Our friend Melynie the interior designer is a huge inspiration to the Little Birdies. We're still too protective of her to share her family blog with the world, but she's kind enough to let us copy and paste her decorating advice for our readers. Lucky you! Here are some fun ideas for fall decorating, including a step-by-step mantel that anyone can put together! Thanks Melynie!

Fall Decorating Ideas
As there were some requests for fall decorating tips, I thought I'd share this year's Fall Mantel with you. Let's go step by step.

This is the before. A lovely, albeit boring mantel.


Start with a nice, full garland with realistic leaves (the same goes for evergreen ones at Christmas). I attached it with clear packing tape--I still have much at my disposal. I taped it at the front corner of the ledge. I also taped an acorn and leave swag in the middle as a kind of "centerpiece." You can click on the mantle close-up (below, a couple pictures) for a better look.


Then, add some tall elements. One of the most important thing about accessorizing is thinking about positive/negative space. Positive space is where the things are. Negative space is all the space around the objects. When you have a varied assortment of sizes and shapes, it makes it more visually interesting to look at. You need interesting positive and negative space. Does that make sense?


Here's a closer-up of the mantle. One idea is to tip objects in different directions. It may be kind of hard to see, but the pumpkins on the inside of the candlesticks are tipped forward so their tops are showing.


Then add some smaller objects. This arrangement is fairly symmetrical. It's not exactly the same on each side, but it is similar, and more importantly, visually balanced. I wanted some more height on the left side of the hearth area, so I used a cardboard box covered with a pretty kitchen towel as a stand. A crate would have been better, but I made do with what I had. :)


I used indian corn and some more stems of leaves for fillers. And, voila, I'm done!


You can use the same principles for other fall decorating. These can be table centerpieces, top buffets, decorate serving tables, accent side tables, you get the idea. Knock yourself out.






Hopefully you got some ideas that will help you in your fall decorating! Happy Autumn!