Looking for ways to style a cloche in your fall decorating? Check out these 3 easy ideas to decorate with vintage cloches and how to use them in your home decor!

I absolutely love using vintage cloches in my decor.  And I absolutely love fall decorating!  It’s no surprise, then, that I love to style a cloche for fall.

It’s one of the top things people ask me about, looking for ideas!  Today, I’m excited to share 3 really simple ways to style a cloche in your fall decorating!

Over the years, I have collected different sizes and styles of cloches from thrift stores, yard sales, vintage markets, antique malls, and flea markets.  I love finding architectural salvage bases to use with them, though there are lots of different things (easier to find, too!) that you can use for styling your cloche.

Whether using a single cloche or a grouping of them, a cloche can add extra texture and dimension to your vignette.

You’ll probably read this again throughout the post, as it’s one of my favorite reasons to use a cloche in my decor.  A cloche is a perfect way to make a single item or collection of items, even a small one, into a significant and substantial part of your decor.

It is a little like Beauty and the Beast with the red rose in the west wing…

See what I mean?!

I won’t be styling up roses in my cloches for fall decor, but I will show you a few ideas for turning a single item into something extra special.

Cloches come in all shapes and sizes and don’t discount the small ones!  They can be a lot of fun to style too!

Let’s start with this little cutie and some ideas for styling the small cloches:

How to Style a Cloche with a Single Item

Turn a single item into a stand-alone statement piece.

No matter whether you’re styling a small or large cloche, you can use it to make a single item feel significant.

This little cloche is the perfect way to style a simple, seasonal element.  For fall, I added a small, faux pumpkin.  At Christmas, it would be sweet with a little brass deer, special ornament, or even a little Christmas tree!

Under this large cloche, I styled a vintage quail for the fall season. I  love using vintage quail in the fall and the rust/orange tones of this one, add a nice touch of fall color.

Instead of using just the quail by itself, I cut a small piece of a dead banana leaf and laid underneath it.  I love the look of the dried leaves for even more fall texture and color.

You could use a corn husk or dried fall leaves to get the same effect!

How to Style a Cloche with a Candle

Add a cozy glow in a stylish way.

No matter the season, a battery operated pillar candle is always one of my favorite things to add under a cloche.  I love the warm glow it adds to make my spaces feel cozy.

It is also a super simple way to style the cloche while allowing the actual cloche and base to be the statement piece.  This works really well both for smaller cloches like this one (under $6, by the way!) or larger ones like this.

Battery operated candles can range greatly in price.  I prefer to invest in quality ones that have a more realistic look, like this one.  However, there are a lot of more budget-friendly ones available, especially if you want to purchase several at once.  I also like this set!

Use a Cloche to Feature a Collection

Dust off those favorite collections and make them a statement piece!

A cloche is a great way to feature a favorite collection, whether it is seasonal or something you leave out year round.

I love this large mortar and pestle and especially love it filled with this collection of miniature pestles that I purchased from The Cotton Shed.

To make it stand out and become more of a conversation piece, I added it to an architectural salvage base and placed a large cloche over it.  I love how it became a statement piece rather than a pretty piece sitting on a shelf!

When you’re getting ready to style a cloche for either seasonal or every day decor, look around and find a collection that you could feature!

For Christmas, I think a bowl of special ornaments would sparkle under a cloche!  A stack of special dishes become a statement when paired with a cloche.  You could also style a collection of dried gourds or gathered pinecones to bring in a touch of nature and style your cloche for the fall season.

Use Vintage Books to Style a Cloche

Pair favorite objects with vintage books to style a more substantial cloche.

You all know I love using vintage books in my decor.  I have a big shelf full of books that I’ve collected for the sole purpose of decorating!

I always keep an eye out for vintage books with great color for the seasons, interesting titles, or textured patina.  I have a whole blog post about different ways that I decorate with vintage books!  You can find it here.

Books are great to use under cloches.  You can put a stack of books by itself or stand them up, leaning against one side of the cloche.

Vintage books are a good way to make a small item, such as this little pair of vintage brass quail, have a more substantial look.  I stacked three books with the brown and rust fall colors, added my vintage quail on top, and covered it with a large cloche.

Style a Cloche Over a Vignette

Make your vignette a statement piece by placing a cloche over it!

Of course, unless you have a giant cloche, any vignette underneath it is going to be relatively small.  This is why this is my favorite tip of the day!

Small vignettes are so fun to create but they often do not fill the space, especially on a larger console or dining table.  Rather than adding more small things to the vignette (which can start getting cluttered), consider placing your smaller vignette under a large cloche!

To create this look, I used a small ironstone tureen.  I found mine very inexpensively at a little antique mall, I think because it was missing the lid.  Keep an eye out for pieces like this at thrift stores and yard sales too!

I tucked a little sprig of faux eucalyptus (this is my favorite because it is so realistic and inexpensive) and a small dried gourd.  

Tip: Tilt the gourd a little to give it a more casual, natural look!

To complete my vignette, I used a tiny mortar and a tiny gourd.  I love how this repeats the look of the tureen and gourd, but with a smaller scale to add extra dimension while keeping a simplistic look.

Quick Tip: I highly recommend getting a bag of these mini gourds!  I use them on place settings, piled in a small dough bowl, or individually like I did with the mortar.  So many fun uses for them!  They are inexpensive and can be used year after year!

Where can I buy a cloche?

That’s a great question!

All of my cloches have been found at thrift stores, yard sales, vintage shops, antique malls, and flea markets!  They are gold for vintage shop owners and dealers, so keep an eye out at those local shops!  (Plus, I love supporting a small business!)

I have rounded up a few for you, available online:

• Small bell cloche
• Tall bell cloche
• Extra tall bell cloche
• Wide dome cloche
• Large bell cloche
• Large cloche with wood base

The prices will vary greatly, depending on the size, style, and whether it is new or vintage.  Older cloches with the thicker glass are typically more expensive (though I think they are great investment pieces because you can use them year round.)

I also think cloche prices are little bit in the eye of the beholder.  One cloche could be extremely pricey from one vendor and very reasonable from the next.  Just keep your eyes open and hunt for them.  But if you find one you love at a decent price, grab it!  They can be hard to come by!

The price can also really depend on the base or if the cloche comes with a base at all.  I’ve gotten really luck to find some great architectural salvage bases and some great cloches, but only a couple have been sets purchased together from Olde Tyme Marketplace!

I have also found great little dome cloches at the thrift store.  They are ones that likely were over a clock at some point.  You may even find a clock or collectible that comes with a cloche for a great price.  Just use the cloche part and toss the rest, if you don’t care for it!

What about the base?

Also a great question!

I have found all of my bases at vintage shops, flea markets, and antique malls.  You’re much less likely to find a great salvage piece at a thrift store, but you never know!  I definitely always look, just in case.

I am linking a few architectural salvage bases available online:

• Tall salvage base
• Chippy pedestal riser
• Antique wood column capital
• Cloche with wood salvage base
• Cloche with chippy salvage base

• Square pair of column bases (GREAT DEAL!)
• Small turned pedestal with great patina
• Reclaimed medium base
• Hand carved European riser
• Smaller chippy base with great patina

You can also find some new cloche and base sets here and here.  These would mix beautifully into any style of decor, including vintage and farmhouse!

This trio of glass cloche and wooden bases makes a nice set and would be a really pretty vignette too!

Last but not least, this dome cloche is a great height and inexpensive!  Pair it with a vintage bread board or old book as a base!

I can’t find a base!  What now?

Another great question!

A cloche doesn’t have to go on a vintage, chippy, architectural salvage base!  You can put a cloche on anything!  Try a large old book, a vintage bread board (this is my favorite!) or a stack of thrifted books that you deconstruct!

If you are styling your cloche on a pretty table, it is perfectly fine for the tabletop to be your base also.  The important thing is to have fun and be creative as you style a cloche for your home!

I hope this gives you some ideas or inspiration to refresh your cloche for the fall season.  And if you don’t have a cloche, try some of these vignette ideas on a vintage base…even an old book!  Have fun and enjoy your home!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

​Time to get ready for the holiday season? Check out these 5 fall cleaning tips to help you prepare for the busy (and most wonderful) seasons coming up!

Right around the beginning of October, I start to feel the urge to do some cleaning out and cleaning up!  Perhaps it’s the little break in the weather or perhaps it’s the knowledge that my favorite seasons are (literally) on my doorstep.  And I want to be ready!

All of the fun and special holidays that are coming up in these next few months are much more enjoyable to me if I’ve prepared ahead of time.

And a big part of that preparation is having my house in order!

Ideally, this would happen in the summer when we are a little less busy or after the holiday rush.  But it’s just simply too hot in the summer and after the holidays just leaves me a little overwhelmed.

So October it is!  Hopefully, we will find a weekend this month to do a big yard sale, but if not, at least all of those treasures will be packed away, set aside, out of my house, and ready for a winter yard sale.

January and February are the BEST yard sale months in South Florida!!!

But, I’m getting ahead of myself just a bit!  Let’s back up to the actual fall cleaning tips and the 5 “must-do” things on my list to help me get my house holiday!

Fall Cleaning Tip #1

Clear the clutter.

If I only get one thing done off the list during October, it’s this one: Clear the clutter.

There is nothing more overwhelming in my house than pulling out all the seasonal decor for fall and Christmas, then the gifts, then all the new things, etc., etc., etc.  But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if I’ve gotten rid of the old, tired, broken way ahead of time!

There are a few key areas where I try to make sure and clear the clutter during my fall cleaning.

#1: Toys

Who can relate here?  Now maybe you don’t have kids at home anymore and this will be a quick step for you to move past.  However, consider entertainment items as toys too.  Puzzles, games, magazines, books….it all counts!

When my kids were really little, I tackled this step solo.  I mean, for real.  It is impossible to get rid of any toys with your kids around!  Right?!

Now that they are a little older, they are great to help me get the job done quickly.  They go through all of the playroom drawers, toy closet, and bookshelves.  We sort the toys into four areas:

• Broken/stained/discard
• Sentimental to be neatly stored in the attic
• Toys that are still played with to be reorganized and put away
• Toys that are no longer played with to be put in the yard sale or consignment pile

#2: Kitchen

I want to be able to really enjoy our kitchen for the holidays!  Lots of backing, entertaining, present-wrapping, as well as everyday life will be happening in this space!  I go through these areas and clear the clutter:

• Dishes or serving pieces that I don’t use
• Pantry
• Any odds and ends that have stacked up (I try to not have a junk drawer for this very reason, but there are inevitably little things that have gotten tucked here and there!)
• Quickly reorganize any areas that have gotten messy

#3: Office

Now, we don’t technically have an actual home office.  That means that we have to be extra intentional about keeping the spaces where we use and store home office types of things clean, neat, and organized!

I try to routinely go through these spaces and before the craziness of the holiday season hits is definitely a time that I want to set aside to reorganize!  As I’m tidying these spots, I also make note of supplies that I need to stock up on, such as tape, scissors, craft supplies, paper, stamps, and envelopes.

Fall Cleaning Tip #2

Clear the closets.

Cleaning out closets is one of my least favorite things to do.  But it’s also a really important one, so I’ve included it in my fall cleaning tips list!  

I really do make an effort to keep things organized as we go.  If I can reasonably stay on top of things through the year, these cleaning out times can be fairly quick and a little less painful!

I start with my kids’ closets because those are the ones that need done the most often.  I try to follow this formula, at least roughly, to help me stay organized.

• Summer clothing items: keep, toss, consign/yard sale.  Since we are at the end of that season, I have a pretty good idea if there is an item that they can use again or pass down, or if it needs to be gotten rid of entirely.
• Go through fall/winter clothing items to see what can still be used.  Make lists of essentials that need to be purchased.
• Pull out bins of “hand-me-down” shoes and clothing to see what could be used this season.
• Overall, tidy the closets.  (In other words, get all the stuff that doesn’t belong in the closet but has somehow gotten pushed in the corner OUTTA THERE!)

I also have my kids go through their pjs, socks, and other items.  We like to use over-the-door organizers to save space in their closets.

Rather than typical dresser drawers, Harrison uses these and it has worked really well for him.  It’s a lot easier for him to keep them tidy on his own!

I do a quick clean out of the following closets as well:

• Game/puzzle closet (make space for new games at Christmas!)
• Linen closet (make note of anything that needs refreshed or replaced)
• Cleaning/laundry closet (generally just a quick tidying of this spot)
• Coat closet (the dreaded job of making everyone try on the coats and jackets to see what still fits and what needs replaced)
• In general, remove things that are out of place, tidy, straighten, and refresh these spots!

Fall cleaning tips wouldn’t be complete without some organizing tools!

We use over-the-door organizers in several of these closets as well.  This one works great for small games and card games.  I like this one for the linen closet because I can roll up individual items in the pockets rather than worry about stacks on a shelf (which seem to always get messy!)

Fall Cleaning Tip #3

Clear the storage.

Ugh.  This is so not my favorite one.  And to be honest, it’s the one we have the hardest time with.  Our attic has a lot of storage possibilities but we have a long way to go before we’ve really utilized them well.  Time and money!

Hopefully over this next year, we will be able to finish laying the rest of the attic flooring and that will help us to be able to spread things out into definitive zones.  Once that is done, we will be able to more easily accomplish this fall cleaning tip!

In the meantime, we pulled out almost everything from the attic and resorted, reorganized, and recategorized.  As we did this, we pulled out things that we know we don’t need to keep anymore.  It is a huge goal of ours to keep the attic space more manageable!

One thing that I do each season to help me keep my decor organized is to completely empty the bins.  If I didn’t use it to decorate for the season, it goes into a “get rid of” pile.  Of course, there are random things that I know I will use or have sentimental value.  But for the most part, I get really picky about this.

It helps me keep seasonal decor in check and under control!

As I store away and get out seasonal items, we try to keep them neatly packed and sorted.  We have transitioned all of our bins to these, as they are super heavy-duty and stack nicely.  My husband isn’t a picky guy, but it does make him very happy when the bins stack neatly and don’t slip and slide all over the place!

Favorite storage totes: HERE!

Fall Cleaning Tip #4

Deep clean each space.

If I had my way, my whole house would be deep cleaned every week.  What can I say?  A clean house makes me feel good!

Since that simply cannot happen, I try to make sure that it happens at least each season.  As I change and refresh decor, I give a good deep cleaning to those spaces and it helps me break the tasks down too!

I also try to make sure the following gets done:

• Wipe out drawers/cabinets
• Clean all baseboards
• Clean all plantation shutters
• Move and dust all surfaces
• Mop/vacuum under all furniture

I also like to deep clean all of my rugs.  This year, I got the new Hoover Dual Spin Pet Carpet Cleaner.  It does an amazing job and I know I’ll be using it a lot to keep my rugs looking fresh and clean.  Even though it says for pets, it works fabulously for people messes too!😉. It’s definitely a deep cleaning tool that I am glad I added to my arsenal and highly recommend!

Fall Cleaning Tip #5

Refresh the essentials.

I used to always refresh all of my essentials in January because that just seems to be when the retail cycle reminds us to do so!  I definitely do a lot of restocking then and we always need it after the busy holiday season beforehand.

However, I like to do a quick refresh and stock up in the fall as well.  The busy days from November-December just seem easier when we have what we need, already on hand, and conveniently organized!

It is also a good chance to buy some of my favorites in fall and winter scents.  I grab a few extra of these hand soaps and dish soap, along with a fresh supply of cleaning towels.  I also pick up a bottle of this cleaning spray for those quick touch ups.  It makes everything smell good and “fall fresh”!

Maybe the most important of all of my fall cleaning tips is to remind you to pick up a favorite fall candle!  At the end of the day, whether I accomplish my whole list or make my list to try again the next day, I can make myself and our whole home feel and smell extra cozy with a good candle!

This is my favorite fall candle and I always stock up on an extra one too!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

Fall dough bowl styling can be so fun! Check out 3 simple ways to easily style different sized dough bowls, all in under 3 minutes!

Are you having fun with your fall decor?  I know sometimes, even when I want to have fun decorating, I’m a little short on time.  Since dough bowl styling is one of my top requested things to share, I want to show you a few simple ways to style your fall dough bowl.  And guess what?  Each of these styling ideas can happen in 3 minutes or less!

It may take you a few minutes longer to gather your supplies, but if you’re short on those, don’t worry!  I’ll link up everything you need for each style too.

Let’s have some fun styling and enjoy a few minutes together with fall decorating!

​

Why do I love styling dough bowls?

I am so glad you asked!

First of all, I just love old stuff!  But you already know that, of course!  There is something unique about the wood patina of dough bowls. I  think it is just because of how they have been used so much over the course of time that gives them beautiful color and texture.

I also love that dough bowls have such history.  It seems as though you can really imagine someone using this, many, many years ago, and you get to still enjoy it today.

I should also add that I use the term “dough bowl” loosely.  While some of my bowls were actually dough bowls, there are some styles of grain bins, troughs, cooking bowls, mixing bowls, and a variety of other uses that may be lumped together as “dough bowls.”

No matter it’s actual original use, I just love using large wooden vessels as decor around my home!

Where do I use dough bowls (wooden vessels) in my decor?

Also a great question!  And the answer is simple: Everywhere!

I use dough bowls and wooden vessels throughout our entire home.  I have a small one on my bathroom counter to hold pretty soaps; that’s really my only “decor” in the master bathroom!

My kitchen island almost always has a bowl or basket to hold fruit and seasonal items.  Long dough bowls can make great table centerpieces and also work beautifully on console and entryway tables.

A small bowl can be a great plant or candle holder for a side table or night stand too!

An oversized trough, grain bin, or dough bowl can look great leaning in a corner or resting on the bottom shelf of an entryway table.

Dough bowls look beautiful empty or filled and are a perfect way to add texture, warm wood tones, and character to your decor!

Are dough bowls only for farmhouse style?

Also a great question!  While you can often find them in farmhouse decor, they are frequently used in vintage decor, country decor, and even modern decor!  Adding some organic wood tones is a popular trend in the more modern farmhouse style and dough bowls are a perfect way to get that look.

Does my dough bowl have to be antique to look good?

Definitely not!  While I am always partial to true vintage pieces, there are great reproductions available.  You can find them anywhere from big box home stores to flea markets!

And remember…if you love it, that’s all that matters!

Let’s get to styling those wooden vessels!

Fall Dough Bowl: Abundance

Materials Needed: Large wooden vessel, mixture of dried gourds, faux fall stems, fall scarf

I have hard this large dough bowl for many years.  My parents purchased it at an antique mall for my Christmas gift years ago and it is a staple in my decor.

I like to use it different places, but you can typically find it on the vintage apothecary cabinet that sits under our TV.  It is perfect for adding decor that sits low and doesn’t block the view.

Very, very important for my football-loving family.  Anyone relate?!

Here are the quick and simple steps you can follow to recreate this look:

• Choose a larger-sized wooden vessel.  I particularly love the look of this one and this one.
• Place fall scarf in the base of your vessel.  Let it drape over the edges in a few places, with enough gathered places to get that casual, “effortless” look.
• Add faux fall stems like this to get some great texture and fall eucalyptus stems for a touch of fall color.  These more traditional fall leaf stems would also be beautiful!

• Next, add dried gourds or pumpkins.  I love the unique and varying shapes of the dried gourds, as well as the color.  Add some large ones, as well as some small/medium sized ones.  I like to add some of the dipper gourds for extra texture and shape variation.  I love how the tops curl around!  Gourds are also great to use in fall decor because they are relatively inexpensive and you can store them away to use year after year.  You get the same natural, organic look as real pumpkins, but save a lot of money on all the pumpkins that get tossed at the end of the season! (Or in my case, here in Florida, often rot too quickly!)

• Lastly, add some realistic fall stems by tucking them around the gourds.  I particularly love the whimsy of these and the unique texture of these.  These little acorn stems would be a cute addition at the end too!  My other favorite faux stems for the season are these preserved leaf bunches and the terracotta color of these preserved eucalyptus branches.
• You can also clip free greenery from your yard!  I clipped some ahead of time for this large French grain bin, let it dry out, and then it gave the look and color of fall leaves (even in Florida!)

Fall Dough Bowl: Simplicity

Materials Needed: Small dough bowl, faux greenery stem, small faux pumpkins

Consider this your reminder that fall decor can be the most beautiful in its simplicity!  Is there really anything better than a vintage bowl full of white pumpkins?!

I picked up this vintage bowl on the World’s Longest Yard Sale.  What an interesting vendor and interesting stop!  He drove a hard bargain, but I just couldn’t pass up a stack of these antique bowls.  The unique wood coloring of the European vintage pieces is always a favorite for me and I love the imperfection of this one!

Even if your decor style is less “chippy” and even more of a modern style, embrace the imperfections of these old pieces.  A repair or patch on an antique dough bowl, or in this case, a broken spot, just adds to the authenticity and history of the piece!  When I am buying new pieces that are made to look old, I still look for the one that has the most “imperfections”!

Here is the process I used to style this smaller fall dough bowl:

• Lay a faux greenery or fall stem in the bottom of the bowl.  I love the look of this one or this one (and they can be used year round!)  Slightly bend the stem so that it lays smoothly against the curve of the bowl.  For interest, allow the greenery to be at one side of the bowl!

• Here’s why this fall dough bowl styling is so quick and simple!  Just place your small, faux (or real) pumpkins around the bowl.  Consider placing them with the stems going different directions, some on their sides, etc., for a casual look.  Depending on the size of your bowl, these faux pumpkins have a great look!  For that price, grab two bundles so you can use them on shelves, arrangements, and mantels too!  For a little larger pumpkins, I love the look of these and they come in both white and the more traditional fall colors too.  Can’t beat $5!

Fall Dough Bowl: Harvest

Materials Needed: Round dough bowl, fresh or faux stems, oversized gourd

I’ll be the first to admit.  This is the largest dried gourd I’ve ever found and I just had to have it.  I found this really large one online.  You could get the same look with a large pumpkin in your choice of fall colors too!

Let me tell you about this dough bowl, first, though!

This is the first dough bowl I ever purchased!  About 16 years ago, we were so blessed to get to take a trip to Italy.  I didn’t know a lot about antiques, just that I loved them.  We stopped in a little antique shop in Rome and I fell in love with this huge, round dough bowl.

It *just* fit in our suitcase and we lugged it around through the rest of Italy and part of Switzerland before it finally made it’s way to our tiny little home in Florida!  I really didn’t even have a table big enough to style it at that time!

I just loved it and to this day, it’s still a favorite to decorate with!

When you find those “must have” pieces, it is worth investing, if you’re able to.  There have definitely been many, many pieces that I’ve had to pass up, but I am always grateful for those special pieces that I can use year-round, no matter the design trend or style!

You may not have a round dough bowl this large and that is perfectly fine!  I just got lucky enough to end up with a huge round dough bowl and a huge round dried gourd!  You can get the same look with a much smaller bowl and gourd too!

Here’s the process I used to get this look:

• Cut some branches from my yard.  Cornstalk pieces (or dead banana branches like this) also work great.  You can use leafy faux fall stems like this too!
• Lay the branches around the base of the bowl, taking care to not make it too symmetrical.  We are going for more of a casual, organic look!

• Lastly, place your large pumpkin or gourd in the middle.  You can even consider doing a stack of pumpkins or gourds!  I love how this arrangement looked last year!

• For a finishing touch, place a few textured gourds or pumpkins around the base and tuck in more greenery or leaves until you get the fullness you want.
• Investing in some realistic faux pumpkins is another great way to have decor that you can use year after year!

Needing a dough bowl?

Here are a few favorites that I rounded up for you!

This larger dough bowl has just the right amount of imperfections to make it absolutely perfect!  Whether empty or filled with one of the 3 minute arrangements above, it would add so much character to any coffee table or dining table!

This small bowl is definitely not small on interest!  I love the patina and it would be the perfect base for a fall candle or bowl of fall vase filler!

This long bowl makes a perfect centerpiece!  Use the code ROBYNSFRENCHNEST for 10% off too!  Simply place a few stems and line up some mini pumpkins and votive candles for a simple centerpiece!

This gigantic trough is definitely an investment piece, but I just had to include it.  I love the size and the styling possibilities would be so fun!  I have a similar one that I found at Rehab Vintage Market. I  love decorating with it and it makes such a statement!

I hope this gives you a few ideas of ways to get your home ready for fall…even on a busy day or when you have a few minutes to do something creative!  Being creative, even if it’s only for a short time, is good for your heart and mind!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

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Looking to freshen up your fall mantel? Check out three of my favorite unique things to bring texture and character to your fall mantel decor!

Mantel…mantle…I discussed the history of it HERE.  But no matter how you spell it, they are FUN to decorate!

And if you don’t have a mantel, don’t worry!  You can take these same ideas and use them for different spaces, such as bookshelves or entryway tables.

Fall is an especially fun time to decorate.  Believe it or not, I only have a couple bins of fall decor and part of that is party things for the kiddos that I’ve used for school events over the years.  One thing I love about fall is that the colors lend themselves so easily to mixing in the old and new, blending in the vintage patinas I love, and finishing it all off with natural elements.

While there are about as many ways to decorate a mantel as there are mantels in the world, I like to think of each styling as an opportunity to create something fun and different.  I like to think outside the box a little for my mantel styling but there are literally so many great ideas out there.  In the comments, be sure to leave your favorite thing to use on your fall mantel and we can all inspire each other!

Here are a few of my favorites:

3 Unique Decor Things to Style Your Fall Mantel

#1: Try stoneware on your fall mantel

Last week, I shared crocks and stoneware for my Friday Favorites.  You can catch a tour of some of my favorite pieces on my Instagram highlights too.

I always love finding and using great vintage pieces.  When I came across a set of vintage crocks and pottery pieces on the World’s Longest Yard Sale, they were just too good of a deal to pass up.  I love how they all looked together and there is something about the warm, earthy tones of old pottery that blends beautifully with the fall color tones.

When I hear “vintage crock”, I tend to think of the really huge ones (which are also fantastic for fall and winter decor) but definitely do not work on a mantel.  They can be beautiful for a hearth but the small ones can add a lot of texture and dimension to the mantelpiece as well!

Working with the decor triangle concept of decorating in three’s, I used three of the pottery pieces on my fall mantel this year.  I used some vintage books to vary the height of two of them at one end and used the third one as a book end on the other side of the mantel.

Mixed with more traditional elements, such as brass candlesticks, the vintage crocks and pottery pieces can really add extra depth and character to the mantel styling without being overwhelming.  Since they are most often found in neutral tones, they can easily complement a range of fall color palettes.

If you do not have a mantel to style, try using some crocks, stoneware, or pottery on a bookshelf.  They are usually heavy enough to make great bookends and can add a unique shape to an otherwise boxy space.

Check out this post for more shelf styling ideas for fall too!

I left my crocks empty, but they can be a great opportunity to put a cute fall stem too!

The great news this fall is that vintage-style pottery and crocks are trending.  If you don’t have vintage ones, you’re in luck!  There are some really budget friendly ones available. I  particularly love the pretty fall tones of THIS ONE and the neutral color of THIS ONE can blend anywhere and be used year round!

Also keep an eye out at thrift stores and flea markets.  You may find a great piece!  If you don’t like the color, try painting it for an afternoon DIY!

#2: Try dried gourds on your fall mantel

They are my favorite natural element to use in my fall decor!

It’s true.  I have two big trash bags full of them that I store carefully in the attic and if I find more that I love this fall, I’ll have no shame in adding a third bag!  There are so many fun ways to style them all around your home for a really natural look.

I also love that dried gourds add a great touch of fall color and patina without being too “perfect”.

While I love using real pumpkins, they can get expensive and dried gourds are a great option instead of having real pumpkins coming out my ears (and out of my wallet) when it comes time for fall decorating!

There are different kinds of dried gourds and lots of different sizes (which is why I like to have lots of options…haha!)  They look pretty laying in a bowl or basket or used on tablescapes.  I created a DIY centerpiece and used several of my large gourds and dipper gourds like THESE and THESE!

For a fall mantel, I like to use some of the medium and small gourds to set on or beside a stack of vintage books, line them up as a focal point, or tuck into an arrangement like I did with my French lavabo last fall!

No matter how you style dried gourds on your fall mantel, it will be beautiful!  That’s what I love about using them; you can style them elaborately or simply and they are beautiful.  Dried gourds are a perfect way to get a soft, organic look for your fall decor.

#3 Try adding some brass quail on your mantel.

Why?  Let me try to explain!

So I actually did a google search to try and get some kind of scientific reason why I think of quail as a fall bird.  No luck. Haha!

I guess the main reason is because I grew up in Kansas and the quail hunting season always started right before Thanksgiving.  What can I say?!

The more decor-related reason must be due to the soft, neutral colors and warm tones of feathers.

Too much of a stretch?!

Just trust me.

The cute, little brass quail will bring a lovely combination of vintage, nature, and metallic element that will blend beautifully with fall decor!

They make the perfect “shelf sitters” and I love to set them on or beside a vintage book, nestled with some brass candlesticks, or tucked under a cloche.  A vintage brass quail is a great item for a fall mantel because it can be that “unexpected” structural element that really completes a mantel vignette!

I hunt for quail a little differently than some of my fellow Kansans on Thanksgiving weekend.  I look for them at antique malls, flea markets, and thrift stores. I rounded up some really beautiful ones for you online too, and you can find them HERE and HERE!  I especially love that cute family of four!

Now it’s YOUR turn!  I’d love to hear your favorite things to use on your fall mantel.  There are so many wonderful options out there: fall garlands and stems, vintage books, vintage art, signs, baskets, mirrors…the list could go on and on!

What’s your favorite OR what would you like to try differently this year?

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

Check out some of my favorite ways to create fall flower and non-flower arrangements that you can enjoy all season long! Easy DIY arrangements for every budget!

Spring and summer lend themselves to pretty bouquets of flowers and fresh arrangements that keep our homes smelling and feeling special for the whole season.  I love to continue using fresh flowers and arrangements throughout the fall season too!

Fall flowers are a perfect way to add organic color and texture to your decor.

I also love how a simple jar of fall flowers and a few real pumpkins can make my whole room feel decorated for fall…and neither have to be stored away!

Let’s chat for a couple minutes, though, about how we can get the look and feel of fresh fall flower arrangements on a budget!  And how we can style them in unique ways to make a statement in decor.  After all, if you’re going to buy fresh flowers, let’s get the most bang for your buck!

I also have a few favorites for non-flower fall arrangements…and they may just be my favorites!

Let’s get started!

Tip #1 for Fall Flowers

Put them in a bucket!

Too simple?  I’d beg to argue that there is no such thing as too simple, and yet, sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones I forget about!

Mums are a super cost-friendly way to bring fall flowers in and around your home and enjoy them for the whole season.

(As long as you remember to keep them watered and out of the direct sun. 🙈 I totally failed my mums after a few weeks last year!)

If you have a sunny spot indoors (or time to take your mums out to get a little sun), they can be a great option for decorating inside.  Most commonly, mums make great additions to porch and patio decor for the fall season!

My favorite way to style them is to set them in a beat-up, galvanized bucket.  I love the casual look it gives them and the bucket makes a great piece for creating a farmhouse-style fall vignette too!

Like I said, it’s super simple, but it’s a fail-proof way to create an inviting look to your fall entry or table, as well as adding some color with the fall flowers.  Next time you’re near your favorite grocery or nursery, grab a few mums in your favorite fall colors.

Take it from the non-pro…just remember to water them. 😂

Tip #2 for Fall Flowers:

Add eucalyptus.

Another simple tip, but it’s one of my favorite cost-saving ideas for fall flowers.  Particularly in the fall, I love the look of dried eucalyptus.  I have found that the silver dollar eucalyptus seems to dry the prettiest, so when I find it at my Trader Joe’s, I stock up on several bunches.

I style the eucalyptus with my fresh fall flowers and enjoy.  Then, when the flowers have wilted, I very gently pull out the flowers.  Without messing with the arrangement, I add fresh water and replace the wilted flowers with fresh ones.

I can usually get 2 or 3 arrangements out of that bunch of eucalyptus, saving myself several dollars each time and that just means more flowers!  It’s a win-win!

You’re sure to have a crumbled leaf here and there, but as long as you’re careful when you replace the flowers, you should be able to reuse the eucalyptus at least once!

I love how the dried look of the leaves adds to the beauty of the fall flowers…and adds a few dollars to my wallet too!

There are some great options available for faux eucalyptus too.  This garland is my absolute favorite, especially for fall tablescapes.  The smaller, matching eucalyptus stems are ones that I use year round and they mix beautifully with fall flowers too!

For some extra fall color, there are beautiful options available with colored eucalyptus too.  I especially love the color of these and the style of these.  I absolutely love how thick and pretty these dried stems are too.

And for some fall color on your table or mantel, this eucalyptus garland is gorgeous and budget-friendly.  I’ve seen it in person and love it!

The key to remember with colored fall stems is that you don’t need a huge amount of them to really make a pretty statement!  Pick up a few favorites and enjoy all season long!

Tip #3 for Fall Flowers:

Cut a cornstalk.

Or a dead banana tree branch.  Haha!

True story:   I was doing some fall decorating and clipped a few pieces off of a banana tree branch from our yard (thank goodness my husband doesn’t clear those out too often!).  I tucked a few pieces into a big basket with some gourds.  Afterward, I asked Harrison if he knew what those were.

“It’s those things off of corn, you know, from a field.”

WINNING!

If my 7-year-old thought my dead banana branch passed as a cornstalk, that’s enough for me!

But maybe you’re lucky and have real cornstalks available!  Use them!

They make great filler in any arrangement and add a ton of texture too.  My favorite way to use them is to clip small pieces and tuck around pumpkins or gourds.

It would even be worth asking for free clippings at the pumpkin patch.  All those little pieces that break off?  They will look great in your fall arrangements!  You can mix them with fall flowers, berries, or just leave them as is.

I took several clippings (from a dead banana branch, of course) and stuck them down into a big ironstone chamber pot.  I added some berries and dried branches for a unique (and completely FREE) fall arrangement.  Best part?  All of it was already “dead” so I enjoyed it for a few weeks before it got too crumbly from getting moved around!

Tip #4 for Fall Flowers:

Add dried seed pods.

No matter the season or style of arrangement, I always look for ways to add a little extra texture.  Especially with fall flowers, dried seed pods are a great way to get texture, unique size and shape, as well as the earthy fall colors.

I found several bunches of dried seed pods at Trader Joe’s and will used them all season long!  I tried storing them with my fall decor and just pulled them out…they still look amazing!

I am excited that those few dollars I spent will be something that I can use in my fall flowers all season, once again.

To style dried pods in an arrangement, I first arrange my greenery and flowers.  I use the dried seed pods to fill in all the gaps, with some shorter stems at the base of my arrangement and a couple of taller ones in the middle.

This is another great way to save money on your fall flowers!  It doesn’t take as many flowers to create a pretty arrangement when you have the added seed pods for filler, color, and shape.

Tip #5 for Fall Arrangements:

Add dried gourds to your centerpiece.

You’ve probably been seeing the dried gourds appearing around my home.  Partly because I live in South Florida, and, let’s be honest, there aren’t really pumpkin farms down here.  Haha!  I love using real pumpkins and they just don’t start arriving down here until much later.  Gourds are my way to start bringing in that fall color and seasonal element.

Plus, they can be used year after year!  I store mine…wait for it….

…in a trash bag in the attic.  The first year I did that, I was crossing my fingers that they would survive the heat.  But they did great and I love pulling them out each year.

Whether large or small, gourds are a great way to add texture, shape, and color to your fall arrangements.  One of my favorite ways to use them is in centerpiece arrangements, like this DIY centerpiece.

Gourds are a great alternative to flowers because you can mix them with real or faux greenery.  I have used this garland down the middle of the table, layered with dried gourds, and it looks so pretty!  For my DIY centerpiece, I used branches from my yard, which makes a great free option!

I think these preserved stems would be gorgeous tucked around gourds in a basket or dough bowl too!

Dried gourds can be found at vintage shops, flea markets, and some antique malls.  I also found some great ones online and will link them for you:

• Dipper gourds: Add a lot of unique shape and texture.
• Mini gourds are great for place settings or laying in an ironstone bowl.
• Cheese gourds have a “pumpkin” look to them and are perfect for adding extra texture.  Get one or two to mix with your other dried gourds for a really organ