NOVEMBER DECOR IDEAS

VINCENT PACIFICO

The leaves have changed, the air is crisp, and it's once again time to prepare for the holidays. There's nothing like decorating your home that gets you in the mood for festive gatherings, dinners and hangouts. Pumpkins, leaves, candles and flowers are just a few of the common props that can be seen around any New Englanders home this time of year. Pumpkins lining porch steps, candles in the windows and mum plants hanging from front porches are some of the most popular ways to spice up your home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The first thing you see when you come to someone's home is what they have at their front door and steps. I feel like you almost expect to be greeted with a seasonal display of pumpkins, corn stalks, mum plants, fall wreaths or anything else from the harvest season. Different sized pumpkins can be arranged together on front steps and balanced with some seasonal plants or hay from a local farm. Decoration at the doorway will definitely set the stage for an inviting holiday occasion.

The colors of fall as everyone can guess are your reds, oranges and yellows. Using these tones in linens, pillows, or even dishware can really help to get your interior feeling seasonal and thoughtful. Baking is almost a necessity this time of year. There's nothing like the smell of a freshly made apple or pecan pie throughout the house. A fall themed pie dish or muffin display can compliment any kitchen countertop.

Thanksgiving time is all about the harvest and gatherings. A few ways to spice up a kitchen island or dining table is to get, or make, an arrangement containing fall flowers, mini pumpkins and even indian corn. A nice touch that your guests will enjoy and appreciate are the dinner napkins and tablecloth selection. A simple but stylish pattern will bring a nice accent to any thanksgiving experience. A good rule of thumb is to have a pattern on either the tablecloth or the napkins, but not both. You don’t want patterns to clash, but be creative with it. If it’s in the budget, get some seasonal dishware that matches the arrangement which brings a thoughtful touch to any meal.

An easy and cheap way to get the house’s ambiance ready for guests is with some seasonal candles and scents. This really helps to set the mood and give your guests an experience they won’t forget. Pumkin, cinnamon, cider and teakwood are all good candle choices for the fall and will be sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Good design doesn’t have to be expensive. There are lots of stores that sell holiday decor at a reasonable price and you might even be able to find a good amount second hand. Repurposing is always a smart idea and a good way to utilize what you already have. You don’t have to go overboard with decor ideas to be festive so keep it simple. Less is more, have fun with it, and when you go get pumpkins and mums, support your local farmer.