Fall has a sneaky way of making even the most sensible adults flock toward wooden pumpkins, plaid everything, and a mug with black cats all over it. Don’t get us wrong, seasonal shopping is fun, but stores know exactly how to tempt you with products that feel adorable for about three weeks—after that, you’re on your own.
That doesn’t mean you need to leave your house completely bare when the leaves change. It does, however, mean that you should make more judicious choices about which wreath is actually worth the money. We’re here to break down some of the most cliché stuff you really ought to leave behind this year.
Leave the Overdone Decor Behind
Those enormous wooden signs announcing “Hello Fall,” “Pumpkin Patch,” or “Sweater Weather” aren’t subtle. They aren’t particularly stylish, either. One small sign can be cute, but covering shelves and entryways with signs about how to enjoy autumn gets excessive. Your guests already know what season it is!
Fake pumpkins are another purchase that can get out of hand remarkably fast. It doesn’t help that stores know it, too, which is exactly why so many of them come covered in velvet, glitter, sequins, metallic paint, buffalo plaid, and nearly every other finish imaginable. With so many variations, it makes sense at first to grab ten of them, but a few realistic-looking pumpkins can work just as beautifully.
Don’t even get us started on the artificial leaves. These little guys lie scattered across tables, mantels, and countertops for a solid two weeks before they’re shoved into the trash—and they don’t even look that good!. They’re not only difficult to arrange naturally, but they also collect dust and wind up on the floor whenever someone walks by. Of all the decor available this season, leaves are the biggest grievance.
Think Twice About Seasonal Attire
How many times have we fallen into the trap of buying novelty fall sweaters? Don’t worry, we’re in the same boat! They always seem charming when they first appear in stores, but the truth is that a bright orange sweater covered in pumpkins has a short window before it’s packed away again.
Seasonal earrings have also become way too elaborate. Tiny gold leaves are easy enough to incorporate into an outfit, but dangling turkeys and miniature latte cups? Those make a way bigger statement, and it’s not always for the best. Unless novelty jewelry is genuinely your style, those pieces wind up forgotten in a drawer.
We hate to say it, but you don’t need another fall-themed tote bag, either. Canvas bags printed with pumpkins, ghosts, leaves, or phrases about spooky season are as tired as they are expensive. To make matters worse, even seasonal pajamas can become an unnecessary expense when retailers release new patterns every year. There’s nothing wrong with owning a favorite pair covered in pumpkins or black cats, but replacing perfectly good PJs isn’t much of an upgrade.
Skip the Kitschy Kitchen Items
If any spot in our house is going to fall victim to fall shopping, it’s the kitchen. And what’s the biggest offender? Seasonal mugs! They’re inexpensive and almost impossible to resist, so naturally, we wind up with two thousand of them. Well, before grabbing one shaped like another pumpkin, remember that awkwardly shaped mugs are also tough to wash and store. That’s the last thing you need in an already-crowded space.
Pumpkin-shaped serving dishes create a similar storage problem, just on a larger scale. They look cool holding dip at a party, but afterward you’re left finding space for a ceramic vegetable until next fall. Don’t forget that neutral serving pieces can still be dressed up with seasonal food or garnishes without demanding their own cabinet.
You can also skip utensils that have been given an autumn makeover for no reason. Silicone spatulas printed with leaves and orange measuring cups don’t do their jobs any better than what’s already in your kitchen.
Finally, be suspicious of anything labeled as an “essential.” You don’t need it just because the packaging is orange! Fall hand towels, spoon rests, salt shakers, storage jars, soap dispensers, oven mitts—there’s no shortage of marketable items that only serve to clutter, not help. Choose the odd piece you actually love and let the rest stay at the store.
At the end of the day, seasonal decorating should make your home feel warmer and more enjoyable. It shouldn’t leave you wondering where you’re going to store all the incoming junk. Your home can still feel festive without buying every decorative gourd that magically shows up the first week of September. This year, your cabinets, closets, and bank account deserve a quieter autumn.
