Warm up your home with these easy fall décor ideas

The words “great” and “pumpkin” certainly do seem to belong together this time of year. Linus was correct to faithfully hang out in the patch, though we’d argue that most every pumpkin surrounding him on Halloween night was great.

And, likewise, just about any funky gourd, or groupings of tiny ones, make great centerpieces for the dining room table on cool autumn evenings. If you’re sick of all things orange and think that pumpkin is ready to be turned into pie, there’s a plethora of inventive ideas to bring a touch of fall to the table, sans the Halloween color.

Chrissy Madison, public relations coordinator for Pier 1 Imports, notes that when adding fall to home décor, it’s a good idea to focus on a high traffic area. In most homes, that means the dining room table, which often catches the eye when visitors wander through.

“And centerpieces make nightly dinners so much more festive,” Madison says. “Add a few leaves and harvest colors to make over your dining room.”

She suggests table runners, hurricane lamps and vases overflowing with fall flora to make a statement.

“And you can never go wrong with autumn candles at varying heights,” Madison says. “Add in lanterns or candle holders, and finish the look with the best autumn accessories.”

That might mean a quirky woodland statue, or whimsical glass pumpkin.

Think about this: It’s the one time of year when you can bring in yard debris—like fallen maple leaves or twigs—and create a stunning work of art for your table.

We’ve picked a few classics to help you spruce up that dining room table centerpiece. Oh, and, come to think of it, spruce leaves aren’t a bad idea, either.

Run(ner) for it

Let the leaves take over the dining room with this pretty runner. Luster leaves tree table runner, $44.95, pier1.com

Pumpkin power

Sometimes, you just need to dazzle them with a bit of sparkle. This lightweight pumpkin will do the trick. Party City glitter gold pumpkin, $4.99, partycity.com

Twisted sister

These elegant pieces, handmade in India, will add a touch of elegance to the table. Twisted Iron Candleholders, $39, tenthousandvillages.com

Pining away …

We love the idea of scattering these tiny beauties in the midst of lanterns, leaves and other seasonal gems. Mini pinecone candles, $12.95 for three, crateandbarrel.com

Great table manners

Shedding gentle light through candles and lanterns is the best way to warm up a room—and a table. Plus, we love the colors in these pretty candles, which pick up on fall’s earthy tones, and the metallic look of this table runner is key to classics from fall through the holiday season. Mirrored pillar stands and lantern, $39.95-$59.95, pierced lantern, $124.95, Sweet Pumpkin layered pillars, $9-$14, and metallic damask jute table runner, $34.95, all at pier1.com.