Decorating for...Fall

This is a disclaimer and an announcement:

1) I'm by no means claiming to be the end all, know all of decorating, but I do like to talk about it :)

2) I'm wanting to incorporate more "lifestyle" things into the blog. I will of course post Ellie and family pictures but I would like to post some about clothing (for littles and bigs!), cooking, organizing, decorating, etc. If you aren't here for all that please feel free to move on past those posts! It is so fun though to share thoughts on this and that and for others to leave their thoughts on such. I would like to think I'll more time to dedicate to that once I graduate here very shortly. YAAAY! sorry, just had to let that one out...

SO! here we go....

Overall, my style and way of thinking about decorating for holidays/seasons is really changing. I used to just kind of stick something here or there and work it into what was already sitting there. Then i end up with random pieces fighting for space on a shelf/mantle which is now looking random with figurines and such just sitting there...fighting for space. This year I have decided to do the following:
 

a) Try not to put everything out. (Maybe this is a duh! to many) but I always felt like if I have it, it must be displayed. This means picking a few pieces and saving others for next year. Rotate 'em out! Keeps things interesting. 

**Don't forget the vintage! See the witch scene (below) in the background circa 1980s crafts fair. I was obsessed with it as a kid so my mom handed down the treasure when I left home.

b) If you put something out, put something else away! Otherwise the clutter and randomness kick in. My mantle for example. I moved 3 picture frames to make way for one little shiny pumpkin. Totally worth the effort to stick the other items in storage. The mantle looks pulled together and not overloaded (I think at least).

c) Stick to a style more or less. For example, I think just a few items which make a point (i.e. shiny pumpkins, monogramed witch owl signs :) and have other decorations around which are neutral and supportive to the main decoration. 

(My mums need h2o) 

d) and lastly...If you don't see what you want? Make it! For example, I like the banner trend, but I didn't want to buy one and I couldn't find one I liked if I wanted to buy one! So, I bought burlap pennants and drew, cut out and painted bats to pin to it. Now, I spent less than 10 dollars on this and I can keep it up all year and just switch out my pins for something else (see tiny clothes pins). And totally NOT time consuming. Clearly.

Happy fall times!

( I even decorate Ellie!)