As the air turns cooler and the leaves start to change, it’s a perfect time to embrace the beauty and excitement of fall with decor that not only celebrates the season but also respects our planet. Already we are being inundated with a barrage of seasonal products and “must-haves” that will likely be used for a few years at most before heading to the landfill.
Opting for low-waste and plastic-free decor not only aligns with values of sustainability, but also enhances your homes warmth and individuality. These ideas will add something truly unique to your space as you can creatively showcase your personal style. Here are some fun and charming ways to decorate for the season, sustainably!
1. Nature-Inspired Pieces
Celebrate the season by incorporating elements directly from nature. Use pumpkins, gourds, and squashes as stunning centerpieces or pops of color around the house. They come in so many shapes and colors, and easily add so much texture and warmth to your home. For an extra touch, create a centerpiece with pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves arranged in a vintage bowl or basket.
2. Handmade Wreaths
Crafting your own wreaths is a wonderful way to add a personal and beautiful touch to your fall decor. Gather materials like dried flowers, fall foliage, and even herbs like rosemary or sage. You can use a grapevine wreath base or a wire frame and attach your natural finds with twine or floral wire. The result is a stunning and aromatic fall wreath that’s entirely free of plastic. Check out this tutorial for inspiration!
3. Fabric Pumpkins
Instead of buying plastic or foam pumpkins, opt for fabric pumpkins that can be reused year after year. You can make these at home using old sweaters, felt, or other textiles. Sew or glue them together, and stuff with natural cotton or wool for a charming, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic decorations. You can find many sew or no-sew fabric pumpkin tutorials online, like this one. Or, check out your local thrift store for donated fabric pumpkins!
4. Repurposed & Up-cycled Items
Give old items a new lease on life with a bit of creativity! Turn wooden crates and old baskets into rustic fall displays, use vintage jars as candle holders or vases, or repurpose old blankets as cozy table runners. I love this blog post about creating a fall display with repurposed thrift finds. Not only does this approach help reduce waste, but it also allows you to create a custom display in your home that won't be replicated.
5. Foraged Fall Foliage & DIY Garlands
Head outside and gather fall leaves, branches, and berries. Create beautiful garlands or use them to adorn shelves and tables. Even just a simple leaf arrangement in a mason jar can serve as an elegant and biodegradable centerpiece. Or, create garlands using materials like felt, fabric scraps, or even paper made from recycled materials. Shape them into leaves, acorns, or pumpkins and string them together. Wax dipped leaf garlands are so easy and one of my favorite fall craft and decor projects!
6. Eco-Friendly Candles
Is there anything more perfect for embracing autumn than filling your space with cozy candlelight? Choose candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or other natural materials and phthalate free fragrances or essential oils. Look for those that come in glass or metal containers to avoid plastic, or simple taper candles. You can even make your own candles using essential oils and natural waxes in heat-safe containers you have around the house.
7. Sustainable Table Settings
When setting your fall table, opt for reusable cloth napkins and placemats instead of disposable ones. Choose dishes made from ceramics, glass, or other sustainable materials. Decorate with natural elements like small pumpkins or gourds and add a touch of elegance with a simple runner made from burlap or linen.
8. Organic Potpourri
Make your own potpourri using dried flowers, spices, and citrus peels. Not only does it add a lovely natural scent to your home, but it also looks beautiful in decorative bowls or sachets. Here is a simple recipe to make your house smell like autumn, without any harmful chemicals!
Final Thoughts
Decorating for fall doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment, your health, or your wallet. Feel free to share your own sustainable fall decor ideas with us on Instagram or Facebook, or any creative projects you’ve tried this season. Happy decorating!