Let’s be real. We love PSLs (iced), going to pumpkin patches (on the side of the road), and of course fall foliage (from a dead tree, because it’s been over-watered by rain). I mean that’s fall, right?
It’s easy to assume that most people love fall or the idea of it. It’s all about scrolling for miles on Pinterest boards filled with orange and red color tones. The idea of sitting on your balcony in the morning enjoying the weather and a nice cup of coffee is superb in fall—except not in Florida. Besides all the negatives, there is still a way to enjoy fall: from the inside of your home, even if its STILL 92 degrees in the shade.
Although it seems challenging or underwhelming because autumn is non-existent in the Sunshine State, have no fear—Magnolia Mom Wannabe is here. Written below are the basics to an easy, exciting and peaceful way of preparing your home for fall in the best ways possible:
Scents
Who doesn’t love a good smelling home? Even realtors bake cookies when showing a house solely because we squeal at the idea of our most intimate spaces smelling cozy. I know Bath and Body Works is well-recognized for the candles like “Marshmallow Fireside” and “Pumpkin Apple,” but truthfully we know we can’t afford those on a college budget. TJ MAXX has giant candles for $8, Target has smaller ones for $5, and good ol’ Joanne Fabrics even has tea light candles (that smell like the inside of pumpkin pie) that are $2 for six. Grab whichever candles you prefer and light ’em up!!!
Home Decor
…because if fall isn’t shown on the outside, fake it till’ you make it on the inside.
Leaves
Go on over to the dollar store and buy fake leaves. Place them everywhere. On the tables, on the walls or even around a candle (just make sure it’s not close to the flame). These fake leaves will become your best friend. They’re not “tacky,” and they really bring those basic fall colors into your home.
Spider Webs
If you want a spookier feel to your place, add some spider webs (which you can also get from the dollar store) and place them all over the walls, frames and knobs. Trust me, it works.
Paper Bats
Don’t want to spend money but have paper and a pair of scissors? PERFECT, let’s make some paper bats. As a wise child might say, “look it, look it, it’s frickin’ bats. I love Halloween.” Mix it all together and your home is now the inside of a fall snow globe.
Letter Boards and Light Boards
Alright, alright. I have listed the decorations that are kinder to the wallet. However, this iconic piece of decor takes the cake. You can write anything autumn related and boom, you’re ready for fall. Trust the process.
Banners
These have become pretty popular. Although they are usually used for parties, a simple leaf banner will really tie in all the decorations together. Utilizing a banner solidifies the theme you’re going for.
Doormat
The front of your apartment, home, or even room is more important than you think. It’s the first thing you see before you enter, and what better way to jump into fall by having a fall-related doormat? There are so many options: spooky, harvest, etc. You can purchase these on Amazon, Etsy, TJ Maxx and Home Depot.
Pumpkins
For lack of a better word, DUH. Pumpkins are the epitome of fall! Buying two for $3 at your local grocery store and adding them to your counter, desk and front door will really convince you and your guests that it’s fall after all.
Here we are, looking out the window and watching the rain pour down outside (over-watering our palm trees again). Then, we look away and take a step back and see how cozy and fall-like our home looks. We take a deep breath and smile. “Fall is here,” we say, lighting our overly-scented candles.
Images: Taken by author