With autumn quickly approaching, there’s no better time to design a space exuding coziness and warmth. Creating the ideal fall ambiance comes with some research and planning. But you can effortlessly transform your space in perfect timing with fall decorations at Ashley. Wondering the right time to decorate for fall? Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game and avoid last-minute decorating.

Planning for Fall Decor

Many begin transitioning to fall decor as the seasons start, particularly in late September. Still, early October is a popular time to put out decorations for fall. You can also build on your decor as the months go by.

Before you jump into transforming your home, it’s best to have a solid game plan. Envision your ideal fall space. What colors do you see? What smells are in the air? Deciding on your look can take some time. But planning can ensure you have everything you need to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you have a vision or you’re starting from scratch, browsing online for fall home decor inspiration can awaken your inner interior designer. Blend your research with your own style and preferences to create a space bursting with personality and fall charm.

Once you have a vision, take inventory of what you have and what you need to complete your look. Considering your budget is also vital. Will you splurge on fall decor or incorporate some trendy, DIY projects? Understanding your design strategy can help you stay within budget while prioritizing the essentials to design the perfect fall oasis.

Essential Fall Decorations

From decorative vases to candle holders, choosing the ideal decorations for fall creates a warm, inviting space. Fall home decor typically encompasses sweet, spicy aromas, rustic feels, soft textures, and a warm color palette with oranges, yellows, purples, reds, and browns. When shopping for fall decorations, be sure to explore:

• Fall pillows
• Candles and candle holders
• Fall wreaths
• Fall throw blankets
• Fall flowers and natural elements
• Baskets
• Autumn-themed accent rugs
• Fall garlands
• Fall centerpieces
• Autumn-themed artwork
• Fairy lights
• Outdoor fall decorations

Effortlessly Transitioning to Fall Decor

So now that you have a plan, it’s time to turn it into a reality! Approach decorating for fall as you would any other season. Swap out your summer decorative pillows and throws for pieces with fall patterns, colors, or symbols like leaves and pumpkins. Enhance your rooms with autumn scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and apple cider. Adorn your entryways and mantels with breathtaking fall garlands. Get creative and let your personality shine through in your fall decor.

Creating a timeline can help you transition to fall decor at your own pace. Maybe you prefer adding some standout pieces each week as fall approaches. Or collecting materials for DIY projects and assembling them at a later date. No matter your approach, understanding when to tackle each task can reduce your chances of frantic decorating. Here’s a simple timeline you can follow:

• Early September: As retailers start rolling out fall decor, early September is a great time to add small fall touches to your home. Think soft throws in warm colors, fall scents, and an autumn-themed wreath to welcome your guests.
• Mid-September to early October: By mid-September, the fall feelings have set in completely. Embrace fall decorating with natural elements, decorative pillows, porch decor, fall-themed artwork, and more. This is the height of fall decorating, where you can unleash your full design potential.
• Mid-October to November: At this point, the focus shifts to the holiday season, starting with Halloween. Incorporate some spooky elements that complement your existing fall decor. Once Thanksgiving rolls around, replace those pieces with harvest-themed decor, like cornucopias, squash, gourds, and maple leaves.

Decorating Your Outdoor Space for Fall

Don’t forget about your outdoor space! Embrace the festivity of autumn on your patio and porch with pumpkins, fall flowers, and rustic foliage. Welcome guests with a standout fall wreath on your front door. Line your steps with a pumpkin arrangement, bursting with colors and fall feels. Fall outdoor decorating doesn’t only take your ambiance to the next level. It’s also a beloved tradition for making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Tips and Tricks for a Standout Fall Space

Designing a showstopping fall home takes some time and effort. Whether you’re amping up your entire space or just adding small hints of fall, these tips and tricks can make your fall decor journey a bit easier:

• Create a balance. Choosing fall decor pieces that blend harmoniously with your home’s aesthetic can simplify designing. For example, if your sectional is a cool dark gray, opt for fall decorative pillows in mid-toned shades of red.
• Don’t be shy to DIY. You can simply create equally striking and budget-friendly fall decorations and arrangements. Utilize fall foliage, pumpkins, pinecones, and more to add small touches that tie your look together.
• Think fall. It’s easy to confuse fall decor with fall holiday decor. Prioritize pieces that speak to the fall season. Hold off on jack-o-lanterns, turkeys, corn, and cornucopias until the upcoming holidays.
• Keep it simple. It’s easy to get carried away with fall patterns, colors, and symbols. Try out a theme with a balance of colors and contrast to create a tastefully designed space.
• Faux plants are your friends. Faux plants can replicate the natural beauty of some of our favorites with a fraction of the effort. Incorporate seasonal faux fall flowers, like our Autumn Fiddle Leaf Artificial Tree, to effortlessly elevate your space.

Plan Ahead for Fall Holidays

Mid-October marks the beginning of the holiday season, with Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner. With the right strategy, you can effortlessly complement your fall space with Halloween and Thanksgiving decor. Be sure to incorporate these seasons into your decorating timeline to create a cohesive transition. Consider organizing your decorations by holiday to keep your space seasonally appropriate. That way, you’ll avoid the stress of last-minute decorating.

Shop Fall Decor at Ashley

Getting a head start on fall decorating at the beginning of the season can help you create a thoughtful, appealing look. Still, the best time to decorate for fall ultimately depends on what works for you. Finding standout fall decor only takes one stop at Ashley. Our expansive showroom is packed with all your fall home decor needs, from charming fall garlands to outdoor fall decorations. Browse all decor for the autumn season, and get started on designing your ideal autumn retreat!

Stearns and Foster mattresses deliver the perfect balance of quality and comfort for every support level and price point. Keep reading to learn more about our expansive Stearns and Foster collection and find the best option for you.

Sleepovers are exciting events for the little ones. As a parent, hosting a sleepover can be equally exciting but also a hassle. From planning fun things to do at a slumber party to snacks, a lack of preparation can leave kids bored. Wondering how to throw an iconic slumber party? Don’t worry! Today, we’re sharing our favorite tips and trips to host the best slumber party of the year.

How to Host a Good Sleepover

Hosting a sleepover comes with great responsibility. Many factors can mean the difference between your kid’s sleepover being a huge success or failure. Sleepovers are all about yummy snacks, fun activities, and, of course, making unforgettable memories.

The first step in planning a sleepover is asking for your child’s input. Kids are always excited to have a say in who they want to invite, party themes, snacks, and activities. Of course, your child won’t have all the ideas, but understanding the type of party they would enjoy will make planning simpler.

After that, it’s time to make the guest list! Consider the amount of space you have, and decide how many guests to invite. Even numbers are typically your best bet so no one feels left out during activities.

Next, pick a date and send out invitations. Maybe this sleepover is for your child’s birthday or an end-of-the-year celebration. Be sure to include all the details! Along with the date, time, and location, invitations should always mention the theme and what to bring.

Once the invitations are out, the real preparation begins. Here are some key things to ensure your child’s slumber party is a hit.

Create a Schedule

Plan out the night’s events. Should the kids arrive on time for dinner? Or will snacks and light bites do the trick? Choosing a time when everyone will leave the next day is equally important. Between 10 a.m. and noon is perfect to give the kids more time to sleep in, and it gives you ample time to get the house back in order once they leave.

Plan for how long each activity will take and in what order. Starting with more engaging activities, like playing outside or arts & crafts, is a great strategy to tire the kids out for bedtime. Ending the night by building a cozy blanket fort and watching a movie is perfect for helping them settle down.

Make a Checklist

Checklists are a must for any event. Make a list of sleepover supplies, like decorations, food, crafts, movies, and more. Having your kid’s input is essential for making planning easier and ensuring you host the slumber party of their dreams. Another crucial list is what your guests should bring, including:

• Pajamas
• A toothbrush
• A pillow and sleeping bag
• Clothes for the next day
• Snacks to share
• Fun toys or games

Prep for the Best Sleepover

It’s finally sleepover time! On the day of, make sure your space is tidy and decorated. You may have to move furniture, put up streamers, add kids seating, or buy kids tents. Doing everything in advance will make for a smooth event.

When to Start a Sleepover

Sleepover times can vary depending on your child’s age. To avoid the hassle of wrangling up 10 kids all day, start your slumber party in the late afternoon or around dinnertime. For younger kids, early afternoon is perfect. As the little ones often go to sleep earlier, this gives ample time for activities, dinner, and wind-down routines before bedtime. Be sure to communicate with parents to find a balance between accommodating schedules and maximizing fun.

Slumber Party Ideas

With countless sleepover party ideas across the web, choosing the best one may feel overwhelming. Thankfully, we’re here to share some of our top ideas for a sleepover party:

• Game night. Kids love games. Whether they’re playing Fortnite in a blanket fort or restacking giant Jenga, game night is one of the top sleepover ideas to keep kids of all ages laughing and entertained.
• Sleepover photo booth. Grab your camera and some props to document the best sleepover of the year. Keep things simple with a cool backdrop, or rent a photo booth for the night.
• Spa party. Turn your space into a relaxing spa. Manicures and pedicures add the perfect touch to a kids’ sleepover. Try stick-on nail polish to reduce the mess and kid-friendly products, like plain yogurt and cucumbers, for face masks.
• Scavenger hunt. As the ideal activity for keeping your guests active during the day, you can adapt a scavenger hunt for all ages. Keep it fun, and base your scavenger hunt on your theme!
• Arts & crafts. From watercolor painting to making paper flowers, arts & crafts are always a blast for kids.
• Karaoke party. Let the kids sing and be silly with a karaoke party. Karaoke parties are a perfect nighttime activity before winding down with a movie.
• Glow stick dance party. For a fun-filled night, get the kids glow sticks, dim the lights, and put on their favorite jams. Let them freestyle and show off their craziest moves.

The best part about sleepover ideas is — you can mix and match any activities! Don’t be afraid to incorporate classic fun, like hide and seek, board games, pillow fights, and charades. Combining your child’s wishlist with what makes sense for you is an effortless way to choose sleepover ideas.

How to Make a Blanket Fort

A blanket fort is a sleepover staple. Whether you choose a carefree method or create a decked-out masterpiece, a blanket fort is often the setting for many of the night’s best activities. Make a blanket fort in these simple steps:

1. Set up two rows of chairs with the backs facing each other.
2. Make the space comfy with blankets and pillows.
3. Drape a sheet or lightweight blanket over the chairs.
4. Secure the blanket with clothespins or heavy objects like a stack of books.

Customize your blanket fort however you see fit. Kids’ lighting can add the perfect whimsical touch. Add themed decorations and plush pillows for an extra cozy vibe.

Host the Greatest Sleepover of All Time

Now that you know how to throw a slumber party, it’s time to get started! Ashley is the perfect spot to find everything from kids’ bedding to string lights to ensure your slumber party is unforgettable. So, let your inner kid out to play and create an enticing space for laughter and fun.