I love all the seasons. From the cold winter days to the warm summer evenings and everything in between, I always welcome the changing of the seasons. However, there is something different that stirs inside me when the leaves begin to change and the first rain of the season falls. Crisp leaves and pumpkins please! The beauty and change of routine that fall brings each year always gets me giddy.
While this season tends to be the ramp up of a new school year or routine, I often find it as a time to slow down and rest. I am reminded that I can't do it all on my own. Jesus is asking us to make room for Him and calls us to rest in His presence. Part of how I make room for Jesus, is by creating cozy and welcoming spaces. No matter what season it is, I want to create spaces that call others in and amplify the name of Jesus. And because I know I am not the only one who feels this way, I thought it would be fun to share some DIY ideas I've been loving and using this year for my fall decor.
1. Dried oranges and apples: Drying fruit is a fun and affordable way to cozy up your home for the holiday seasons. Simply hang them on a string to make a garland, add them to your favorite floral arrangement, or set them within your dining room table's center
piece. Not only do they look pretty, but they make your home smell fresh and cozy!
Start by slicing fruit into thin slices. You don't want them too thick or they will take forever to dehydrate.
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees and allow it to fully warm up.
While oven is preheating, spread out slices of fruit on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Once your oven is preheated, place cookie sheet on top rack.
Allow orange slices to bake for 1 hour, then flip them to opposite side.
Put the oranges back in the oven and let them bake another hour.
Remove oranges from oven and place them on a cooling rack.
Repeat these steps as many times until you have the number of dried orange slices you want.
2. Natural elements from outside: God created the things of this earth for us to enjoy, so why not forego the shopping spree at Michaels for pine cones, pumpkins, and leaves and find them for free on the side of the road? Grab a friend and go foraging for your favorite natural items. Once you've collected all you want, add them to a large bowl or vase or place them throughout your home. These will act as simple, yet beautiful pieces of fall decor.
3. Drying flowers: This is another easy and affordable way to decorate your house for any season, but especially in the fall. I love drying baby's breath, eucalyptus, and any other kind of orange or yellow flowers I find at the store during the early part of the season. It takes a couple weeks for them to fully dry out so make sure to grab them early! Drying flowers really isn't complicated at all. Follow these instructions to get the best results:
Remove any leaves from the flower.
Create the bouquet you are wanting and tie the bunch together with a string.
Find a dry place to hang them upside down, letting all the moisture fall out.
Leave flowers for 2-4 weeks to fully dry out.
Once flowers are dry, display them where you and your guests can enjoy them!
Have fun creating your decor from scratch this year! Once you're done, cozy on up on your couch and enjoy the sweet smells and delights that fall brings.
"Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him."
Psalm 62:1