Fall Florals: Simple and Beautiful Ideas for Decorating Your Home

Fall is probably my favorite time to bring flowers inside the house. It’s my subtle way of making me feel like summer isn’t fading just yet. Not only that, but the colors are so rich and beautiful that it’s hard to resist passing fall florals without cutting a few stems to add to a vase.

How to Create a Loose, Collected Look with Fall Florals

My favorite arrangement of fall florals is one created from wildflowers you can cut for free from alongside the road. Tucked into rustic vase or pitcher, they project a “no rhyme or reason” look that’s so appealing – and easy to accomplish.

 Here’s a few tips to get that loose, collected look:

• Start with a few taller branches or stems to establish the shape.
• Add your largest flowers next.
• Fill in with smaller flowers, grasses, berries or seed heads.
• Let some stems lean or trail rather than trying to make everything symmetrical.

Don’t fuss with it too much. Fall arrangements are often prettiest when they look as though you just gathered an armful from the garden and dropped it into a pitcher.

 

The Best Flowers for Fall Arrangements

Fall offers some of the prettiest flowers for bringing indoors. Dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, chrysanthemums and asters are obvious choices, but don’t overlook hydrangeas, goldenrod, sedum, celosia, and even flowering herbs. Mixing traditional flowers with seed heads, berries and foliage gives arrangements that loose, gathered-from-the-garden look that’s especially pretty in fall.

Artfully arranged flowers are just as stunning as field flowers. Berries, chrysanthemums, and dahlias come together for a bouquet that takes your breath away. Not to mention, the colors are vividly appealing.

 

It’s fun to mix and match several types of flowers. There’s really no wrong way to go about it. Think about how flowers look out in the field. Again, no rhyme or reason but they’re lovely to behold. Mimic that same experience with your fall florals.

 

 

Gerbera daisies are considered a summer flower but they’re perfect for use as fall florals. They can easily compete with the rich colors of sunflowers and zinnias.

 

Keep Fall Florals Sweet and Simple

For a simpler but equally beautiful centerpiece of fall florals, tuck a few golden dahlias (or any fall flower) in a small, clear vase. Tie a ribbon around the top for added interest. You don’t need to be a floral designer to recreate this simple look.

 

 

Sunflowers steal my heart every time. It’s especially rewarding to go to a cutting garden and clip them yourself, although most stores carry them this time of year. They don’t need a lot of arranging – perhaps just a bit of tweaking here and there after placing them in a vase or container.

 

Think Beyond the Traditional Vase

Don’t forget to use pumpkins, squash, and gourds as vases. Simply hollow them out and tuck a glass vase inside to hold the flowers. You might be surprised how easy this is and how quickly it enhances the seasonal vibe in your home.

 

Think outside the box and try something unique like planting succulents inside a pumpkin. Once the pumpkin fades, transplant the succulents into another container.

 

Vintage containers make charming vessels for seasonal flowers and plants. I love the look of calluna, or heather, tucked into a worn, metal tin. the contrast between the delicate blooms and weathered container is simple and beautiful. And there’s no need to actually plant it! Just leave the heather (or whatever fall flower or plant you choose) in its plastic nursery pot and slip it inside the container for an easy fall display.

 

How to Make Your Fall Florals Last Longer

A little care can help your fall flowers stay fresh and beautiful for days longer. Follow this simple checklist to get the most from your arrangement:

• Start with a clean vase and fresh water.
• Trim stems at an angle before placing them in water.
• Change the water every two to three days.
• Give the stems a fresh trim when you change the water.
• Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and other heat sources.
• Remove fading flowers and leaves as needed to keep the arrangement looking fresh.

 

Shop Your Own Yard for Flowers

Some of the prettiest fall florals might be waiting right outside your door. Before heading to the florist or grocery store, take a walk around your yard and see what catches your eye. Fading hydrangeas, colorful leaves, ornamental grasses, seed heads, berries, and interesting branches can all add beautiful texture and seasonal color.

Don’t worry if everything isn’t perfectly fresh or symmetrical. In fact, slightly faded blooms, arching grasses, and branches with imperfect leaves often give fall arrangements their relaxed, gathered-from-the-garden charm. Combine your finds with just a few purchased flowers, or skip the store altogether, for an arrangement that feels natural, personal, and wonderfully seasonal.

 Fall florals don’t need to be elaborate to make an impact. A handful of garden blooms, a few colorful branches, or a simple bouquet tucked into a favorite vintage container can instantly bring the warmth and beauty of the season indoors. And most of all – have fun with it!

 

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