I’ve noticed something that unsettles me – people who discount (or “diss”) decorating for fall. It’s a bit of a virtual eye-roll. As though decorating a lot for fall is wasting time or money.
Because obviously, instead of buying wasteful pumpkins and candy corn, you should really spend that money on something else that’s more important.
Like Pumpkin Spice Lattes. (Everyone seems to loves those.)
This attitude doesn’t seem to come up as much during Christmas, by the way. But for some reason, harvest decor is like the red-headed step sister of seasonal decorating.
You already know where I stand. I think decorating for fall totally rocks the house – and I believe celebrating any season or holiday is worth a little effort.
But only if you enjoy it.
And if you don’t enjoy it, I think you can do whatever the heck you want. Your life. Your house. Your decisions. I’m totally crazy like that.
But, if you need a little encouragement, there are definitely some perks to decorate for holidays that people don’t always consider. And there are definite advantages that I’ve experienced while living with SDD (seasonal decorating disorder).
You start to understand what works in your own home.
It takes some time living in a space before you really know what works.
Just like you may need to move around furniture or consider different wall decor layouts, seasonal decorating gives you a chance to really get to know your home.
Let me give you an example. I’ve learned that there are a few areas where decor makes a really big impact in our new home – including our dining room table. As I’ve played with decorating it for the past few months, I’m realizing what really works there – so I can own it.
It’s in the middle of the living space and a simple tray and low centerpiece makes a world of difference – even if the entire rest of the house is out-of-control with dinosaur toys. (Not speaking from experience or anything.)
Tip: If you don’t always have a centerpiece on your table, try it! I always keep something on my table that is confined to that galvanized tray. We use the space a lot, but this doesn’t get in the way and looks “put together.” Which makes my decor-loving heart happy.
You have permission to do silly and crazy things that could flop.
Another awesome perk – decorating for fall is totally and completely temporary.
There are a tons of permanent decorating decisions you make in your home – cabinets, flooring, wall color, furniture… But when it comes to decorating for a season or holiday, you know this is only going to be around for a month or two.
So if you hate it, you take it down and move on. That’s freedom, my friends! And it gives you the liberty to try out new colors and patterns and combos on a short-term basis.
In our house this fall, I’ve been playing a lot with orange and navy. Which is my new favorite color combo for the season. And I’m also falling into a deep love with all plaids. And even mixing different plaids. Who would have known?
And who would have known that pumpkins in every color look incredibly beautiful together? You don’t have to stick with only one color! (I’ve never met a pumpkin I don’t love.) Orange and yellow and peach and white and green and blue … it’s totally rocking my world to know that I can thrive in a home that’s super colorful.
Since it’s temporary, seasonal decorating gives you the chance you to move things around, try new things, and get creative. (Especially if you don’t have an unlimited budget. Which, who really does, anyway?)
It’s totally cool if you don’t bring home 30 pumpkins (I’m aware it’s not normal). But, it’s also okay if you do. Because then you have to get creative and figure out what to do with all those silly pumpkins (which I totally scored for $35, by the way).
You are more likely to try things on a budget.
And that reminds me … nobody really wants to take out a second mortgage to load up on fall decor. For goodness sakes, it’s in storage for 10 months of the year.
So it means you get to stretch your budget goddess muscles.
Using what you have – check (those galvanized chargers and plates). Dollar spot scores – double check (those napkins and flowers). And don’t forget all the natural additions you can bring in from your backyard – I love cutting off grasses and wildflowers and hydrangea for the house. (For free.)
Decorating your home on a budget is a little like running a 5k. The more you practice, the better you’ll feel after the race. So, if you flex your budgeting muscles in different ways during different times of the year, you’ll just be better at decorating on a budget.
You’re less likely to be uninspired with your home throughout the year or feel the urge to make giant (and expensive) changes.
I’ve also noticed that the seasonal decorating keeps me changing up things without having to make giant, major massive changes. There are just enough pivots throughout the year to keep me happy.
Maybe this is just me – but I really don’t like major change all the time. I like to add little things or swap pieces, sure. I like to evolve and change, of course. But I’m really not interested in changing out a whole room right away or painting spaces a lot.
Instead, I’m interested in creating rooms that feel timeless and classic. That feel like the canvas I can live with and love for years. No need to be changing with each new trend.
Seasonal decorating helps me temper any boredom and stay inspired without making time-consuming or expensive changes all the time.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Maybe this is a byproduct of the fact that it’s temporary – but seasonal decorating is not something that demands perfection. At all.
Confession – I didn’t swap out any of the bottom decor in my hutch for fall. For the same reason I don’t look at the back of my hair when I’m getting ready in the morning.
Who cares? I don’t really see it so why bother?
It’s getting real up in here.
So, let’s review:
- Decorating for fall can be more than worth the effort – if you love it.
- If you don’t – carry on.
Where do you fall on the seasonal decorating spectrum?
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Jess says
I don’t know if its related, but to me the dissin’ of fall décor feels really similar to the diss towards “basic”. The whole thing feels really needlessly mean/judgmental of a group of people that are happy because they are enjoying something many others also enjoy (like PSL and riding boots).
Live and let live, I say. There’s nothing wrong with changing décor because it makes you feel more comfortable. We live in such a non-comforting world, might as well make your home how you want it. I personally don’t decorate seasonal much, but I think your home looks lovely, and if it makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.
Kim Woodward says
Interesting connection, Jess. The whole “basic” thing never really made sense to me either. But that’s probably because I’m pretty “basic.” 😉
I think often people make broad sweeping statements about something because they are trying to justify their own decisions. Like, cough, how great holiday decorating is. (See? I’m totally guilty, too.)
But I think we are totally on the same page – I’m all about doing what makes you happy.
Colleen says
I decorated for the seasons a lot when our boys were little. As they got older, I slowed down to only Christmas. Now that we’re retired, I’ve got more time but mainly, more enthusiasm for seasonal decorating. I totally agree with you – changing little things around the season satisfies that compulsion so that I don’t turn my focus to large scale change that we don’t need.
Love your blog – it’s amazing how many times what you write is what I’ve thought about. Keep on keep in’ it real sista sista!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
ha! I like your summation at the end 🙂 And if I could find 30 pumpkins for $35, things would definitely be looking a lot more fall-y around here!
Kim Woodward says
Illinois is the land of Lincoln and also Land of (Cheap) Pumpkins.
(Hey – will you also do me a favor and tell me if you get this response via email? I”m having trouble with my email notifications.)
Kim Woodward says
Test.
Alicia W. says
I love your fall decorating… it feels just like sweaters and hot cocoa or coffee!
Also, where did you get those galvanized napkin rings? I love them!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Alicia! They are from the Dollar Spot! =)
Megan says
So fun! I am loving plaid too! My sewing machine and I are going to be hanging out this weekend, hopefully making a table runner and some napkins 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Oooo good luck, Megan! Sounds like a productive weekend!
Marty Walden says
LOVE this post! I totally agree that decorating one season at a time gives me a chance to experiment and find what works and what doesn’t. And sometimes things end up staying around all year long! I have a JOY repurposed wood project I did for a Behr post for Christmas that’s in the kitchen all year long 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Love that! Joy is good all-year round!