Let the Holiday Decorating begin…

Now that summer has officially ended and we find ourselves in the month known for Halloween, holiday decorating season for 2009 is underway. While many think only of December holidays when talking about decorating, those of you reading this blog know that giving your home a festive touch really starts in October. And autumn is such a great season for interior decorating (and exterior!). If you are looking for ideas that involve more than just grabbing a few pumpkins from your local grocery store, how boring by the way, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start by talking about the outside for a change…
There are two things to consider when adding a festive touch to your home in the fall – the season and Halloween. First and foremost is to pay tribute to what I consider to be the most beautiful time of year. Start with a wreath on the front door. I think grapevines adorned with leaves, berries, and acorns of various reds, yellows, oranges and purples are a good start. Next, layer the front steps, stoop or porch (depending on what you have). Start with a couple tall planters or urns on either side of the front door with mums. Light or dark purple or deep burgundies are great colors for mums. Don’t select orange because that color will be used next when you set out your pumpkins. Try to group the pumpkins in odd numbers either in front of or around the planters. Generally, you’ll have room for about three. One should be large enough to handle the carving of a good design when the time comes, while the next two should be progressively smaller in size. If you want to add more, cornstalks around columns are also a nice touch. And enjoy the season by making an event out of going to purchase your pumpkins, flowers, etc. Plan to visit a local farm that offers “pick your own pumpkins”. Most places like that also sell mums, cornstalks and gourds and some even offer apple picking. What a great way to spend a fall day!
Inside the house it’s great to have vases filled with orange dahlias, festive bowls or baskets overflowing with small pumpkins and gourds and votive holders in warm colors like browns and gold filled with candles to be lit as the days begin to shorten. The inside of the home is also a great backdrop for seasonal décor. Consider switching out throw pillows to richly colored velvets. Accent rugs can be brought in that are a heavier weight and also have hues that compliment the oranges, purples and browns that are displayed outside. If you are really adventurous, switch your window treatments in a select room or two seasonally. This time of year, panels made of velvet or suede materials in jewel or earth tones not only provide insulation for your windows, but also dress them in the right material and colors for fall and winter.
Now, what if you either have children or are a kid at heart and want to deck your home for Halloween but in a tasteful way? We’ll talk about that next…