Embrace Fall: Tips for Transitioning Your Home Decor + Hosting with Style
As the crispness of fall settles in, it's time to embrace the cozy charm of the season. With the changing leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and the anticipation of holidays ahead, now is the perfect time to transition your home decor and prepare for hosting guests. Whether you're planning a seasonal dinner party, a casual gathering, or just want to make your home feel cozy and inviting, these tips from HGO will help you create a warm, welcoming environment for fall!
1. Layer Warm Tones + Textures
Fall is all about warmth — in both color and texture. Start by swapping out your summer decor for rich, earthy tones like deep oranges, browns, golds, and warm neutrals. Think of rust-colored throw pillows, amber-toned candles, and golden-hued vases.
When it comes to textures, layer them for that cozy, fall vibe. Bring out knit throws, velvet pillows, and wool blankets. A chunky knit throw on your couch or armchair is an instant way to create that inviting, snug atmosphere.
Tip: Mix and match textures to create depth. Pair a soft, velvety pillow with a rough-hewn, wooden tray or add a woven basket filled with seasonal elements like pinecones, acorns, or even small pumpkins.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Fall is nature’s time to shine, and you can bring a little of that beauty into your home with some simple decor. Think of incorporating natural elements like:
Pumpkins & Gourds: Whether they’re real or faux, pumpkins are a fall essential. Arrange them in clusters of varying sizes on a mantel, side table, or dining table. You can also try painting or decorating them with different textures to make them uniquely yours.
Dried Leaves & Branches: A simple vase with dried autumn leaves or twigs can add a rustic, organic feel to your home. Look for branches with vibrant red, orange, or yellow foliage, or consider creating a DIY wreath with collected leaves.
Acorns & Pinecones: Scatter these around your space or use them to create a stunning centerpiece. They’re great for filling bowls or trays and add an effortless, fall-inspired touch.
Tip: If you’re lacking time for a full-blown nature walk, faux fall foliage and decor can mimic the look of real autumn accents without the hassle of cleaning up fallen leaves.
3. Use Seasonal Scents to Set the Mood
Fragrance plays a key role in setting the mood, especially as the weather cools. Candles are a fall staple, and there’s a wide variety of scents that evoke the essence of the season. Opt for warm, spicy, and sweet scents such as:
Cinnamon & clove
Apple & pear
Pumpkin spice
Maple & vanilla
Tip: For a more natural approach, simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and cloves on the stove for a homemade fall air freshener that will make your entire home smell inviting.
4. Host with a Cozy, Casual Vibe
Hosting in the fall should feel easy and relaxed. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a weekend brunch, keep the atmosphere cozy and casual, inviting guests to settle in and enjoy the moment.
Tablescapes: Set the tone with a fall-inspired table setting. Layer a neutral-colored tablecloth or runner with rustic elements like burlap napkins, wooden chargers, or a woven placemat. Add a few small pumpkins, a few candles, or some small bowls of seasonal fruit like apples and pears for an effortless yet elegant look.
Comfort Foods: Fall is the season for hearty meals and comforting dishes. Think of serving a rich soup, slow-cooked stews, roasted vegetables, or even a seasonal apple pie for dessert. If you're serving drinks, warm spiced cider or a signature fall cocktail like a spiked hot chocolate or a pumpkin margarita can help set the mood.
Tip: To make hosting easy, try a buffet-style setup or a DIY "build-your-own" food station like a baked potato bar or a fall-themed charcuterie board, so guests can serve themselves and feel right at home.
5. Incorporate Fall Lighting
As the days get shorter, it’s important to think about lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider layering lighting with table lamps, string lights, and candles.
Fairy Lights or String Lights: String lights add a touch of magic and coziness to any space. Drape them over mantels, around window frames, or along a dining table for soft, ambient lighting.
Candles: From classic pillar candles to votives and even lanterns, candles are the quintessential fall decor. Try grouping a few together for added warmth, or light a few around your front door for a welcoming entrance.
Tip: Candles and fairy lights make a great backdrop for a fall evening of entertaining, adding to the intimate and cozy vibe of your gathering.
6. Transition Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing your guests will see when they arrive, so make it feel as inviting as possible. Set the tone for your fall home by adding some seasonal touches to this area.
Seasonal Wreath: A fall-themed wreath is a perfect way to greet guests. You can find pre-made ones with autumn foliage, or create your own using artificial or real leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, and ribbons.
Doormat: Swap out your summery doormat for one with a fall-inspired message like “Give Thanks,” “Welcome,” or one adorned with autumn leaves or pumpkins.
Decorative Accents: A vase of fall branches or a basket of small pumpkins by the door adds that extra fall touch. A few decorative lanterns on either side of your door can also create an inviting atmosphere.
7. Embrace the Spirit of Gratitude
Fall, particularly around Thanksgiving, is a time for gratitude and reflection. Create an atmosphere that encourages conversation and appreciation by adding thoughtful touches like:
Gratitude Boards or Jars: Set up a small station where guests can jot down what they're thankful for on small pieces of paper and drop them into a jar. It’s a meaningful, interactive way to create a sense of connection.
Personalized Place Settings: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a more formal event, a personalized touch at each place setting — like a handwritten note or a small token gift — can make guests feel special and appreciated.
8. Stay Flexible for the Holidays Ahead
Fall is a season that transitions smoothly into the holidays. As you adjust your decor, think about how it can evolve for Thanksgiving or Halloween. Opt for decor pieces that can easily be swapped out for themed items as the month goes on.
Tip: For example, neutral-colored decor like gold, bronze, or wood can be dressed up with spooky elements for Halloween, then swapped for more harvest-inspired touches like mini cornucopias or thankful signs for Thanksgiving.
Ready for the holiday season?
Transitioning to fall decor and hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few key changes — like introducing warm tones, natural elements, and cozy textures — you can effortlessly bring the spirit of the season into your home.
Do you have a loved one who needs some HGO magic in their home? Give the gift of organization this holiday season with HGO’s Gift Cards!
If you have any questions, please contact us or DM us on Instagram!