Bringing Nature Indoors

September is one of my absolute favorite months, and not just because it’s my birthday month! Fall is right around the corner and, as the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, it's the perfect time to bring the warmth and beauty of nature indoors.

The fall season, with its vibrant colors and abundant harvest, offers endless opportunities to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home. By intentionally incorporating elements from nature, you can craft a space that reflects the changing seasons, honors the natural world and celebrates the bountiful gifts it provides.

From drying corn husks for decorations to saving sunflower heads for sunflower butter, there are many ways to embrace the season's offerings.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Drying Corn Husks for Decorations

Corn husks, often overlooked, are versatile and rich in texture. They can be used in a variety of ways to bring a rustic, autumnal feel into your home. Begin by selecting fresh corn husks and ensuring they are free from mold or decay.

Once gathered, peel away the husks and lay them flat to dry in a cool, dry place. This process typically takes about one to two weeks, depending on humidity levels.

Once dried, corn husks can be fashioned into wreaths, garlands or even as accents on a fall-themed table centerpiece. Their natural color and texture provide an earthy, organic look that complements other fall elements like pumpkins, gourds and dried flowers.

My favorite corn to grow each year is called Glass Gem corn! It is beautiful and perfect to make popcorn.

Magnolia Branches: A Statement Piece

Magnolia branches, with their broad, glossy leaves, are another excellent choice for fall decor. These branches are sturdy and can be used to create striking arrangements. Simply cut a few branches from a magnolia tree, ensuring they are healthy and free of pests.

Arrange them in a large vase or container, allowing their natural form to dictate the design. The deep green leaves contrast beautifully with the warm tones of autumn, and their size adds a dramatic flair to any room.

As the leaves begin to dry, they take on a golden-brown hue, further enhancing the autumnal ambiance. Magnolia branches can last for several weeks indoors, making them a long-lasting, sustainable option for seasonal decorating. Once they have dried, I like to use the leaves for wreaths or other fun projects.

Saving Sunflower Heads for Sunflower Butter and Decorations

Sunflowers are a quintessential symbol of late summer and early fall. As the blooms begin to fade, don't discard the heads — save them for multiple purposes.

Once the petals have fallen and the seeds have matured, cut the heads off the stems, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry out completely.

After drying, the seeds can be harvested to make homemade sunflower butter — a delicious, nutritious spread that can be enjoyed throughout the fall. The dried sunflower heads themselves can then be used as natural decorations.

Their bold, circular forms add a touch of rustic charm to any setting, whether placed in a bowl, used as part of a centerpiece or even hung on a wall.

Dried Hydrangeas: Versatile and Timeless

Hydrangeas, with their large, showy blooms, are another wonderful way to bring the outdoors in. To dry hydrangeas, cut the stems when the flowers are fully mature and begin to develop a papery texture.

Remove any leaves and place the stems in a vase with a few inches of water. As the water evaporates, the flowers will slowly dry, preserving their color and shape.

Dried hydrangeas can be used in a variety of ways. Arrange them in vases, weave them into wreaths or simply scatter them across a table as part of a seasonal display. Their muted colors and delicate petals add an air of elegance to any space, and they can be enjoyed year after year.

Embracing Fall with Intention

Living intentionally with the seasons means taking the time to appreciate and utilize what nature provides. By bringing elements of the outdoors inside, you create a space that is not only beautiful but also in harmony with the natural world. It’s also fun to forage and gather different items each season to bring indoors.

This fall, embrace the abundance of the season by repurposing and reusing the gifts of nature. Whatever you choose to bring into your home, each act of intentionality deepens your connection to the earth and enhances the warmth and comfort of your home.

Happy fall, friends!