Cooler mornings, hoodie sweatshirts, paint-splattered leaves, slanty sun and gentle sunsets, these are a few of my favorite things about Fall. While I dread the colder weather Autumn ushers in, I relish those perfect 60 – 70 degree days when it’s not so hot anymore but not too cold either.

I also really enjoy Fall decorations – the colors add such warmth and coziness to the house and bring a simple serenity after the energetic longer days of summer.

For the longest time, I hated decorating. It never looked like “everyone else’s” and now, in the time of Pinterest Glory, the temptation to compare myself to what others are capable of is even stronger.

But this year, after thinking more about comparison and Kay Wills Wyma’s book, I’m Happy for You (Sort Of…Not Really): Finding Contentment in a Culture of Comparison . (Giveaway ends today!), I decided to stop thinking about how other people decorate their homes for Fall and just do whatever I could do with what I had around plus a few odds and ends treasures I found in the Target $1 bins.

Come on in and stay a little while and enjoy a few of the simple things bringing warmth and Autumn joy in our home:

A very creative and talented friend made this wreath for me several years ago and I look forward to getting it out every year. It’s definitely my favorite wreath.

I don’t know why but I’ve had a bag of straw in our basement for who knows how long and this year I almost threw it out until I saw the perfect spot for it. I added in a random orange ribbon (from our parish bake sale items) and then cut up some artificial flower arrangements I’ve had and rearranged them into the straw. Simple yet lovely.

Found those three Fall banners (or whatever they are called?) hanging from the shelf in the $ bins at Target and couldn’t help myself. Every year I think I’ll make something like this so I was overly excited when I saw these. I might add the words “Gratitude” or “Thanks” on my new chalkboard there – any other ideas?

I love the way the banners add some Fall color in the kitchen – makes me want to munch on delicious pumpkin muffins while sipping warm tea with honey.

I’m also pleased as pumpkin pie with how the mantel turned out.

I’ve had those pumpkins for years and never know what to do with them. This year I just rearranged and stacked them – who said there’s no such thing as a pumpkin snowman?

You really don’t have to spend a lot to create a simple yet satisfying mantel decoration.

I found that cute pillow in the $ bins along with the word boards and the scarecrows are from there a few years ago too.

What do you like most about Fall?

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