Fall is my absolute favorite. Favorite colors, favorite smells, favorite weather…

and every year I make these grand plans on how I’m going to implement new traditions and really do it up right. Complete with family trips and a house that Martha Stewart would envy.

But the thing about grand plans is that their usually pretty lofty. Instead of scaling it back I end up hitting Christmas and haven’t had the time for any of my grand plans, so NOTHING got done for fun fall-ness. So. Here’s a couple little things you can do, or do with your kids to make some memories and decorate at the same time.

Lets start with a list, shall we? I found this one online here and thought it was cute and do-able. Look around online or have your kids help you write your own. then print it up and put it in a thrifted frame in the livingroom.

Attach a whiteboard marker with some string to the frame and mark each item off as you do it. Instead of turning on the tv, look at your list and pick something!

Home & Hearth: The Fall Walk

This is something my parents did (and still do) every year when I was growing up. We went on a big fall walk together, everyone with a bag to collect any pretty leaf, acorn or berry that caught your eye. Then we would come home and make pretty things for around the house. Mom would go to Thrift Town beforehand and get vases, picture frames, anything that could be easily fall-ized and we’d each make a project.

THANKFUL-leaves

For this easy kid’s year marker, have them pick a big leaf from their fall walk bag, and give them a sharpie (or for little ones, you write it). Start writing on it, “In 2013 Joey is thankful for…” and fill the leaf with the things he says. Put it in a thrifted frame and put it on the wall. This is a great project for the whole family to do together.

Mason jars are cheap at Thrift Town and a perfect fall time illuminary. Mix elmers glue with water and brush the sides of the jars. Add leaves from your walk, and coat with another layer of glue. Dry & fill with candles for a mantle or to line a harvest walkway out front.

For the thrifty minded who don’t want to do traditional reds and oranges, there are so many pretty fall alternative colors. I love love this worn blue with the crisp white and tan. Almost everything in this image can be thrifted (or found on an awesome fall walk).

The great thing about white spray paint is you can grab mismatched frames, candle holders or pots for next to nothing and when you’re done painting have a matching set. Glassware filled with white pinto beans, thrifted wooden placemats strung together under it all: get creative with your thrifty decor.

Hopefully you’re a bit inspired to start small and build traditions from there. I know my husband and I are doing a fall walk this year to start it off for us as a family.

What are your fall traditions??

Kari lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and their black lab, Gracie.