6 Festive Fall Decorating Ideas

Come autumn, the garden may seem to be winding down. Nevertheless, wherever you live, this can be the perfect time for harvesting things to display inside your home. Contributing editors Richard Kollath and Edward McCann enjoy the fall in New York's Hudson River Valley, where an abundance of natural elements inspired the simple yet stunning ideas in this slideshow.

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With minimal preparation, you can complete each of these projects in under an hour, integrating some of your favorite bowls, platters, or containers from the garden shed. Create this wreath on a square wreath base or a picture frame; tie the end of a spool of waxed floral wire to the base, then use an overhand.

Create a still life pumpkin centerpiece worthy of a Flemish master by arranging squash and pumpkins on a table or sideboard; as with any fresh produce, reject those with bruises or nicks that will hasten their demise. Brush or wash off loose soil, allow to air-dry, then make your own edible cornucopia.

Display winter squash under glass cloches. You may have a jack-o'-lantern on the porch, but these beauties from the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois, take the Cucurbita to new heights — especially when elevated on cake stands, a nod to their eventual conversion to a holiday treat.

Presentation: Showcase your autumn harvest under a trio of elegant glass cloches. Find a variety of choices at secretgardenflowers.com.

Make It Sparkle: Get your glass to shine by cleaning with white vinegar and newspaper, or use a lint-free cloth with a streak-free cleaner such as Glass Plus.

Vary Height: For a vertical display, invert the cloche to add the squash, then cover the opening with a plate or cake stand and turn it right side up.

Party Favors: Tiny pumpkins make ideal placeholders for a holiday event; simply write the guest's name on the pumpkin with a permanent marker.

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This Ivy Planter Chandelier from Aidan Gray Home has a rustic finish and lends a French country feel to a room. Establish a focal point with a realistic-but-lightweight artificial pumpkin from Funkins. A faux crow from Seasons of Cannon Falls, bittersweet vine, and ivory tapers complete the effect.

Note: Bittersweet berries can be toxic; avoid them where food is served.

An Antique Dough Riser is the foundation for this lush centerpiece of autumn-hued pillar candles and a variety of tiny gourds, squash, cones, and pods. Adapt this idea to any shallow box or tray you may currently have. Oak leaves, acorns, and moss can be collected during an afternoon forest walk or from a trip to the local craft store.

A long, low centerpiece such as this looks as pleasing on an entry table or sideboard as it does on the dining table. It's also great for parties since it doesn't obscure seated guests' views or obstruct the passing of food.

A tabletop conservatory terrarium filled with potted plants makes a statement on an entrance table; the faux crow adds a note of whimsy.

Note: Keep terrariums out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating and a buildup of excess condensation.

Warning: Protect wood surfaces from moisture; display potted plants and pumpkins on trays, plates, or platters. Keep combustible items such as dried leaves and grasses far from heat sources. And, of course, never leave a burning candle unattended.