Fall Decor on the Cheap

 I don't decorate a lot - but I always get myself in the mood for fall with a few odds and ends.  So many things (most) I have had for years!  I buy cheap and I make or I use nature.  You can change up the look of the house with little or no money.

I love my fall scented candles!  That is a big thing for me - I know I probably shouldn't be breathing in all those scents - but fall scents are jut luscious!!!!!!   I buy after season for the next year (I also ask for them when someone wants to know what I want).

I have also been known to throw some citrus peels or apple peels, cinnamon, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice in a pot of water and left it 'brew'.  Oh the house smells good!!!!

I changed out the cover for the love seat with a throw I got at a yard sale a couple years ago.  It just looks fall to me! (I have used at Christmas as well).  Look around for pillows, throws, afghans, or even quilts that look like the season and use them.  Don't keep saving them for a special day - you woke up today - IT'S SPECIAL!

I have a couple door decorations for fall - actually I have more than a couple - but they are all old.  I switch off every other year or so.  The sunflower one I made many years ago.  Used dollar tree flowers and a wreath I got on sale at Michael's.  The pumpkins were purchased at Big Lots a few years back for like 4.99.  It is metal.

                                                                      Front door

                                                                   Kitchen door

I have a couple table covers that are placemats I got for like 2.99 each at Big Lots a few years ago.  They make cute center table covers.

I found a cute wooden sign that looked fall-ish at the Dollar Tree.  $1 - can't beat that.  It is hanging inside on the corner hutch.

Years ago I had a vase full of bittersweet.  One of my favorites!!!!  IF you can find it to buy - they charge an arm and a leg for it.  I found it while out wondering the roads with hubs years ago (growing along the road).  Yep I got out and got a bunch!  I used that vase of bittersweet every fall for years.  I would cover it with a grocery bag and gently move to basement in off season.  It finally fell apart.  I would love to find more.

Think about going through the park or neighborhood cemetery and find pinecones.  Both of those places are apt to have pine trees!  You can dry them and use in bowls of in large glass containers.  They can be spray painted for different holidays - or spray with glue and add glitter.  You can keep them simple or fancy them up and they are FREE.

Rustic pumpkin I was gifted.  Made from cut scraps of wood and painted and sanded to look old. Add a little raffia or twine and BOOM -  scraps into pretties.  A wonderful gift and I am sure it didn't cost my nephew a thing!  I was thrilled.  He knows my likes!!!!!

Do you or your neighbor have ornamental grasses in your yard?  I have been known to cut the frawns of pampas grass and put them in a large tall vase or container.  They make really pretty accents in the corner of a room.

I always find the prettiest maple leaves when they start falling and bring them in and place under the glass top on my library table.  They look pretty, stay flat, and they drive the cat crazy!

I have also picked up some sticks from the yard and used them in vases of flowers.  You can use them as is or you can paint them.  Add twinkle lights around some twisted branches for affect. 

How about pussy willows or cat tails?  Do you or your neighbors grow corn?  Corn stalks make lovely outdoor decorations - maybe at a lamp post or at the mailbox or as an accent in a flower bed.

Pumpkins, gourds or squash can be used as pretty decorations indoor or out.  (Bring in before freeze - if you want to eat pumpkin or squash).

Perhaps you can buy a couple pretty mums.  They look pretty now and can be planted to enjoy for years to come.

Table scape I have done in the past.  I painted that scarecrow well over 30 years ago (it can light up).  Other stuff is just what I had on hand.  Antiques and dollar store finds together!

                               Another door decoration I sometimes use.  Made it years ago!

Old orchard basket - gingham napkin and decorations I have had for years.  Blue mason jar with silks.

It is so simple to decorate and spend no money.  Use what you have around the house - look at things in a new way!  Use what you can find in nature.  

We can have fun and change up the look.

I am not sure what this is - the plant looks like corn (but no ears).  It grew from scraps of bird seed that fell between porch and ramp.   There is a whole row of them.  You can be sure I will cut those pretty tops before freeze!!!!!  Gifts from the birds.

You just never know where your inspiration will come from or where your materials and supplies will come from.  Look around - use baskets, metal tubs, material, Mason jars, knick-knacks, scraps of wood, nature - whatever you have.  

HAVE FUN and decorate for fall on a nickel or a penny or FREE!!!!!