It's (almost) fall, y'all! As the warm embrace of summer gradually gives way to the crispness of autumn, many of us find ourselves eagerly anticipating the arrival of everything the next season holds. With its vibrant fall foliage, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice galore, fall holds a special place in our hearts. It is Ree Drummond's favorite season for a reason! And what better way to fully embrace it than by decorating our homes to reflect the changing leaves?
But the question that often arises is: When should you decorate for fall? Finding the right moment to transition your home from bright and summery vibes to the warm and earthy hues of fall décor can be a challenge. While some may feel the urge to adorn their living spaces with autumnal splendor as soon as September rolls around, others may prefer to savor the last remnants of summer before ushering in the harvest season.
Here, we'll delve into tips and tricks for timing your fall decorations just right—including different factors to consider when deciding when to begin your festive transformations. If you're anything like Ree, you might want to leave your fall candles, fall wreaths, and painted pumpkins up year round, but you should probably also take into account things like seasonal cues and practicality. But personal preference matters, too! Whether you're an early enthusiast or one who relishes in the anticipation, we've got guidance that will help you strike the perfect balance.
Fall Equinox
Autumn seems to make its grand entrance earlier and earlier each year. I mean, you can usually find your favorite pumpkin spice latte in August! But when should you start decorating for fall? Well, the simplest answer: when the season officially begins! The first day of fall in 2023 is on Saturday, September 23. So, go ahead and mark you calendars then usher in the season by pulling out everything from outdoor fall decorations to stunning fall centerpieces.
When The Leaves Change Color
Another telltale sign that fall has arrived? When a cool breeze blows in and all of the trees transform into glorious displays of color. Now that nature has started to showcase the season, you can surely do the same. Plus, once the chilly weather calls for the lighting of fireplaces, your fall mantel decorations will feel even cozier. You might even want to try a few fall leaf craft ideas to bring all that seasonal beauty right inside your own home.
When Neighbors Put Out Decorations
If you're worried about rushing through the summer by putting up seasonal décor too soon, just take a cue from the other houses on your street. You want to be a considerate neighbor, especially when it comes to fall porch décor like carved pumpkins, but if others in your neighborhood have started the decorating process, it's safe to say that you can, too. If you're tired of waiting on your street to get in the spirit, maybe start small with fall door decorations such as a wreath.
October 1
For those of you still stuck on when exactly to transform your home into all things autumn, a commonly accepted date to hang up those decorations is October 1. As the unofficial start of spooky season, you're well into fall and definitely ready to start preparing for the upcoming harvest holidays. It's also nice to just pick a date and stick with it when decorating each year. If you go with October, you can even start adding festive Halloween decorations to your display.
No matter which tips you use to create your fall décor timeline, just remember our #1 rule of decorating: Do whatever makes you happy! After all, that's what makes it so special.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
