When Can I Start Decorating for Fall? Answers and Decor Inspiration
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When it’s been 90 degrees out and humid for weeks, it’s easy to find yourself thinking: When does fall start again? We love days spent swimming at the beach with pool toys and lounging on patio furniture in the summer sun, but after months of sticky heat, it’s natural to start daydreaming about all the fun activities the fall season brings. If you’re already itching to break out the pumpkins and buffalo plaid, you’re probably wondering when to decorate for fall. Is August too early? Should you wait for the leaves to start changing? How soon is too soon?
So, When Can I Decorate for Fall?
In our opinion…your house, your rules! But if you want to hold out and decorate a little closer to the season, there are a few options. You could start the interior fall decorating as early as late August. Labor Day weekend and back-to-school season mark the unofficial official start to fall, so that’s a safe bet. In general, you can break out the exterior fall decor a little later, in mid to late September, when Halloween is around the corner. The official first day of fall is September 22, 2024, which could be a good time to plan the outdoor updates around.
When Should I Start Decorating for Halloween and Thanksgiving?
Mid to late September is a great time to decorate for Halloween so you can enjoy the view for a bit. For Thanksgiving, it’s usually best to start decorating right after Halloween is over, as the two holidays are so close together. If you prefer to decorate once rather than multiple times for each holiday, then it’s smart to use items that can work all season long.
If pumpkins are your thing, for example, consider choosing metallic or neutral-colored gourds that would make sense for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Or on the mantel, choose black vases that can house both classic autumn blooms for earlier in the season as well as spooky florals come Halloween-time. Of course, you can go all in for each individual phase of fall, too—no judgment here!
When Should I Take Down My Fall Decorations?
The best part about fall decor is that—if you play your pumpkins right—many pieces can stay up through Thanksgiving. So the appropriate time to take it all down will likely be when the season changes, in December.
What Are Some Ways I Can Decorate for Fall?
Blankets: The first rule come fall? The more blankets, the better! Consider placing your spring and summer throws in an underbed storage container and replace them with options in shades of rust, khaki, or dark green.
Garlands: Garlands along the mantel, included in your tablescape, or hung around the front door is a way to incorporate natural fall elements into your space. Drape them anywhere that needs a little pop, and your space instantly looks more seasonal.
Candles: Both LED flameless candles and natural wax or soy candles are excellent for tucking into spaces that need some soothing warm-toned light. Around Halloween, you’ll love how these give that extra ambience during a scary movie marathon!
Pampas: Pampas grass in fall colors is an easy statement-maker. Those who don’t exactly have a green thumb will enjoy it, as well, since they’re easy to take care of and even easier to replicate in artificial stems or wreaths.
Pumpkins (of course!): Is there anything more festive and fun than artificial pumpkins in the fall? Place them in an oblong bowl as a centerpiece on the dining table, or display small groupings of them throughout the house. Purchase in a cozy fabric like velvet and they’ll be a complementary addition to any style space.
What Our Editors Have in Their Carts This Fall
