As days become shorter and leaves begin to turn, it’s a signal for households to put away the bright colors of summer and turn to fall décor.
In the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, an Indian summer might last through September and into October, but certainly doesn’t stop homes from being “Autumned out.” The women of Zinnia’s, a Scotts Valley gift boutique, have helped the Press-Banner put together a list of tips to make your home feel like fall.
**Owls and squirrels are in. The bird of luck and wisdom has shown up in décor this season, and owl jewelry, figurines, wall-hangings and the like have made a splash. Cute and cuddly squirrels speak of fall along with dried nuts, berries or foliage.
**Use décor in multiple seasons. A cute ceramic bird can be used around Thanksgiving with some cranberries and then again at Christmastime with a swath of holly.
**Color is essential. Traditional yellows, oranges, browns and greens — corn, leaves and pumpkins — set the tone for fall. But this year, plum-colored clothing and accessories are all the rage.
**Pick the right scent. Candles and scented oils set the tone for the home. The spicy apple scent — a cinnamon and apple smell — might be the best signal that fall is here. Also, a honey and tobacco or nutmeg scent certainly signifies autumn.
**Slowly add to your collection. Don’t try to re-do your style or your décor every year. Add a couple of decorations this year and then again next year. This way, you’re not breaking the bank and you’re able to keep up with home fashion trends.
**Spooky or cute? Halloween is the first fall holiday, and the Zinnia’s crew has seen two veins of thought. The first is to decorate with fun-loving Halloween creatures, like shimmery spiders and smiling pumpkins. One suggestion is to wear headbands with fun Halloween décor on top. The second vein is to deck out the home out with the scariest skeletons, cauldrons, goblins and ghouls known to man in an effort to scare away young trick-or-treaters. “It’s a personal thing,” said one Zinnia’s clerk. “If you’re into the holiday, just go for it.”
**Don’t be afraid to get creative. Many fall decorations can be created using fallen leaves from trees or a cornucopia of colorful fruits and vegetables.
