But of course, the day I've decided to write about fall it's going to be 89 degrees.
Iowa, sometimes you suck a little. But I won't let you ruin my writing mood today.
Each year for the past three fall seasons that I've decorated 422 13th St, I've opened my fall totes and felt like I was always missing a little something. Like I could use an extra garland here, a wreath there, a candle here, a fall picture there...but this year it finally happened. I cracked open my impeccably organized (if I do say so myself) fall totes and TA-DAA! I had everything I needed to create a little cozy fall wonderland.
Okay except one tiny thing. Burlap is blowing up my Pinterest, so I did decide I needed some of that. You'll notice it everywhere in my pictures. When something isn't up to my decorating standards, I just cut off a hunk of burlap and it instantly looks better.
As of today, I have only spent $12 on four yards of burlap to add to my leafy Autumnal decor collection. Ps, plain burlap is always $3.99/yard at JoAnn Fabrics and if you have the JoAnn app, you can use a coupon once a week for 40% off any full-priced item (sometimes I feel like the angels in heaven applaud me for figuring stuff like this out).
Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my secrets for where I find my 'goods' and when/where to hunt for the best sales, lest you think I've spent a fortune on decorating. I'm writing this blog like I'm some sort of authority on the subject of seasonal home decor (which you and I both know I'm not), but it seems like people ask me about our house a lot. So here you go...
I scored all my Scrabble letters from Josh's mom when she was cleaning out an old house. I use them for everything! And like I said, I add small scraps of burlap under everything to give my decorations a little more texture and backdrop instead of the plain gray counter top.
My leaf dishes stacked by the sink and holding our house numbers were all found for $1 at the One Spot at Target last year. They're great for hosting Thanksgiving and fall parties because they hold candy, veggies, dip, and all kinds of snacks.
I prefer to keep our fridge clutter-free, but I like this pumpkin patch picture of Josh and me from two falls ago...I also have a 'Fall Checklist' that I'll add to the fridge once I get it printed.
The lanterns on top of our refrigerator also came from the Target One Spot for $3/each. They hold votive candles inside, and I love their look. I'll admit, the 'B' pumpkin was a splurge and I had to stalk Hobby Lobby for months a couple years ago to find the 'B' I wanted. I finally got this pumpkin for about $12 (using my 40% off coupon). The biggest score was that when I came home, Josh noticed it and said he liked it. #purejoy
My chalkboard and old windows set-up in our living room are just a collection of things because I needed to hide some cords and take up space. I move those windows all over our house to use as backgrounds for whatever I need. My chalkboard was a gift from Josh's parents for my birthday last year, and I love it. I just Pinterested 'Fall Quotes' and found this: 'Light breeze, colorful leaves, bare trees, it must be Autumn.'
The big picture frame by the windows are just my favorite fall pictures from Pinterest printed in color, cut out, and laid in a collage using a frame I just happened to have. People comment on it all the time and ask where I got it which is hilarious because it really was that easy, folks. A lot of fall bang for $0.
I find my canvas prints at a little store in downtown Fort Dodge called 'Real Deals on Home Decor.' A canvas print like the sunset one in this picture costs between $7 and $9 (depending on the size), and I usually have an email coupon...so they're even cheaper! Side note: Josh also LOVES these, and because of the barn scenery scattered around our house, he doesn't even mind that I have so many! ;)
From September to November I have mugs and cider always on our counter. Having it out makes it easy for guests to fill a mug with water, warm it up in the microwave, and then add their favorite flavor of cider. It's a cheap and fun fall snack, plus it's a cute little 'display' on our counter.
I like to keep our kitchen island simple since it's such a high-traffic spot. I found my candle-wreath years ago at Target when they were clearancing their fall stuff at 70% off. I've found there are good deals to be had if you are patient enough to wait and DIG through all the broken and weird decorations. I added an orange candle that was a gift and chopped a square of burlap for a mini-runner.
Attention: Mollie Boersma's way of decorating is probably not a recommended method. I'm fairly certain the burlap isn't even cut evenly. But then again, maybe that just adds to the look? I was in a hurry and I like instant gratification when I'm decorating. If it's too much work it's probably not worth it. ;)
MmB
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