1. Fall Foliage

Harvesting fall foliage is easier than it sounds. I’m from South Louisiana and we get close to no fall-colored foliage, but I can still manage to bring the outdoors, in. I just trim a few oak branches and wait for them to die. I know, it sounds awful, but it works. They turn a beautiful honey gold and dry quite well. I used them last year, tossed them out, and am already on the hunt for more. I think I’ll use them in the basket on my front door this year. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see how my front porch turns out this fall.

Here’s a reel of the simple process + my top tip for preserving your foliage and protecting your home when you bring nature in to enjoy!

2. Pinecones

This is a no-brainer! Pinecones are so annoying and ugly in the yard, so I bring them in and get good use out of them in the fall. In fact, I use them all winter, through Christmas and the new year. I even saw packs of pinecones in the dollar section at Target recently if you don’t have any near your home. Adding a little cinnamon oil or Autumn/Christmas blend of essential oils makes them even more appealing. Keep it simple when displaying them too! I love a wood or concrete bowl overflowing with them, a fireplace basket jam-packed or a front porch planter full. Last year I displayed them in just about every room and plan to recreate the look again this year.

Bringing pinecones in is easy but doesn’t come without a little risk. There can be a bug or two lurking inside the cone itself. Modern Homestead has a great tutorial on preparing your pinecones for use as decor.

3. Nuts in the Shell

I realize you probably don’t have edible nuts growing in your yard, but I still consider nuts in the shell to be free decor because they are so yummy and serve a dual purpose, food and fall accent in one! I always have nuts out for the family and guests year around, (usually peanuts and/or pistachios), but in the fall I use them to make more of a statement. The thought of a large bowl of fresh pecans in a wood or marble bowl gives me instant cozy vibes. I keep a smaller bowl near for cracked shells and to hold the nut crackers themselves. This is another super fun way to get creative! Nuts anyone??!

4. Seasonal Fruit

Using seasonal fruit to accent home decor is not a new concept by any means. Think lemons, limes and grapefruit in spring and melons, kiwis and pineapples in summer. However, winter fruit isn’t usually something we consider, but can be so beautiful. Pears, pomegranates, apples and small oranges are a great way to add color and dimension to your tablescape or kitchen countertop.

Additionally, pumpkins and gourds are readily available by mid-September and can add a traditional fall look to your home as well. If you’re truly wanting to get the most from your natural decor elements, opt for a “pie pumpkin” (small pumpkins often in the produce section) to add to your fruit bowl. These small pumpkins last 2-3 months indoors and only get riper over time. This means your beautiful decor turns pumpkin pie come Thanksgiving Day! Again, making it serve a dual purpose and making it virtually FREE!

5. Acorns

Calling all kiddos! Collecting acorns outside sounds absolutely miserable if I’m being honest, but kids freaking love it! I make it a competition and a counting game every year! Whoever gets the most acorns, picks the restaurant that weekend. Easy right? I guarantee you’ll end up with more acorns than you know what to do with! Using them in a small bowl or tray is such a sweet way to add a little fall to any room.

Like the pinecones, there is a small process involved when preparing your acorns for use in your home. Maria at “Staying Close to Home” does a great job breaking it down in this post.

I’m certain that between these five ideas you’ll find a way to spruce up your space using nature and free decor elements. Having a home that we’re proud of is possible on any budget. It’s achieved by paying attention to what’s around us and what’s happening in that moment, or season in time. Take advantage of the decor God has already given us. Happy fall friends, and cheers to all that it brings!

Thanks for stopping by, Jamie

Like any small business, Bloom Co. earns money when you shop here. Using my affiliate links adds no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Jamie Gremillion, Bloom Co.

“Like any small business, Bloom Co. earns money when you shop here. Using my affiliate links adds no cost to you, thank you so much for the support.”

Jamie

Ice

Cranberry Strawberry Juice Cocktail

Unsweetened coconut milk

Freeze dried strawberries

Sweet Cream coffee creamer (optional)

Fill your glass half full with ice, cover ice with juice. Add a few freeze dried strawberries. Pour in coconut milk to fill glass. Leave an inch on top for creamer if you like. (Froth creamer for extra creaminess!)

Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by, Jamie xo

There’s absolutely nothing special about it, but just like everything else… I’m sharing it! It gives me my fruits and veggies for the whole day, is very hydrating, and keeps me full for quite a while. It makes me feel better on days when I eat crappy.

This recipe technically makes two servings, and I do split it with Adam occasionally, but most of the time I drink it all myself.

Tip: make smoothie bags ahead and keep them in the freezer. If you do this, double the water and omit the ice!

Jamie

If you read my morning routine post, you in know I drink my smoothie mid-morning. I really need to step up my blender game this year (hint for Adam: a blender makes a great Mother’s Day gift). I use the same one I’ve used forever, a little mid-morning electrical-fire-smell never hurt anybody!

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 banana

1/2 cucumber

1 small apple

2 handfuls baby spinach

Juice from 1/2 lemon

Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by, Jamie xo

Last weekend, this happened to us. Getting my family of five out the door in a timely manner is virtually impossible some days. It seems like the later we are, the slower my people move! I’m sure some of y’all can relate!

Anyway, I needed a creative idea, and I needed it quickly! I remembered something I had seen on Pinterest and decided to give it a shot!

I had cubed cheese and grapes, plus some leftover herb garnishes from another project.

I arranged the grapes and cheese in a tree shape, and boom! An inexpensive, creative, holiday dish!

A few tips:

• Cut your grapes in clusters of 3-5 to make it easy for guests to grab & go.
• Use various colors of grapes and/or cheese to create a great look.
• Rosemary & Thyme make beautiful garnishes, especially at the holidays.
• Buy a new tray or board and gift it to the host/hostess of the party!

These are some of my favorite boards from Amazon!

Thanks for stopping by, Jamie xo

Like any small business, Bloom Creative Co. earns money when you shop here. Your price is never affected. Thanks for the support.

Jamie