideas to style them!
Style a centerpiece with pumpkins and faux florals picks or leafy stems.
Place a Fall scented candle on a riser with a vase of seasonal stems and an interesting object.
Tuck faux Fall foliage into the tray with candlesticks and small art.
Fill a wooden bowl with pinecones, acorns or mini pumpkins.
Shop lantern style trays at From: Susie and know you are supporting a female owned small business!
Thank you for stopping by the blog today, as I hop between sharing Christmas and Fall decor. Even though my house is just as confused as I am, it’s my favorite time of year. Either way, do what brings you joy.
Welcome to the Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Challenge with Decorator’s Warehouse. I am so excited to share this year’s elegant, rustic christmas tree with y’all!
Decorator’s Warehouse challenged 12 talented home decor bloggers to design a Christmas tree exclusively with decorations from the store. If you have ever shopped online or visited Decorator’s Warehouse in Arlington, Texas, then you know that the hardest part is choosing just one theme or color scheme. Consequently, there are so many different styles of Christmas decor from rustic to whimsical and elegant which can be found in a variety of trendy, traditional, or neutral color palettes.
Use code CUTERTUDOR for 10% off everything at Decorator’s Warehouse except Christmas trees and resin.
Rustic Christmas Tree
My decorating style is a combination of rustic and casual elegant design. For example, rustic feels distressed, aged or natural. Similarly, materials that exude a rustic feel include burlap, jute, weathered metal or raw wood. It may appear in farmhouse or coastal style homes. As far as the elegant side of the design, I incorporate a little sparkle into my home during the holidays. For instance, think velvet ribbon, glittered balls or stems and twinkle lights. However, I always want my home to feel relaxed and welcoming.
When decorating my home, I I love the look of neutral colors, such as beige, white and grey. In addition, I always gravitate towards cool colors like blue and green. This color combination feels very calming and approachable.
Consequently, my style has not changed from last season. I still love blue mixed with neutrals and creating a rustic elegant vibe that reflects my coastal style. Plus, bells are one of my favorite things to add into my holiday decor. Specifically, I used the large rustic jingle bells on my tree and mantle last year. You can find my previously decorated tree and Tips to Decorate a ChristmasTree, here.
I found these natural fiber deer and pair of trees in Decorator’s Warehouse.
How to Decorate a Rustic Christmas Tree
Basically, there are three things that I incorporate into decorating a tree: floral picks/stems, ornaments and ribbon. However, I used a variety of each to showcase different textures, colors and contrast.
Assuming your tree is pre-lit like mine, the first step is to fluff the branches of the tree. For example, make sure you touch every branch, pulling each towards you and spreading it out to fill in any gaps.
Start with the Spray Topper
Secondly, decorate the top of the tree with a ‘spray topper.’ A spray topper is an assortment of different artificial floral sprays and seasonal stems grouped into a bouquet on top of the tree. In addition, florals, bows, bells or seasonal elements can be added near the base of the topper. For this tree, I push frosted branches, pine and berry style sprays down the top center of the tree, as close to the pole as I can. Next, I add floral sprays in clusters. Lastly, I hang a set of three white washed bells off to one side. These bells have a round circle which I pushed through the tip of a branch before bending upward to secure.
For 9+ foot trees, I remove the top section, place it in a bucket, decorate it using tie-wraps to secure before returning it to the tree. Since, this tree isn’t too tall, I just used my step ladder.
Bells are one of my favorite things to decorate with during the holidays. I have collected many different styles and sizes of bells over the years. However, this set of white washed bells is a recent find from Decorator’s Warehouse. I knew when I saw them that I had to have them. They are so versatile to decorate with. For instance, I hung these on the top and side of the tree. Then, tied a pair on the garland hung on the fireplace mantle. However, they would look great hung on the stairwell or front door or sitting on the coffee or dining table for a unique centerpiece.
Weave Ribbon into the Tree
I prefer to use three different kinds of ribbon with at least one having a bold pattern or texture. For instance, I chose two shades of blue velvet ribbon in two different widths, but added the birch bark ribbon for contrast. Plus, it added another natural element to this rustic Christmas tree.
Wired ribbon is the easiest to work with. It allows you to ‘pop’ the loops out to create more depth. Plus, it can be rolled up and used year after year. Another key factor to working with ribbon is to cut it into controllable increments. For instance, most of the ribbon on my tree is cut between 2-4 feet long. I highly recommend viewing Decorator’s Warehouse tutorials on YouTube for excellent step by step directions to add ribbon to the tree.
Basically, ribbon is added with a series of loops and tails. To create ‘tails’, cut the end at an angle. However, I prefer a ‘dovetail’ by folding the ends in half and cutting a diagonal from the center to the outer edge. To create loops, leave a tail, twist ribbon to create an 8 inch loop to ensure the top of the ribbon always shows. Then, repeat to create either another loop or tail. Simply twist ribbon between the tree branches to secure.
These table top pine trees in galvanized pots look so real. When tied with velvet ribbon, they are a perfect mix of rustic and elegant.
Fill with Floral Clusters and Filler Sprays
Floral clusters are a bouquet of floral, textured, and leaf style ‘sprays’ or stems. These are the basic elements when creating a floral arrangement, as well. Decorator’s Warehouse has a beautiful selection of Christmas flowers in an assortment of materials, colors, patterns and sizes. I chose the grey sugar poinsettia, burlap faux fur edge poinsettia and a green velvet poinsettia with glitter detail.
For winter, artificial ‘leaf’ stems may be cedar, spruce or pine needles and frosted or snow covered branches. Textured stems are usually three dimensional and may include those with faux berries, pinecones, glittered balls or ornamental details. You can shop for both, here.
Therefore, layer at least 3-5 different sprays, including at least one floral, textured and leafy stem. For instance, place a poinsettia over a dewberry pick, frosted branch and pine spray. Then, hold in one hand and with the other, grab the end of one of the more flexible stems, and twist the bunch together. This will allow you to easily push the floral cluster along a branch on the Christmas tree while securing with a tree branch. Make at least one floral cluster per foot of tree.
Lastly, set aside about one dozen each of 3-4 different kind of sprays, as well. These individual sprays will be the last thing that you add to the tree. Basically, these are used to fill in any empty spaces and repeat color and pattern throughout the tree.
Add an Assortment of Ornaments
For a 7. 5 foot tree, Decorator’s Warehouse recommends to use 6 different styles of 5 balls. Then, add 12 different styles of three specialty ornaments. However, this is just a recommendation and you should always decorate in a way that you love.
When choosing ornaments, be sure to consider a variety of different finishes, colors, textures, and sizes. For example, select matte, shiny, natural, glittered, rough, smooth, detailed, big and small. If you enjoy a monochromatic color scheme, simply choose different shades of one color. If you prefer modern look, lean towards smoother textures and cleaner lines, but choose matte and shiny metallic finishes.
Continuing the same elements in the room is great way to make a room feel cohesive with the holiday decor. Last year, I styled a nine foot Belgium pine garland on my fireplace mantle. I loved it so much that I decided to do it again this year using the same beautiful ribbons, bells and floral, berry and leafy picks as the tree. Additionally, I decorated a wreath to hang above the mantle.
In addition, you can use floral picks and sprays for floral arrangements, centerpieces or garlands hung on the door or staircase.
Think outside the box.
If you find something you love, but it doesn’t fit your plan, can you make a simple change to create something perfect for you? Perhaps, you cut some of the larger sprays into smaller pieces for floral arrangements.
Or, like me, I found a garland of beautiful green glass ornaments tied together with jute. It was the same shade of green as the velvet poinsettias. Therefore, I untied the ornaments from the long jute and retied the ornaments in clusters of two. This allowed me to hang them on the tree as ornaments and repeat the color I love. Or, lay it across the coffee table for an easy styling solution with potted trees, like these I tied ribbon around.
Use code CUTERTUDOR for 10% off everything at Decorator’s Warehouse except Christmas trees and resin.
Looking for more holiday inspiration?
Take the tour to see the rest of the Christmas trees in the Decorator’s Warehouse Christmas Tree Challenge. You will find so many different ideas to decorate your tree in a variety of color schemes and styles.
Learn how I gave these inexpensive Christmas bells, found at any dollar store, a makeover. By adding realistic greenery, velvet ribbon, and the secret sauce to getting an antique finish, ‘Rub N Buff,‘ these bells went from cheap to antique.
Rub N Buff is available in antique gold, gold or silver leaf, spanish copper, European gold, Grecian gold, Autumn gold, ebony and pewter. Typically, I use the antique gold finish. Initially, the Christmas bells were a yellow gold and aged tin finish. However, I believe the warm, antique gold adds more character.
Rub N Buff is a wax based metallic finish that easily glides onto a variety of different surfaces, predominantly, but not limited to metal. Therefore, use it to update old light fixtures or furniture hardware. In addition, it works on glass, wood, and even some plastics. So, add an antique or metallic finish to furniture and home decor like wooden frames, mirrors or painted furniture.
What you Do to Antique Christmas Bells:
It’s demo day! To prep the Christmas bells, cut and remove the jute, tinsel like greenery, bow and unwind the burlap from the plastic ring. However, if your bells look different than these, just remove any unwanted or cheap looking parts.
First, hot glue a life like sprig of faux greenery to the ring.
Second, tie a velvet ribbon into a bow and hot glue the bow onto the greenery. Next, cut and glue 3 additional strands of velvet ribbon behind the greenery.
Third, using a paper towel or finger, wipe ‘Rub N Buff’ onto the bells and ring. Then, buff to create a lustrous finish. When dry, hot glue bells to the bottom of the ribbon at varying lengths.
Tip of the Day: If you craft or DIY often, rubber finger cots will protect your fingers from paint, stain, inks, caulking, etc… Typically, I use my fingers to directly rub the stain on, and it takes a day to wear off. However, if you keep your nails manicured, these are handy and disposable.
Thank you for stopping by the blog to see how I transformed these Christmas bells in 3 easy steps with Rub n Buff. If you love antique finishes, be sure to read how I use vintage Christmas decorations in my home. Lastly, follow me on Instagram,Tik Tok or Pinterest for more holiday crafts and DIYS.
Enjoy these simple recipes for Halloween charcuterie boards. Food style boards are my favorite way to serve food at parties, because they include a variety of seasonal foods and favorite snacks. Therefore, it’s easy for everyone to find something that they love.
Tips to Create a Festive Food Board
Choose colorful and seasonal food to fit your theme and make it look festive.
Dip any fruit or cookie into white chocolate and use chocolate chips to add spooky faces.
Include a variety of sweet, savory, and salty snacks that are both homemade and store bought.
Use Halloween themed cookie cutters to cut sliced cheese, meat or cookies into fun shapes.
Use cookie cutters or decorative bowls to hold nuts, seeds, or small candies.
Start in the center of the board and work your way out to place food.
Sweet. Salty. Savory.
Suggested Ingredients for Halloween Food Board
For a general charcuterie style board, think of these food groups – sweets, nuts, fruit & veggies, cheese, meats and crackers. In addition, include dips and sauces depending on what you serve. For a fun twist, you can gear food boards to dessert, fruit or breakfast, too.
Meats – Salami, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Chorizo, Serrano Ham
For the recipes for Halloween themed ‘ghost bananas’ and ‘pumpkin oranges,’ head to this blog post. They are a healthy, fun addition to Halloween themed food boards or served individually on a ‘fruitcuterie’ board.
Then, save this post on your Pinterest board or Facebook page. Lastly, follow me on Pinterest to find more holiday recipes, crafts, and decorating ideas.
For these simple recipes for Halloween, it’s perfectly acceptable to play with your food. Therefore, I transformed fruit into pumpkins, ghosts and wicked witch warts to create a ‘fruitcuterie’ board. It’s a fun and festive addition to breakfast on Halloween morning, kids parties or just to get your kids to eat more fruit.
So, maybe I just made up ‘fruitcuterie.’ However, it makes sense when fruit and charcuterie come together. Either way, I love charcuterie style food boards for parties, gatherings and weekend brunch. For instance, food boards are easy to create and serve for family movie night, game night with friends, or date night with your ‘boo!’ Here’s one I did for breakfast and my kids loved it.
Fruitcuterie Halloween Recipe
What you Need:
Mandarin Oranges
Celery Stalk
Bananas
Chocolate Chips
Moon Drop Grapes
Mini Charcuterie Boards
A few weeks ago, I found these mini charcuterie boards on sale at Hobby Lobby for $2.40 each. So, I bought 8 for $20. They are the perfect size for serving appetizers or individual charcuterie boards at parties. I couldn’t wait for the first holiday to use them.
If you are looking for larger wooden boards, From: Susie has a great selection of cutting, bread and kitchen boards. Plus, use coupon code ‘Cutertudor’ for 10% off everything in the shop.
Ghosts, Pumpkins, & Witches, Oh My
While I am not sure you can call this a recipe, it is a healthy treat that you can serve to kids in October. After assembling the orange pumpkins and banana ghosts, simple arrange with moon drop grapes onto mini charcuterie boards. Voila… you have a fruitcuterie!
What you Do to Make Orange Pumpkins:
First, peel oranges.
Secondly, cut apart the leafy end of a celery stalk into 1 1/2″ stems.
Then, press the celery into the center of the orange.
What you Do to Make Banana Ghosts:
First, peel bananas.
Secondly, cut bananas into two parts.
Then, press 3 chocolate chips into the top of a banana to form the eyes and mouth.
These banana ghosts and orange pumpkins look so cute on a Halloween characuterie board. Find everything I included on the board and tips to create a festive food board, here.
