Welcoming Autumn into the Home

We are excited to Welcome Autumn into the home! We've got the new banner, we've got falling leaves outside and, well . . . we don't have much more in the decorating budget than that. But yet, my mantles are full, my dining table is lovely and the whole house just breathes autumn. How did I do it?

Would you believe I've used my grocery money to decorate my home?

Before you get upset and think, "oh, those poor children. . . . " hear me out.

Yes, I've used my grocery money on decor. But on what, you may ask? Edible decor. I'm rethinking my pantry and relocating it to my mantle, my dining table and more.

Recently I visited our local farm stand and found winter squash in several varieties for $2 each. Buy Three get One Free. Now that's my kind of deal! I bought two each of some of our favorites, and even a few new ones I haven't tried before! Are they taking up room in my pantry or fridge? Those bulky, misshapen squash? Nope. They're on my "mantle" (okay, on top of the TV, but it's the only horizontal space I have at this time) and scattered around the house.

I keep this cake plate full of apples this time of year and it has a permanent spot on my table. As we eat them, I buy and stock more!

Recently we added a few pretty leaves we discovered on an evening walk.

Then, last week I picked two baby pumpkins off the vine that had made it's way across the fence from the neighbors; they're now happily viewing the rain from my kitchen window.












And the baby thinks they're bath toys. . . .

One more gratuitous
shot of the baby, just because he is so darn cute . . .

So, if you don't have the budget to go all out this Autumn, don't fret. . . just rethink your pantry and, when a cold snap hits, grab that curvy butternut squash off the mantel and make soup . . .

This post is written in conjunction with Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom, and Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things.