After a long, hot summer, there’s an inkling that fall might (finally) be in the air! Not one to waste time in the decor department, garden guru Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens is already planning ways to celebrate the new season in his home decor. This month, he turns to his mantle, decking it with gourds, mums and other tell-tale fall finds.

For more info about Chris and his new book, visit www.chrisholsen.com!

With the cooler temperatures and the shorter daylight hours, most of us start to get motivated to change our décor from summer to a colorful autumn display. Since your mantel is usually the main focal point in your home, then why not start there first? Whether you have a flat TV screen or a piece of art hanging above your mantel, add some vertical emphasis by decorating with an odd number of colorful containers just bursting with fall mums and 48 inch high contorted willow branches.

Why stop there? Battery lite candles and an assortment of gourds will finish the mantel look. You never want to use real candles under a plasma TV. I am talking from experience. Live and learn.

Dare to be different and dress up your firebox as well. Here I stuffed the firebox with an assortment of real pumpkins and gourds and a few croton plants to add fluff and hide the ugly charred walls. Then I placed lite squash candles to warm the chilly autumn nights.

Here’s an easy way to add color to your mantle in a hurry!

You will need:  3 potted mums, 3 containers, and 6 large curly willow branches, assorted sizes of small pumpkins and gourds, and candles.

Step 1 – Place your mum in a container. (Note: Be sure to use a liner inside your container to prevent leaking when watering.)

Step 2 – Using 2 branches for each, push branches into dirt of pot. Branches will add height.

Step 3 – Add candles and small pumpkins and gourds to mantle.