I can hardly believe it’s October already! It literally feels like I just put away Christmas decorations and now all the holidays are breathing down my neck again. I don’t know if it’s living in a state with “real” seasons, sending our first born off to Kindergarten, or chasing a two year old all day, but this year has blasted past me with disturbing speed.

Anyhow, the change in seasons also means a change in my mantel decor! Prior to living here, I NEVER decorated for seasons (seemed kinda silly in 75 and sunny San Diego), but our fireplace mantel is just enough room to give a little seasonal character to our main living space. Keeping with my prior mantels, this fall ensemble came in well under my self-imposed $20 budget.

Once again decorating around the black hole (aka: TV)… *sigh* Streaming some pretty autumn artwork up on the screen makes it feel less harsh, though. I have some sneaky plans for that big black box, but for now they shall remain only plans since I have 20-something other half-finished ambitions yet to wrap up around here. The wood sign was free made from stuff I had laying around.

Hey, those are some handsome, clean-looking pinecones… wouldn’t you say?

These amazing feathery plumes are real! I plucked them my neighbor’s Pampas Grass plant, shook gently, then coated them with a healthy dose of extra hold hairspray — hoping that it both killed any bugs and will keep the fluffs from falling off all over my carpet! The books are covered in wrapping paper and the glass hurricane is full of the treasures we found in our woods.

Love how the DIY leaf garland ties together the metallic shine and autumn colors beautifully! Happy Fall, ya’ll.

Cost Breakdown and Sources:

– Petite Gourds & Pumpkins: $6 (Walmart)
– Metal bucket: $3 (Target)
– Fabric Leaves: $2 (Dollar Store)
– Natural Raffia: $1 (Dollar Store)
– Cornucopia Basket: $1 (Salvation Army Store)
– Wood Sign: Free (made from stuff on hand)
– Pinecones & Pampas Grass: Free (plucked from neighborhood)
– Candlesticks, books, wrapping paper, glass hurricane: Free (on hand)

TOTAL COST: $13