If you enjoy making simmer pots, consider showcasing your dried fruits and herbs in mason jars. Prepping them ahead of time means they’ re ready to drop into boiling water at a moment’ s notice— and they look beautifully seasonal when displayed on the kitchen table, countertops or living room side tables. Some attractive ingredient ideas are:

• Dried apples, citrus fruits and cranberries.

• Whole spice pods such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom and star anise.

• Herb garden ingredients such as lavender, lemon balm, mint or rosemary.

• Pine needles and twigs from your cedar tree.

Turning Fall’ s Harvest Into Home Warmth

By Samantha West

Handmade Simmer Kits With Farm Flair

Simmer pots are a wonderful alternative to potpourri or chemical-laden air fresheners during the colder months. Not only do they fill your home with cozy, customizable scents, but the gentle steam also helps counteract dry indoor air— soothing skin and sinuses alike.

After filling the jars, add bows, burlap or tuck some plaid fabric under the lids to create a rustic farmhouse appeal. These also can do double-duty as last-minute hostess gifts.

Fall Bouquets for Every Room

You can make artful arrangements with fall flowers such as:

• Aster

• Chrysanthemums

• Black-eyed Susan’ s

• Sprigs of sage and lavender

• Sunflowers

• Marigolds

Arrange them in antique milk bottles or jars for a cozier feel. A few hollowed-out pumpkins filled with water also make a great vase for the last of your flower harvest.

Décor That’ s Edible and Easy

If your squash plants flourished this year, put the extras to use as an easy, eye-catching centerpiece.

Find a serving tray, line the bottom with the material of your choosing( a fall placemat, tea towel or even a cloth napkin) and artfully place the gourds in the center. You can also add maple leaves and sprigs of pine needles, cinnamon sticks and cedar to add a comforting scent.

For effortless fall kitchen decor, a simple wooden bowl filled with seasonal fruits such as apples and pears adds both charm and function. When fresh fruit is on display, your family is far more likely to reach for a healthy snack.

Pumpkin Crafts for Little Hands

Let your little ones decorate mini pumpkins for a festive fall activity. It’ s a great way to keep them engaged— and the finished pieces make charming, personalized décor or thoughtful gifts for family. To preserve their creations and keep the paint from chipping, brush on a coat of Mod Podge.

Have extra squash on hand? Turn them into mini gourd people! Use felt to craft eyes, clothes and shoes, and add fun accessories such as glasses or belts made from bread ties or pipe cleaners.

Show Off Your( Canned) Goods

If you’ ve been hard at work preserving your harvest for the fall and winter months, why not put them on display? Take some of your prettiest canned preserves and place them on a shelf or a doorless cabinet away from direct sunlight for both decor and easy access.

You can also wrap the tops in burlap or a bright, fallcolored cloth to make them even more attractive.

Make Bark Mosaics with Firewood

If you chop wood for the winter, consider repurposing the tree bark to create a striking wall mosaic.

Start with a large canvas painted in an earthy tone of your choice. Break the dried bark from your firewood into pieces, then varnish them in colors you like— or use multiple shades to add depth and texture. The varnish not only brings out rich hues and a subtle shine but also helps preserve the bark for lasting beauty.

Arrange and hot glue the bark pieces onto the canvas in any pattern you prefer. You can cover the entire surface or create shapes and designs. This affordable, nature-inspired artwork adds a warm, rustic touch to your home.

Create Wreaths From Foraged Finds

Pre-made wreaths are lovely but can be costly— especially when you’ re looking for a large one to adorn your front door or garage. Crafting your own wreath using foraged materials not only saves money but also adds a personal touch, making your decor truly unique and rooted in your own trees and grounds.

Some items to look for are:

• Maple leaves. Find large leaves that are at peak foliage. You can preserve them easily with a little Mod Podge and a paint brush.

• Acorns and pinecones make great filler pieces.

• Have some dried fruit left over from your simmer pot kits? An application of Mod Podge makes them ready to hot-glue to your wreath.

• Vibrant autumn flowers make a stunning display. Encase your sunflowers, marigolds or any other delicate foraged items in silicone gel for around a week to preserve their rich color.

• Ribbons made of natural fibers such as burlap or jute.

You can use sticks, vines, straw or even preserved grasses from your farm and wind them through a wire wreath form. If you want different shapes, you can make a wreath from old picture frames, cardboard wrapped in burlap or even sun hats with wide brims.

Creating cozy fall decor from harvested materials adds warmth and your personal touch to your homestead. These are also great gift ideas for the holiday season.

Embracing natural, seasonal elements in your home brings warmth, character and a personal touch that makes the fall season truly special.