When Can I Start Decorating for Fall? Answers and Decor Inspiration
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First and foremost: When is the first day of fall 2026?
The fall equinox or first day of fall is September 22, 2026. It ends on December 20, 2026, right before the winter solstice on December 21.
So, when can I decorate for fall?
In our opinion… Your house, your rules! But if you do want to hold out and decorate a little closer to the season, you have a few options. You could start your interior fall decorating as early as late August. (Labor Day weekend and back-to-school season are often considered unofficial markers of the start of fall, so those are safe bets.) As for exterior fall decor, you could consider decorating when temps drop a little, like mid-to-late September, when Halloween is around the corner. However, if you’re feeling the autumn spirit earlier this year, by all means, get to decorating!
Is August too early to decorate for fall?
There’s no strict rule for when to start decorating for fall—it really comes down to your personal preference, the weather where you live, and how you want to decorate. In many places, August still feels like summer, so some people prefer to wait until mid-September or the first official day of fall to begin decorating. Others start earlier, especially if they want to enjoy their decorations longer or snag popular items before stores sell out.
If you’re unsure, try easing in with subtle fall touches in August, like a cozy candle, a plaid throw blanket, or a vase of fall-colored blooms. These small changes can make your home feel a little warmer without going full pumpkin spice mode. As the temperatures start to go down, you can bring out wreaths, gourds, and other fall favorites. In the end, if early decorating makes you happy, there’s no reason to hold back—you can always layer on more as the season gets closer.
What are some good DIY fall decorations?
Who says you have to spend a lot to make your home feel festive? DIY fall decorations are an easy way to add cozy seasonal touches without breaking the bank, and it’s always fun to make things for your home by hand.
- Fall wreath: A fall wreath can be a good place to start—after all, it’s the first thing your guests will see when they arrive! Use a plain grapevine or wire wreath form and add faux leaves, pinecones, ribbon, and mini pumpkins.
- Mason jars: (Though you can really use any clear vessel!) These are another DIY go-to. Wrap them in twine, fill them with cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices, and add a battery-operated tea light inside.
- Pumpkin decor: Of course, the possibilities are endless with pumpkins. You can paint them, add stencils (we have free stencils just for you!), or even cover them in fabric for a softer look.
- Autumn garland: For something quick and simple that still makes a statement, craft a garland from pressed leaves or felt cutouts and hang it across a mantel or doorway.
- Fall centerpiece: A fuss-free centerpiece with gourds, candles, and seasonal flowers also works well. Stick to warm colors like orange, gold, and red, and mix in natural textures like wood, burlap, and twine for that handmade fall look.
When should I start decorating for Halloween and Thanksgiving?
Mid to late September is a great time to decorate for Halloween so you can enjoy the view for a bit. For Thanksgiving, it’s usually best to start decorating right after Halloween is over, as the two holidays are so close together. If you prefer to decorate once rather than multiple times for each holiday, then it’s smart to use items that can work all season long.
If pumpkins are your thing, for example, consider choosing metallic or neutral-colored gourds that would make sense for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Or on the mantel, choose black vases that can house both classic autumn blooms for earlier in the season as well as spooky florals come Halloween-time. Of course, you can go all in for each individual phase of fall, too—no judgment here!
What are the fall 2026 decor trends?
Fall decor in 2026 is all about warmth, texture, and mixing old favorites with fresh updates. Earth tones like rust, olive green, and terracotta are still the stars of the season—alongside plum, burgundy, and dark brown, of course—but tastemakers are now pairing those moody shades with soft tones like dusty blue, blush pink, and hushed lilac for an unexpected, designer look. Even everyone’s favorite fall staple (pumpkins!) is getting an upgrade this year, with finishes like matte ceramic and brushed chrome. And natural materials remain a big focus—try mixing textures like wood, tweed, linen, and wool to create a cozy, layered feel.
When should I take down my fall decorations?
The best part about fall decor is that—if you play your pumpkins right—many pieces can stay up through Thanksgiving. So the appropriate time to take it all down will likely be when the season changes in December.
What are ways I can decorate for fall?
- Blankets: The first rule come fall? The more blankets, the better! Consider placing your spring and summer throws in an underbed storage container and replace them with options in shades of rust, khaki, or dark green.
- Garlands: Garlands along the mantel, included in your tablescape, or hung around the front door is a way to incorporate natural fall elements into your space. Drape them anywhere that needs a little pop, and your space instantly looks more seasonal.
- Candles: Both LED flameless candles and natural wax or soy candles are excellent for tucking into spaces that need some soothing warm-toned light. Around Halloween, you’ll love how these give that extra ambience during a scary movie marathon!
- Pampas: Pampas grass in fall colors is an easy statement-maker. Those who don’t exactly have a green thumb will enjoy it, as well, since they’re easy to take care of and even easier to replicate in artificial stems or wreaths.
- Pumpkins (of course!): Is there anything more festive and fun than artificial pumpkins in the fall? Place them in an oblong bowl as a centerpiece on the dining table, or display small groupings of them throughout the house. Purchase in a cozy fabric like velvet and they’ll be a complementary addition to any style space.
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Megan Stein
Megan is the Senior Director of Editorial and Content Marketing for DrewandJonathan.com. She has over a decade of experience in the home and lifestyle industry, with previous roles at The Pioneer Woman, Country Living, and People magazine. She loves to inspire readers with beautiful, approachable design ideas, as well tips on how to bring their visions to life. She’s also shopping obsessed, and is dedicated to discovering the best products to make life easier, whether it’s testing a top-rated vacuum or the finding the perfect rug to complete your room.
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Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
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