Decorate for Autumn with Variety, Contrast

October 12, 2003|by ANDREA ROWLAND

Mums, gourds, maize and fall foliage are popular fodder for autumn home decorating - but thinking outside the pumpkin can result in dazzling harvest-season decor.

"There's a lot of different ways you can go," says Denny Warrenfeltz, owner of Rooster Vane Gardens in Funkstown.

For a lush, less traditional look, he suggests decorating with roses in rich bronze, gold and red tones, safflowers, hypericum berries, protea flowers, spray orchids in autumn colors and such fruits as pomegranates, persimmons and sickle pears.

Hollowed out pumpkins and gourds filled with flowers make attractive table centerpieces, but they quickly rot. Instead, place intact fall vegetation in decorative baskets or on trays, and surround with Indian corn, autumn leaves and other fall basics, Warrenfeltz says.

Ornamental cabbages, kales, grasses and vines are ideal for outdoor decorating because they look good, last a long time and can move easily into the holiday season by exchanging autumn accents such as pumpkins and gourds with winter favorites like holly, magnolia and rosehips, he says.

Ann Law, owner of Yule Cupboard in Hagerstown, suggests decorating with vessels made of red-glazed porcelain, bronze and copper. Copper pots and pitchers or other household items make ideal containers for fall floral arrangements, she says. Mix smooth and rough textures - such as surrounding sleek candlesticks with earthy twigs and vines - for contrast, Law says.

Consider replacing summery pillow coverings and other fabrics with the warm, rich colors of fall - mustard yellow, plum and deep greens, browns and reds - scenting the home with dried oranges and cloves, and filling urns with autumny potpourri, advises the Better Homes and Gardens Web site at www.bhg.com.

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