Yes it might have already snowed in Calgary, but we’re not giving up on fall just yet!
We are lucky to have guest writer Melissa from Melissa Dawn Designs here to share 5 awesome (and easy) ways to decorate your home for fall! The best part? They’re all under $30!
Hi there, my name is Melissa McDicken. I’m the owner of Melissa Dawn Designs, an event planning & styling company serving Calgary and surrounding areas. I specialize in creating memorable, intimate events such as birthdays, showers, gender reveals, small business events and more. I started Melissa Dawn Designs after my son was born. I developed a deep interest and passion for event design when planning his first birthday. I immediately enrolled in the Wedding and Event Planner Certificate Program at MRU and haven’t looked back since.
Before that the biggest thing I had ever planned was my wedding (with the help of a decorator and planner of course), and let me tell you, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. We chose to have a Fall wedding, outdoors in October. All of the colours from the trees surrounding us added so much warmth and life to our wedding photos. The colours of the flowers in our bouquets are some of my favourites – deep purples with peaches and blushes. Exquisite!
Every year when Fall rolls around, it gives me all the warm feels. So naturally, I welcome the new season like an old friend by changing the décor in our house to match. Decorating for every season and holiday can get pricey really quickly, so I’m sharing some of my favourite ways to adorn your home that WON’T drain your bank account.
Let’s get decorating!
one.
Pretty Pinecones
This is a super simple and inexpensive way to bring autumn into your home. I have a collection of natural, gold painted and silver (for Christmas time) stored away patiently waiting to make its appearance at the first sign of Fall. I like to add them to empty vases or inside a cake stand with a glass cover for a more elegant look.
You can find pinecones at various places including Michaels, Home Sense, and your local Dollar Store. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles for a fun look. Get creative!
two.
Falling for Florals
Who doesn’t love a good floral arrangement? And what better excuse than a new season to treat yourself to some new stems?!
Flowers are an easy way to freshen up a room and add some seasonal colours into your home. Head to your local florist and ask for help in putting together an arrangement. Be sure to tell them your budget up front so they can select the right blooms for your price range.
I stopped in at Black Earth Floral in Calgary to pick up this stunning arrangement. Karla is so amazing at getting feedback on what you want to see and selecting other stems to compliment them perfectly. I’m still obsessing over this arrangement!
three.
Festive garlands
A really cute way to decorate for Fall when you have little ones in the house is to add in a felt garland or two. These are so versatile and come in all different colours and shapes. Some shops even offer custom garlands so you can create your own to suit your style.
I picked up this garland from Pink Butterfly Designz at the recent Little Modern Market. Vajini De Silva, the owner and designer, had it lovingly displayed on her booth and I just couldn’t help myself! It costs under $20 and did I mention it’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving décor as well?!
four.
pumpkin spice
You probably can’t walk into a store these days without seeing pumpkins in some form or another. And for good reason too! Pumpkins are synonymous with Fall. Whether you prefer real or faux, there are so many options to choose from now.
I prefer to do a blend of both – so I can carve some for Halloween too! The prices range from $2 for real mini pumpkins to $25 for larger faux ones. To keep things interesting, I grab a few of the faux white pumpkins from Michaels and paint them a new colour to match my theme. This year I’m loving baby pink and lavender. I’ll be keeping them out all October long so they can be used for my Halloween décor too!
five.
cozy candles
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a candle addict. I can’t help myself! There are so many delicious, clean burning, soy wax candles from local makers here in YYC and I want to support them all. I usually stock up at local markets or artisan shops like Ninth & Brick or Cinder and Sage Loft. And if I’m being really honest, my husband lights them up just as much as I do, so we need extras at all times!
One of my favourites for Fall is Harvest by Milk Jar. This candle has a natural wood wick that when lit, has a crackling sound similar to a wood fire. It is the epitome of coziness. It’s scented with orange, cloves and pumpkin spice – yes, please! It rings in at $29 but the best thing about supporting Milk Jar and its owner, the amazing Holly, is that $1 from the sale of every scented soy candle is donated to special needs programs for youth in Calgary. How awesome is that?
My hope is that these décor tips help you enjoy Fall just as much as I do! Embrace the season and enjoy its beauty. And if you want to take it a step further and play hostess in your newly adorned home I’d love to chat with you!
My job is to create space for you to celebrate life’s moments. To truly enjoy the moment without worrying about whether the food has been replenished, what time the cake needs to be picked up or how to manage all the entertainment. My job is to give you back time with the people you love the most.
I feel truly honoured to be invited to help people celebrate life’s milestones. Melissa Dawn Designs is about giving the gift of joy, no matter the celebration, milestone or event.
Let’s be friends, follow me on Instagram @mdawndesigns and don’t be afraid to say hello!
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