I absolutely LOVE fall. I know it’s partially because I’m a fair complected gal and the change in weather is good for my soul. I’m not fond of sweating when no exercise is involved. I also know it’s related to my birthday which is a little over a month away. But there are SO many other things that I love about fall – the smells of pumpkin and apply dishes cooking in my kitchen, the crunch of leaves under my feet in our backyard, the changing of colors, Thanksgiving, our annual Fall Party that we host for families in our community, Black Friday, pumpkin carving, scarecrows, silly costumes, and more!
But there can be a lot of hidden costs in the fall too that you don’t anticipate. So here are a few tips to keep the leaves and NOT your checkbook turning red.
- Leaves make great decor.
- In this instance, I’m talking both about the real leaves and those of the artificial variety. Keeping a glass bowl filled with fall items found on “gatherings” with the grandkids is a Fall Decor must in the home of the Queen Mum. Leaves, pinecones, tree bark – anything the kids consider to be beautiful is collected and then arranged inside. Obviously, you need to repeat this on close to a weekly basis if things get icky but that’s half the fun!
- I love to cut apart bunches of artificial leaves and scatter them throughout the house. Shelves look more spirited and I’m out very little cash. Plus, at the end of the season, I put them all in a Ziploc bag and put them in a Rubbermaid tote until next fall.
- If you LOVE a certain fall decoration, reduce the amount you buy. In particular I have a fondness for mums. I used to purchase several for our front yard (which is rather large). To keep myself from going overboard, I now simply purchase 2 (I got 8 inch BEAUTIFUL ones for $2.99 a piece at Aldi today). I still get that warm fuzzy feeling when I see them but I don’t get that ugly gut churning feeling of regret from overspending. Watch for specials and coupons. I recently got a Buy 2, Get 1 Free Mums Coupon from the Home Depot Garden Club. Actually they sent me one online and one via mail. If you haven’t already, sign up for this great club to get special savings!
- Shop the Clearance. While it won’t do you much good now, seasonal decor ALWAYS goes on extreme clearance a day or two after a season has passed. You can purchase it for pennies and decorate with it next season.
- Check the $ Store and Section of Target. I’ve found many great items to decorate in these places. BUT be sure you set yourself a budget, otherwise you’ll blow through $20 fairly easy at the Dollar Store.
- Decorate with the Edible. Candy, pumpkins, and apples ALL make great decor this time of the year. Clear out a basket you already have and make a centerpiece with these items! A glass dish with Hershey’s Fall tinted Kisses makes a cute accent piece. It doesn’t have to be complex. Candy is easy to pick up very cheap with coupons and our local Aldi usually has pumpkins when they’re available for $2.99!
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