10 Cozy Harvest Decorations You Can DIY This Weekend (From Garden to Table!)

Ah, September. The air is getting crisper, a gentle breeze whispers through the golden leaves, and the scent of cinnamon seems to hang delightfully in the air. The pumpkins are ripening on the vine, promising pies and jack-o'-lanterns to come. There's a feeling of comfortable abundance and gratitude that settles over us as we anticipate the changing season. And what better way to embrace this beautiful time of year than by bringing the beauty of the harvest season inside?

This weekend, let's transform your home into a cozy autumn haven with these 10 easy and affordable DIY decorations. These projects are perfect for beginners, use materials sourced right from your garden or local farmers' markets, and will add a touch of farmhouse charm to every corner of your home. So, grab a cup of herbal tea, put on your favorite sweater, and let's get crafting!

1. Pumpkin Spice Potpourri

Nothing says "fall" quite like the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin spice. This potpourri is incredibly easy to make and will fill your home with the perfect seasonal scent.

Materials:

• 2-3 cups of dried orange peels
• 1 cup of dried apple slices
• 1/2 cup of star anise
• 1/4 cup of whole cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• A few drops of pumpkin spice essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix well to distribute the spices.
3. Place the potpourri in decorative bowls or jars around your home.
4. To refresh the scent, add a few drops of pumpkin spice essential oil as needed.

Visual Details: Imagine a mason jar filled with this fragrant potpourri sitting on your farmhouse table, the warm colors of the dried fruit and spices adding a touch of rustic elegance.

2. Rustic Twig Garland

This charming garland is a perfect way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Forage for twigs in your backyard or local park, and add dried flowers or foliage for a personal touch.

Materials:

• A collection of small twigs (about the same length)
• Twine or jute string
• Dried flowers, leaves, or berries (foraged from your garden or purchased)
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut a long piece of twine to the desired length of your garland.
2. Tie a loop at one end for hanging.
3. Begin attaching the twigs to the twine, spacing them evenly apart. You can tie them with twine or use a hot glue gun for a more secure hold.
4. Once all the twigs are attached, embellish with dried flowers, leaves, or berries. Secure them with twine or hot glue.

Personal Anecdote: Last year, my kids and I spent a rainy afternoon crafting twig garlands, and it was one of our favorite family memories. We gathered twigs from the yard and used dried hydrangeas from our garden to decorate them.

Visual Details: Imagine a rustic twig garland draped across your mantel, adorned with dried hydrangeas and tiny fairy lights, casting a warm glow on a chilly evening.

3. Gourd Bird Feeders

Give your feathered friends a helping hand this fall with these adorable gourd bird feeders. This is a fun and practical project that will add a touch of whimsy to your backyard.

Materials:

• A few small gourds (hollowed out and dried)
• Twine or rope
• Birdseed
• Drill

Instructions:

1. Drill two holes on opposite sides of the gourd, near the top.
2. Thread twine or rope through the holes to create a hanger.
3. Fill the gourd with birdseed.
4. Hang the bird feeder from a tree branch or hook.

Visual Details: Picture several of these gourd bird feeders hanging from the branches of your apple tree, attracting a variety of colorful birds to your backyard.

4. Corn Husk Wreath

Capture the rustic charm of the harvest with a corn husk wreath. Corn husks are readily available at farmers' markets this time of year and add a beautiful, natural texture to your fall decor.

Materials:

• Dried corn husks
• Wire wreath form
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Soak the corn husks in water for 30 minutes to make them more pliable.
2. Fold each corn husk in half lengthwise.
3. Using the hot glue gun, attach the folded corn husks to the wire wreath form, overlapping each husk slightly.
4. Continue until the entire wreath form is covered.
5. Trim any excess corn husks to create a uniform shape.

Actionable Tip: Look for naturally colorful corn husks (red, purple, yellow) to add an extra pop of visual interest to your wreath.

Visual Details: Envision a corn husk wreath hanging on your front door, welcoming guests with its warm, autumnal texture and subtle golden hues.

5. Painted Pumpkin Place Cards

Add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving or fall dinner table with these charming painted pumpkin place cards.

Materials:

• Small pumpkins or gourds
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Permanent marker

Instructions:

1. Paint the pumpkins or gourds with your desired colors.
2. Let the paint dry completely.
3. Write each guest's name on a pumpkin using a permanent marker.
4. Place the pumpkins at each place setting.

Visual Details: Imagine a farmhouse table set with linen napkins, rustic silverware, and these adorable painted pumpkin place cards, adding a whimsical and personal touch to your fall gathering.

6. Fall Leaf Luminaries

Create a warm and inviting ambiance with these beautiful fall leaf luminaries. This is a simple yet elegant project that will add a touch of magic to your home.

Materials:

• Glass jars (mason jars or recycled jars)
• Fall leaves (real or artificial)
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Tea lights or LED candles

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the glass jars.
2. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the jar.
3. Carefully attach the fall leaves to the jar, overlapping them slightly.
4. Apply another layer of Mod Podge over the leaves to seal them in place.
5. Let the Mod Podge dry completely.
6. Place a tea light or LED candle inside the jar.

Actionable Tip: Press the leaves between heavy books for a few days before using them to ensure they are flat and easy to work with.

Visual Details: Picture a row of these glowing leaf luminaries lining your windowsill, casting a warm and inviting light on a crisp autumn evening.

7. Cinnamon Stick Candles

Add a fragrant and rustic touch to your candles with this simple DIY project. The warm scent of cinnamon will fill your home with autumnal cheer.

Materials:

• Pillar candles
• Cinnamon sticks
• Hot glue gun
• Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

1. Using a hot glue gun, attach cinnamon sticks to the outside of the pillar candle, standing them upright.
2. Continue until the entire candle is covered with cinnamon sticks.
3. Tie twine or ribbon around the cinnamon sticks to secure them in place.

Visual Details: Imagine a cluster of these cinnamon stick candles on your coffee table, their warm glow and fragrant scent creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

8. Pinecone Garland

Celebrate nature’s bounty with a simple yet beautiful pinecone garland. This is a great project for using pinecones collected on nature walks.

Materials:

• Pinecones (various sizes)
• Twine or jute
• Hot glue gun (optional)
• Paint or glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Collect pinecones and clean off any debris.
2. If desired, paint or add glitter to the pinecones for extra flair. Let dry.
3. Attach the pinecones to the twine using hot glue or by tying the twine directly around each pinecone. Space evenly.
4. Hang your rustic pinecone garland along your mantel, doorway, or staircase.

Visual Details: Picture this garland adorning your staircase, creating a natural and organic ambiance with its earthy tones.

9. Pumpkin Vase

Repurpose a pumpkin into a unique and eye-catching vase for your fall floral arrangements.

Materials:

• A pumpkin
• Knife or carving tools
• Vase or jar that fits inside the pumpkin
• Fall flowers or foliage
• Water

Instructions:

1. Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin, large enough to fit your vase or jar inside.
2. Scoop out the pumpkin seeds and pulp.
3. Place the vase or jar inside the pumpkin.
4. Fill the vase with water and arrange your fall flowers or foliage.

Sustainability Tip: Compost the pumpkin pulp and seeds for a zero-waste project!

Visual Details: Envision a vibrant display of sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and autumnal foliage bursting from a pumpkin vase, gracing your dining room table with its seasonal charm.

10. Apple Candle Holders

These apple candle holders are a simple and charming way to add a touch of autumn to your table setting.

Materials:

• Apples
• Tea light candles
• Knife or apple corer

Instructions:

1. Use an apple corer or knife to create a hole in the top of each apple, large enough to fit a tea light candle.
2. Place a tea light candle in each hole.
3. Arrange the apple candle holders on your table for a cozy and festive touch.

Visual Details: Picture these apple candle holders adding warmth to your dining table, creating a festive atmosphere for fall celebrations.

Creating a cozy home is about more than just decorations—it's about embracing the simple joys of the season and sharing them with loved ones. These DIY projects are a fun and affordable way to add a touch of farmhouse charm to your home and celebrate the beauty of the harvest season. Remember to adapt these projects to your own style and available materials, and most importantly, have fun!

What are your favorite DIY fall decorations? Share your ideas below!