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• Introduce hints of a new color to your existing palette. Combine autumn red or orange splashes with a neutral or contrasting base such as taupe, olive, or blue. Muted greens are fresh alternatives to bold warm colors. Throw pillows, table accessories, and accent rugs are high-impact, low-investment places to start.
• Find woodsy elements at your local farmers' market or your own backyard. Look for moss, grasses, and small branches. Fill interesting pots with any combination of them, or turn a bundle of twigs into a natural photo holder.
• Small but unexpected details go a long way at the dinner table. Tie a name card to leafy twigs to make great place holders for your guests. Dress up acorns by exchanging one for a large crafts-store pearl and tying them up with a velvet ribbon for a rustic, yet elegant, napkin holder.
• Celebrate the harvest season with casual country touches. Find natural artwork, twine, and rustic wooden accent pieces. Cozy blankets add autumn comfort to any space.
• Choose pieces that will stay timely through the holidays, or that can be updated in a snap, to save space and money. Pinecones, dried berries, and twigs stay up-to-date through the winter. After Thanksgiving, swap your moss and acorns for faux-snow and ornaments to give the same decor a new presence.
• Wreaths are classic and versatile, and can be made from almost any material. Experiment with wheat or leaves for fall, holly for Christmas, or pinecones and twigs for the whole holiday season. Try laying them flat to frame pumpkins, candles, or other centerpieces.
• Candles add warmth and light in any season. They work anywhere. Don't forget about mantels and windowsills. If you stick with neutral colors, embellishments and containers can be changed for the season.
• Make space for conversation. Adding -- or relocating -- seating around a fireplace creates a cozy new space for fall fellowship. No fireplace? Pull a couple of sitting chairs in a corner, add candles for ambiance, and keep a stack of books close at hand.