It’s that time of year (officially) that fall decorations are filling homes & store isles! Ya’ll this is one of my FAVORITE times of year for many, many reasons (i.e. photographing fall weddings, bonfires & smores, playing outside, and slowing down to spend more time with family & friends), but one of them is all the fun fall decorations. My mom was always a huge holiday decorator, so I’d like to think I get it from her 🙂

This year, Drew is in his second year of his masters program, I’m working full time, & we’re both side hustling our growing photography business. That being said, grad school ain’t cheap! So, I had the challenge of getting creative with fall decorations so we could stay within our budget, but be in the spirit of my favorite season! Below are 4 tips that I hope you’ll find helpful if you’re in a similar spot- happy fall ya’ll!

Tip #1: Use Nature

When we went on a little hike, I picked up several acorns & those are what I’ve put in the bottom of the glass vases. Subtle & small, but they add a fun touch. Also, pumpkins! Mini, medium, or large- they are all great! I got all the mini pumpkins & gourds scattered around from our local farmer’s market & the bigger white one from TJ Maxx.

Tip #2: A little goes a long way

I bought one fake flower arrangement from Wal-Mart & cut it down and that one bunch for $5 fills four little vases (like the mason jar above) around our living/dining room. You don’t need much to add small pops of fall!

Candles, toss pillows, & throw blankets are things that also go a long way! I know these can REALLY get expensive quick, but my compromise was getting 2 nicer/more expensive pillows from TJ Maxx & the orange ones from Wal-Mart.

Tip #3: Plan Ahead

I got the pumpkin soap dispenser from Kohls during black Friday shopping last year & Drew got me the Magnolia vase & wreath for my January birthday (I’m obsessed with ALL of Joanna Gain’s creations! When we get into a house- I can’t wait to get more…I’m sure Drew feels differently haha). If you plan ahead & are looking around during the off season of fall decorations, you can get really good discounts! Plus, things like the vase & frame/print can stay out ALL year, not just the fall.

Tip #4: Take advantage of FREE stuff!

All of the prints I have in frames were free from Pinterst! I just searched “free printables” in Pinterest and found them. Again, it’s something small that goes a long way. You can use photos & notes from others as decorations as well. And don’t be afraid to accept free things from others 🙂 Heck, most of our apartment, especially our furniture, is filled with (free to us) things from our families & friends. Drew likes to say one of his spiritual gifts is accepting gifts haha.

 

Hope you enjoyed & left feeling inspired for this season 🙂 If you have any tips or tricks, please share them in the comments below- I’d love to learn from you!

Xoxo

Mon