So we may not have the crisp shades of fall drifting down to the ground in the form of leaves falling from our . . . mesquite trees. Let’s face it; the fall season here in the Valley may be missing those season-turning visuals that envelop other parts of the country. But that does not mean we cannot enjoy them just the same . . . indoors.
If October feels more pumpkin-y to you, then tap into some décor items fit for the start of fall in September. You cannot go wrong with traditional staples like leaves in warm red, orange, and brown shades and prickly pine cones. Take a fall leaf garland and remove the leaves from the plastic vine (just throw that away) to spread the leaves throughout a display on your dining table, buffet, or coffee table. Tuck a few leaves under the edge of the charger at each place at the table or under a short stack of books on your coffee table. Let a handful of leaves peak out between displays of white serving pieces on your buffet. Fill a staggered series of glass vases, whether cylindrical or square or a mix of both, with pine cones in different sizes and let them stand alone as a striking centerpiece that runs the length of your dining table’s center.
Think beyond the stereotypical fall decorative items and add in your own creative touches to soften the summer feel that has wafted through your home the last few months. Layer in coffee beans, mixed nuts in the shell, and river rocks in glass vases or pedestal bowls and set them on the foyer table, kitchen bar, or bathroom counter. Let a similar mix anchor a bunch of curly willow or dried branches in a tall cylinder vase on the kitchen island or a side table. Similar collections can be filled with dried cranberries, small gourds, green apples, dried corn or candy corn, wine corks, pears, acorns, and artichokes.
Pick your pumpkins next month. For now, enjoy your own indoor blend of cooling down and warming things up with those first touches of fall with your own style in the mix.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 18th.
