DIY Fall Decor You’ll Love—Thankfulness as a Centerpiece
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Tishana Richards.
Copy and Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Model: Tishana Richards
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
Fall decorations are the most fun. Little ghosts, autumn leaves, pumpkins and turkeys find their way into knicknacks, napkins and canvases. But what if each time we looked at these charms of fall, we were reminded, also, of everything to be grateful for?
My favorite is leaf cutouts — although other fall-vibe shapes work just as well — to hang all over the house. Place them on the bathroom mirror, in the upstairs hallway, on the fridge, and by the TV. It’s fun to incorporate twinkly lights, glitter, and colors that match the space.
I found that the first few days usually get me past family and friends — which are definitely top things to be grateful for. By 15 days in, I’ve taken care of food, water, shelter, education, transportation, work and most of the basics.
The key is finding something new to write. It helps get to the neglected and underappreciated parts of life. Maybe it’s that special way your partner hugs. Maybe it’s having the perfect view out your kitchen window. Maybe it’s the mentors who encourage you day in and day out. Maybe it’s that one nostalgic movie that always makes you feel better.
Don’t be afraid to make them detailed and specific — or just plain silly. The backs on chairs, the littlest fork in the silverware drawer, and your pinkie toe work just as well as anything else.
These bits of gratitude start to fill up your physical space. A visual, spatial reminder of what and who you love most in life, whether you’re brushing your teeth, making dinner, or walking down the hallway.
When I did this, I started Nov. 1 and continued through the Thanksgiving holiday. When that special Thursday finally came, I asked my loved ones to add to the list as we celebrated together. The new pieces of gratitude continued to build into things I hadn’t yet thought about.
So, when you try this out, don’t forget to get others involved — your kids, your partner, your best friend, your parents, and anyone else in your life. Doing this makes the gratitude practice also one of connection and being thankful in community. If you have written someone’s name down, consider sending them a card or a special text to tell them just how grateful you are for them.
Most of all, make this home decor gratitude practice your own. It can be adapted for a workplace, maybe you have an office or bulletin board that needs some sprucing up. It’s adaptable to different levels of crafting talents — perhaps you prefer to work with wood or canvas. Or you can try it anytime during the year — hearts for Valentine’s, snowflakes during a week in freezing January, or your birthday month.
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