Video:5 Easy Mantle Decorations for Fall

Transcript:5 Easy Mantle Decorations for Fall

Autumn is a beautiful season: full of bright reds, yellows and oranges; light, crisp breezes; and the smell of cinnamon and spiced apple cider in the air. I'm Blaine Pennington with About.com, and here are five ways to bring the fall into your home and onto your mantle.

Pinecones Make Good Fall Decorations

We'll start with something easy: a pinecone basket. If you're lucky enough to live in an area with evergreens and deciduous trees, merely walk outside to collect your supplies. Otherwise, you might need to visit your local arts and decorations supply store. First, you'll need a basket, preferably woven, like this one. Simply fill with pinecones and decorate with fall leaves of differing colors and you're finished. Easy as that. For a nice touch, try adding some potpourri for a fresh fall fragrance.

Make a Fall Mantle Wreath

Next, we'll work on a mantle wreath. Take down the usual artwork and decorations that hangover your mantle, and replace them with a grapevine wreath. Decorate it with fall leaves, berries and a bow that goes with your color scheme. If you're feeling really creative, you can even weave your own wreath. Check out About.com for instructions on how to do so in less than 10 minutes.

Mantle Garlands Look Nice in Fall

The next decoration we'll work on is a mantle garland. Make or buy a garland of silk or preserved fall leaves and berries. Hang it across your mantle with nails or hooks. Just be sure to keep it far from any open flame that might be in your fireplace. If the mood takes you, wind miniature orange lights through the garland and decorate with raffia or paper ribbon bows.

Pumpkins Always Evoke Fall

For another great fall decoration, just grab some pumpkins. Pumpkins are perfect for bringing some fall spirit into your home. All you need for this decoration are a few small pumpkins, some red and orange votive candles, and some fall leaves. Simply place your pumpkins on the mantle and surround them with the leaves. Once you have them in place, add your votives, and that's it. A perfect fall-inspired mantle decoration with pumpkins.

Decorate Your Mantle With Fall Candles

The last idea I have for you today is great because it engages the sense of smell along with the other usual ones. Buy a few fall themed candles and some wooden stands for them. Spread them across your mantle to your liking, and fill the space in between with raffia. When you light the candles, your living room will be smelling of autumn in no time. For safety's sake, be careful the lit candles are raised high enough that they don't pose any danger, and make sure you never leave an open flame unattended anywhere near something as flammable as raffia.

I hope you enjoy these easy ideas for mantle decoration this fall. Always remember, no matter how you choose to decorate your home in autumn, try to stick with browns, yellows, oranges and reds. Check out About.com for more home décor ideas. Thanks for watching.