Carolina Living

Craft the Perfect Autumn Ambiance

Bring the essence of fall into your home with two easy DIY projects

By Rue Reynold|

November 2024

As the days grow shorter and the air gets cooler, bringing a bit of autumn’s charm indoors can make your home feel warm and welcoming. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-find materials, you can craft décor that doesn’t just look like fall, but smells like it too. Here are some simple steps that can help transform your home into a cozy autumn haven.

Tara Verna

Autumn Scented Potpourri

Tara Verna

Autumn-Scented Potpourri

1 Orange
1 Apple
Cinnamon sticks (whole or broken into pieces)
Whole cloves
Star anise
Essential oils or fragrance oils (like cinnamon, clove, gingerbread or pumpkin spice)
Large bowl for mixing
Airtight jar or decorative bowl for display

Slice oranges and apples into thin rounds. Dry them in the oven at 200 degrees for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through. Let them cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise.
Add 5–10 drops of your favorite autumn-scented oils to the mix. Toss gently to coat the dried ingredients evenly.
Place the mixture in an airtight jar. Let it sit for 24–48 hours to allow the scents to blend.
Transfer the potpourri to a decorative bowl or mason jar. Set it out on your coffee table, mantel, or entryway for an instant seasonal touch.

Autumn Centerpieces

Pinecones
Acorns
Dried leaves (different colors)
Small branches
Mason jars or glass vases
Unscented candles or tealights
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Burlap ribbon (optional)
Fairy lights (optional)

Gather pinecones, acorns, branches and colorful leaves. If these items were collected outdoors, boil or bake leaves at 140 degrees for 5 minutes, and bake the other items at 250 degrees for 2 hours. Allow to dry and cool completely.
Place an unscented candle or tealight inside a mason jar or glass vase. If desired, wrap a burlap ribbon around the jar.
Arrange the pinecones and acorns around the base of the jar or vase. Tuck dried leaves under them and the jar, arranging the colors evenly.
Insert small branches into the arrangement to create height and visual interest. Bend or cut them to fit your desired size and style.
Adjust the arrangement as needed until you’re satisfied. Glue all items together and allow to dry completely before setting your finished centerpiece on your dining table, mantel or sideboard.