Pinterest Worthy: Autumn on a Budget

I love decorating, but let’s face it- sometimes it can be costly. I do what I can to avoid a strain on the wallet.

Happy Fall!

Happy Fall!

Autumn starts the holiday season at Bedford Manor. The above collage is from three years ago. I haven’t started to put out my decor this year but that will change in 36 hours.

I get a lot of decorating tips like most of us, from Pinterest. And my mom. She’s the Queen of Budget Decorating.

Just check out these fun and frugal ideas for bringing the colors of the outdoors, indoors.

Autumn Potpourri in Ceramic Basket

Autumn Potpourri in Ceramic Basket

A small bag of autumn-themed potpourri adds color and fragrance. If you don’t have a holiday dish, use a glass bowl.

Leaves in a Basket

Leaves in a Basket

A garland of multi-colored artificial leaves can be immediately put in a simple basket. Place on your fireplace mantel, hearth, coffee table, or on a bookshelf.

Squash in a Planter

Squash in a Planter

This is great for outdoor patios as well as indoors. Put a disposable container upside down inside a bigger planter, cover with newspaper or other buffering, and place assorted miniature squash and pumpkins on top.

Scarecrow in Leaves

Scarecrow in Leaves

A miniature Scarecrow sets well atop a small assortment of artificial leaves in a bucket or basket.

Apple Cider Arrangement

Apple Cider Arrangement

A single bunch of artificial apples with small flowers fits nicely in this Apple Cider Barrel.

Scarecrow on Butter Churn

Scarecrow on Butter Churn

A fun Scarecrow overlooks an assortment of silk flowers in a papier mache pumpkin basket.

All the decor in these photos was purchased at our local Michael’s Arts & Crafts store, for $5 each or less.

Now that’s Autumn on a budget. My mom’s got skills.

Hey, Mom . . . can you come over on Saturday?

And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!

You may also enjoy reading:
Bunco at Tiffany’s
Why I Don’t Go To Carnivals in October
Slightly Sweet: Pie Crust Cut-Outs
This Thing Called Pinterest
Another Post About Pinterest.

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipe: Slow Cooker Cider

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Since October is nearly upon us with its crisp cool weather and fun holiday gatherings about to start, I thought I’d share my own cider recipe. It’s been a hit at family gatherings for years, and stores nicely in the fridge for up to a week … if it lasts that long!

I love the versatility of this great party drink. You can serve it hot or cold, by itself or mixed with a citrus soda or even light champagne. Even cider-haters like this beverage, right, Matt? ;)

INGREDIENTS:
1 orange, zested, sliced
1 gallon apple cider (non-sparkling)
6 cinnamon sticks, broken.

Zest the orange, set aside. Slice orange, cut slices into halves.
In slow cooker, combine cider, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.
Heat on low for two hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve according to taste.

Sweeten my tea and share: