Are you wondering when it’s okay to put out your fall decor? It’s really a personal choice. Using this handy timeline will ease you into the process and make it much more enjoyable!
If you spend any time at all on social media, this is the time of year that you’ll likely start hearing chatter about when it’s okay to decorate for fall. In case you haven’t noticed, there are some very strong opinions out there!
There’s a part of me that wants to jump in and say, “settle down people!”. When to put out your fall decor is strictly a matter of personal choice. There are those of us that do it early and those of us who prefer to wait until fall officially arrives in September. Neither opinion is right or wrong – do whatever makes YOU happy.
As for me, I’m in the camp of starting the fall decorating process early. In fact, I’ve already decorated my mantel and stripped the summer decor out of the rest of the house. This photo was shot with my phone and isn’t the greatest, but here’s a little sneak peak that will give you an idea of the color palette I’m using this year.
I’m changing things up a bit with my fall decorations this year. I’m doing my best to give more of a subtle nod to the season by using more muted tones of fall colors. I’m also backing away from how many fall decorations I put out by strategically placing just a few touches throughout my home.
If you’re like me, this is the time of year when things seem to pick up and our time becomes more limited, so it can be a real struggle to find time to do any decorating.
Since I know that switching your decor from season to season can seem daunting, I’ve put together a fall decorating timeline that you can print for free!
The fall decorating timeline is broken into 4 weeks with weekly doable assignments. It’s designed to start whenever you like and will help you ease into fall so that when you reach the end, all your decorations will be in place and you won’t feel stressed out! Start the timeline whenever you like.
WEEK 1:
- Now is the time to put away all things summer – pillows, florals, centerpieces, throws and any other summer tchotchkes.
- Create a blank slate so that you can plan how you’d like to decorate for fall this year.
- Review what’s already in your fall stash.
- Shop for any items you may need to bring your plan to life.
WEEK 2:
- Start easing into the season by displaying seasonal fruit
- Go ahead and add seasonal pillows.
- Add cozy linens to your bedroom.
- Prep your fireplace in anticipation of those cozy fall nights.
- Take a nature walk to collect natural elements like pine cones and acorns.
- Make a new wreath or other fall craft.
- Mood starter – burn your favorite fall candles.
WEEK 3:
- Purchase real pumpkins and gourds.
- Purchase chrysanthemums and other seasonal plants.
- Decorate your front entry.
- Decorate your fireplace mantel.
- Switch out your dishware and table linens.
- Mood starters – visit the farmer’s market, make a pot of homemade soup.
WEEK 4:
- Create vignettes for your coffee table and other occasional tables.
- Add cozy throws.
- Create a foraged display using items you collected on your nature walk.
- Create a hot cocoa bar.
- Mood starters – make baked apples (get my World’s Best Baked Honeybaked Apples recipe HERE), roast marshmallows
- Enjoy your stress-free fall decor!
Ann Marie says
Actually, up here in NH I use Labor Day as a starting point. By the end of August the annuals in my planters are looking a little ragged and by the start of September I start pulling out the ones past their prime. The weather starts to change to much cooler nights. The fall perennials (asters) and other fall plants come into bloom and I leave the perennials alone. I do clear out many day lilies.
I buy my chrysanthemums usually during Labor Day weekend but no later than the following weekend. Things get into the fall season pretty early up here. I’ll be clearing my home of summer items about that time also.. A good cleaning of my home and I’ll be ready to start putting fall items out.. I have to wait another week before pumpkins show up at farmers’ markets but I have my inside ones I use..
It’s my favorite time of year!
Loyda says
Since we have moved to th desert of arizona this has been a hard one
It just doesn’t start to cool off till November. September we still have 100 degree temps so it’s super hard to get in the mood. It’s a struggle
Suzy says
Oh boy – I can certainly understand that! Here in NC, we still have hot weather into October, but nothing like I’m sure you deal with. Perhaps trying a couple of the mood-starters I suggested would help you get in the mood, even though it’s still scorching outside. 😀
Betty White says
I start the first of September and work all day til everything is out.
Roxann in Texas says
It’s August – much to early to be reassigning summer into fall decorating. 🙂 When the temperature is still registering over 100º each and every day I’ll pass on bringing out the orange but. . I can fantasize and ooh and aah over those who are already cooling down.
Marissa says
Hi Ms. Suzy,
Just dropping a message to tell you that I love your house and decorating style! Very inspiring. Unfortunately my house still has “Hello Spring” decor up right now. Yikes! Giving myself a break since I have a 3 year old and an 18 month old. Totally going to dive into fall decor early too and take down the spring stuff haha! Love your break down of easing into it and doing little by little.
Thanks!
<3 Marissa
Lori says
It’s 105-106 here in my area of California. A bit of a heat wave! Lol. Clearing out all summer and having a blank slate until temperatures feel like fall will be a good idea. Thank you for the timeline!
Shirley says
I am not a fan of fall colors in my home. However, I do love to decorate for all seasons. I try to keep my fall decorations neutral with a little hint of pink and of course green and the light mauves, lavenders, blues, and browns. I use white pumpkins, and other natural accessories that are common to fall. I love changing out my outside planters and hanging baskets to reflect the beauty of the fall foliage and flowers.