Fall decorating with Gourds!

Gourds, both dried and fresh, make wonderful fall decorations. They are natural, durable, and scream "fall's here!" Gourds are also an easy, no fail decoration that is simple for anyone to decorate with. Here are some tips for decorating your home for fall using gourds.

Spray with lacquer. If you are decorating with small ornamental gourds (such as mini-pumpkins, etc) spray your gourds using a spray lacquer or even just clear spray paint. This will give the gourds a nice shine and will also keep them from rotting quite as quickly.

Shop wisely. If you want to use dried gourds in your fall decorating, shop for fresh gourds during the fall months and dry your own. You'll save some money and ensure that you get just the right gourds for your decorating scheme. For tips on choosing and drying your own gourds just click on the links.

Watch for mold. If you are decorating outside with larger, fresh gourds, make sure that you rotate their position at least once every five days or so. If a fresh gourd is left in one position for long it may start to grow mold, especially if it has been rainy. Frequent repositioning will prevent this from happening.

Use add-ins. There are plenty of other fall decorations that complement gourds well. Items such as straw, Indian corn, horns of plenty, bittersweet, and fake leaves all compliment the natural feel and matchless fall essence of gourds. Just remember to spray any other natural materials (expect for straw) with the same lacquer to make them last as long as possible.

Vary your colors. Gourds come in a huge variety of colors. Don't be tempted to stick with all shades of orange. Choose gourds with shades of green, red, and brown too. When added in with the other items you choose your overall fall theme will be that much more attractive.

Choose your positions. There are tons of ways to decorate with gourds. You can create harvest displays outside centered around bales of hay, use piled gourds as a table centerpiece, or decorate a bare wreath with small ornamental gourds. Gourds are so easy to decorate with since you just pile them together with some additional items and voila, you have a great fall display.

Don't pierce the gourds. If you want your gourds to last as long as possible, don't pierce the skin. Use other methods of attaching gourds to fall displays (such as wire or hot glue). Piercing the skin will cause them to rot very quickly.

Gourds simply can't be beat for simple, but gorgeous, fall decorations!



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

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Cheap Fall Centerpiece Ideas!

 

 

Sunflower Arrangements

• Sunflowers are perfect for fall centerpieces because they are in full bloom during late summer and early autumn. There are many varieties of sunflowers available in different colors and sizes. Make a bouquet of one type of sunflower, multiple types or add other fall foliage and flowers together in one arrangement.
  

Gourds

• Gourds are abundantly available in autumn and usually quite inexpensive in bins at grocery stores. Place a few small gourds and pumpkins in a basket for a simple, casual centerpiece. Mix and match as many different colors, shapes and sizes as you wish. You can line the basket with an autumn fabric.
  

Leaves, Twigs, Moss and Berries

• Collect fall leaves, twigs, moss and berries to garnish any centerpiece arrangement. Combine with gourds, produce, flowers and more to create a diverse and artistic piece. In many areas twigs with berries still clinging to them are abundant in the fall but if you don't have access to them, they can be purchased from a florist.
  

Pumpkin Flowerpot

• Hollow out a pumpkin and use it as a planter for flowers in fall colors, like marigolds. Pumpkins are cheapest if you grow them yourself or get them from a you-pick farm, rather than buying them at a grocery store or other pre-harvested and shipped outlet.
  

Fall Produce

• Combine fall fruits and vegetables such as corn, squash, plums and apples with flowers and any other materials you like in a basket. If the centerpiece is only used for a day or two, you can still eat the produce when you are done with it.
  

Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

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Decorating Your Porch with Mums this Fall

Chrysanthemums, or mums, can be a beautiful addition to any front porch this fall. With the variety of beautiful colors available, from vibrant yellow and oranges to reds and purples, these can bring new life to the appearance of your home. In this article, we'll give you some decorating ideas and tips for using mums to perk up your front porch and give your house some spectacular curb appeal!

Before You Begin Decorating

Before you start on any decorating project, it is a good idea to clear your working space, in this case, clean your porch! Remove any clutter from the porch including stray pots, dead plants, or other similar items. Take down any summer décor (flags, wreaths, etc.) if they can not be incorporated into your fall theme.
Sweep your porch and wipe down your front door with a damp rag. Take a broom and get rid of those cobwebs around the door or up above. This will make a huge difference in the appearance of your porch.

Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

Now that your porch is clean, you are ready to start decorating. Here are some great ideas and tips for using mums on your front porch:

• Select a single color or a combination of two colors.

The basic colors of mums are yellow, orange, purple and red. Also consider these other combinations: yellow/red, purple/yellow, yellow/orange, orange/purple. Coordinate your color selections with any existing plants or decor that remain on your porch.

• Buy mums in odd numbers - 1, 3, 5, etc.

Don't ask me why this seems to work, but it does. Arranging plants in odd numbers is always more visually appealing.

• Even a small size plant make a big difference.

If your budget is tight, using even one small mum next to your front door can add spark. Combine in a group planting with your existing plants.

• Vary height.

If you have steps up to your front porch, consider placing small sized mums on the sides of the stairs. This can look spectacular and give your guests a warm welcome as they approach your home. Also, you can vary height using planters, plant holders, or existing tables on your porch. Even wooden crates can work.

• Combine with pumpkins, gourds, haystacks.

What says fall more than pumpkins! Add these to your mums on your stairs or in a group arrangement on your porch. Look for interesting colors or gourds in unusual shapes to create interest. Haystacks can be used a backdrop for your beautiful mums as well.

• Use decorative planters.

Place the simple plastic pot that the mums come in into a more decorative planter.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

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10 Autumn Decorating Ideas

10 Autumn Decorating Ideas

Celebrate fall by beautifying your home with some of the season’s natural bounty.

With autumn on its way, folks all over are jumping in their cars and driving to the country to grab a glimpse of the season's natural splendor. Bring some of that beauty home with these simple ideas for fall home décor.

1. Be the talk of the town with a playful pumpkin version of a snowman. Stack three pumpkins in graduated sizes, drilling holes through the pumpkins and inserting a large stick to secure. Add stick arms and a face using a black marker.

2. Make a quirky topiary by placing a sturdy branch in a box or flowerpot, weighing it down with bricks or rocks that you then cover with nuts. Cut or drill a hole through the largest pumpkin, and place on the branch. Top with two smaller pumpkins.

3. Accent a door or wall with a swag of Indian corn. Use twine to connect the ears, knotting the twine after adding each ear. Tuck in pressed maple leaves for even more color. Then loop the twine at the top to hang.

4. Don't just throw all those tree trimmings in the trash this autumn. Place a bundle of bare branches in a large terra-cotta pot and weave little white holiday lights to create the perfect décor for your home.

5. Have a ball by wrapping colorful dried leaves around purchased plastic-foam balls from a crafts store. Glue the leaves on, then wind thin wire around and around to hold them firmly in place. Stack a collection of balls in a basket for rustic country style.

6. Make an autumn garland for your mantle with colorful apples. Use an awl or knitting needle to pierce through the apples from side to side. Pull twine through the hole and knot it to hold the apple in place. Spice up the display by alternating apples with gourds, walnuts, or leaves.

7. Lead trick-or-treaters to your door or dinner guests to the back patio with country luminaries made with old glass jars. Put a bit of sand in the jar and set a small candle in the sand. Line the sidewalk with the luminaries or even hang them from trees with wire.

8. Decorate a wreath for your front door with clusters of berries, ornamental grasses, and other fall finds. Purchase a wreath form at a local crafts store, then simply attach the berries and grasses with wire or hot glue.

9. Turn mini pumpkins into decorative candleholders. Just carve a hole large enough for a tea candle in the top of the pumpkin. Arrange a bunch across a mantle or down the middle of the dining table.

10. For a fragrant treat, fill a ceramic bowl or wicker basket with oranges, lemons, pine cones, nuts, and pieces of evergreen. Place the container just inside the front door for a special welcome home.

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Color your home for Fall!

The weather is turning cooler and my favorite season of all is just around the corner.  Here is a great idea for getting your home ready for fall.

Color crush

Get ready for fall by adding some of the season's hottest hues to your home. Here are some of this fall's must-try shades.

• Violet: Violet is the perfect transitioning color to use as the seasons change since it's bold yet versatile and elegant.
• Yellow: A burst of canary yellow adds that special element of surprise to your decor. Isuggests painting the backs of your bookshelves or the insides of your drawers for some added color punch during the fall season.
• Raspberry: Raspberry hues are excellent for adding a touch of vibrancy. Scatter raspberry-hued accents against your navy blues or soft neutrals.
• Fall colors: Mimic the color you see outside. Inspiration can come from the beautiful colors of falling leaves, cool hues of rainy days or warm tones of morning sun.

Changing seasons allow for new and fresh color choices!. Fall's saturated colors bring new warmth and comfort into your home. I love incorporating the beautiful rich hues into a space. I suggests accessorizing with autumn tones by adding flowers, blankets, pillows and warm scented candles to open up your space and welcome the new season. "Color will enhance your space to match any mood or season.  We have plenty of home decor available for you at Distinctively Home at Battle Ground Village.  Stop on by and take advantage of our sales and new arrivals!



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

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