Every season so many of us rush out to buy the latest decorations to make our homes cozy and festive.  We spend so much money on items that we use once (maybe twice) and then pack away into storage boxes and forget about. This takes up money and space!

When it comes to Autumn things don’t change too much theme wise.  We use reds, yellows, and orange colors.  We use pumpkins and leaves and different types of berries and squashes.

 Because we have a large family I don’t have a huge decorating budget so if it is at all possible, I like to use things I already have around the house.  What I love to use the most though is Mother Nature!  There is nothing better (or cheaper) than shopping in your own backyard!

This past weekend I went on a nature hike with my 4 year old neighbour scouting out the perfect fall branches and berries to create a beautiful arrangement to display on our front porch.

This is what we created from our finds …

We found such a beautiful variety of different branches from different trees and shrubs … even a vine!

Not only was this project free but we ended up with some great memories as well.

In order to keep my arrangement looking fresh and crisp I made sure to place them in a bucket of water inside the metal vase.  The branches don’t reach all the way to the bottom of the vase as the bucket I placed inside only fit partway down.

The colors of the leaves are stunning and give you that warm welcoming feeling to the front entry.  Anyone can make this easy arrangement and it won’t cost you money or storage space.

So many variations of containers can be used as well.  I had a few smaller pieces that my tiny neighbor had picked so we placed a plastic container of water inside a basket and filled it with the smaller pieces.

Her momma was so generous to give us some of her homemade jams, jellies and cherry syrup!  They always spoil us with homemade goodies!

Has anyone ever seen a squash like these?  I bought them from a roadside market and the sign said they were Acorn Squash (and they do look like an acorn) but everyone I ask says Acorn Squash look different.

I have never heard of Acorn squash before so I don’t know anything about them.  I’m excited to see what they look like on the inside!

They are so neat and unique from the squash and gourds I usually use to decorate with.  They will make a nice centrepiece on out table.

If anyone knows how to cook with them I would be happy if you’d share as I have no idea what to do with them other than decorate!  Ha ha!

They make for great photo props too!

Mother nature is the best designer … outdoors or in!  Bring a bouquet of fall branches indoors to enjoy as well.

I hope this simple idea gives you some help when deciding on how to decorate your space for fall.  It’s so easy and best of all …

… it’s free!

Smiles!

Terry

Sharing this lovely arrangement at:

DIY Show Off 

The Interior Frugalista

I Should Be Mopping The Floor

Anderson & Grant

French Country Cottage

Katherine’s Corner