Fall Decorating Tidbits

Not too early to start thinking of bringing in some of the autumn, harvest colors and giving your home a flavor of holidays and parties still to come. Eggshells that have been decorated in fall colors make an attractive table ornament. They are easy to make and eye catching too. Let your kids help decorate the eggshells. Display them on a tree branch for an interesting effect. (Courtesy Ballard Designs)

Mount swatches of your favourite fabric on shadow boxes or mounted canvas and arrange in a grouping. Choose colors that compliment the room and make a bold statement. They will really express plenty of personality.

Get rid of that old hanging lamp that everyone's tired of anyway. Hang up a new one that's full of interesting shapes. It will add some easy flair to your decorating and even a touch of romance.

Don't just serve up any old soup dish. Decorate it! Have fun and extend your holiday decorating into unusual places. Entertaining in a festive manner is more than just a nice centerpiece for the table. Add flair. Your guests will love it.

Enjoy This Time of Year

It's football season. Don't try to fight it. Go with the flow - you'll be happier. Invite a group over to enjoy a game and turn it into an excuse to entertain - and decorate, of course. Light the fireplace with a warm, glowing flame. Serve soup and sandwiches and soft drinks or chilled fruit drinks. Relax. Enjoy your family and friends.

Before the cold weather sets in, get out and enjoy the balmy weather. Host an afternoon tea, for for a picnic, enjoy a boat outing, take a hike, lay on a blanket at the park, look for seashells at the beach.

Pick out some of the more colorful produce like assorted berries, peaches, tomatoes, corn on the cob. Add them to a cut glass bowl for the table.

Hundreds of Free Tips

Barbara Jennings is author of 10 decorating books: Decor Secrets Revealed, Rearrange It, Home Staging for Profit, Home Staging for Yourself, Arrange Your Stuff, Advanced Redesign, Pro Art Consulting, Where There's a Wall - There's a Way, The Art of Hanging Art, Great Parties! Great Homes!