Styling Tips: Seasonal Decorating with Items You Already Have

As we transition from warmer to cooler weather, and the onslaught of holiday themed content starts to cascade through our social media feeds and our television screens, we find ourselves motivated to do some temporary redecorating around the house. But not everyone wants to go out and buy more “stuff”, especially right before the holidays. By using items you already own, decorating becomes not only affordable but also sustainable and meaningful. With a little creativity, your home can reflect the beauty of the changing seasons in an authentic and personal way.

Here are 4 easy styling tips that you can apply throughout your home this holiday season, including your Thanksgiving table.

1.     DRIED FLOWERS & ORNAMENTAL GRASS

Natural elements make beautiful, textured displays. You can gather cuttings of dried hydrangeas, pampas grass, or leafy branches (preferably while the colors are looking their best) from your garden and arrange them in vases for an elegant, organic look. The neutral tones blend seamlessly into any season, but they’re especially perfect for Fall. With branches, you can also put them on your mantle, or down the center of your dining table, and nest pinecones and little candle votives or taper candles between the branches.

2.    CANDLES & LANTERNS

Candles are an easy way to create warmth and ambiance, especially as the days get shorter. Your Great Aunt’s tea cups or depression glass can be used as tealight candle holders. Mason jars also work well for outdoor lanterns to light your walkway for dinner guests. Use old glass bottles to house candlesticks. Arranging them in groups at different heights will cast a soft, cozy glow, instantly making your space feel more inviting.

3.     HEIRLOOM PIECES

Take this as an opportunity to showcase the heirloom items you may already have tucked away. Antique pitchers can be used as flower vases. Vintage glassware or your grandmother’s favorite dinnerware can serve as decorative accents or centerpieces. Mix these cherished pieces with your everyday dishes for a layered aesthetic that adds personal history to your space.

4.     COZY FABRICS & TEXTURES

Lastly, rotate your textiles. Approach it the same way you would transition your own wardrobe from Summer to Fall. Replace lightweight, bright fabrics and prints with thicker, warmer materials in earthy, neutral textures.

For a table runner, I sometimes use a large scrap of linen or burlap, and just leave the edges frayed/unsewn. If you have an old quilt that’s not quite sturdy enough to use for sleeping, you can lay it over a headboard, or the back of a floating sofa, adding visual depth and rich tones that draw you into the room.

These simple changes can instantly create a cozier, more seasonal atmosphere within your space.