While we are quick to welcome back pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween decorations and autumn-scented candles, we are hesitant to bid farewell to summertime. We cautiously welcome the cooler temperatures of September, thankful that we are soon to be spared from the humid, summer heat, yet saddened by the nearing end of our beach days and backyard barbecues.
Thankfully, fall decorations have been reimagined and redesigned to combine the relaxation of a beach vacation with the crispness of autumn so that not all coastal splendor is lost. Airy hues of light blues and seafoam greens have merged with the classic fall scheme of burnt orange, dark red and faded yellow to create a new design for autumn decor. From pumpkins adorned with beach waves and anchors to hanging ghosts crafted from driftwood, we are excited to share with you our five favorite beach-inspired fall pieces to decorate your home with this season.
Coastal Pumpkins from Seaside Inspired and Painted Pumpkins from Sand & Sisal.
Carve It Coastal
Pumpkin carving is a quintessential fall activity and a family tradition for many. This year, we encourage you to ditch the jagged-mouthed jack-o'-lantern and carve up something a little more coastal. Make cut outs of beach-themed items like sailboats, starfish, anchors, lighthouses, beach waves and more, and carve them into your pumpkin. You can either use freshly picked pumpkins from one of Virginia’s several pumpkin patches or craft pumpkins purchased from your local art supplies store. If pumpkin carving isn’t for you, simply glitter, Mod Podge or paint your gourd to achieve the same beachy feel.
Centerpieces from CountryLiving and Sand & Sisal.
Gourd-geous Centerpieces
Wow your dinner guests with a stunning coastal centerpiece filled with beach-colored pumpkins. When buying or painting miniature pumpkins, think white, light blue, seafoam green, faded pink, silver and gold for a coastal vibe. You can spread them across the center of your dining room table or have them overflowing from a wicker cornucopia.
These small gourds can also be used as seating place cards for Thanksgiving dinner. Using seagrass, tie your guest’s name to the stem of the pumpkin and place at their assigned seat. Much like your delicious Thanksgiving dishes, these down-by-the-sea decorations are sure to leave a lasting impression on your visitors.
White Pumpkins from Town and Country Living and JS Home Design.
Embrace White Pumpkins
White pumpkins of all shapes and sizes have become staple autumn adornments in many coastal homes. Their simplicity and versatility make them perfect for combining with darker and more weighty fall pieces. Use white pumpkins as mantle trimmings, votive holders, coffee table centerpieces or front porch decorations to brighten up your seaside retreat.
Jalien Cozy Living
Hang Burlap Wreaths
Whether you’re hanging one above your fireplace or on your front door, burlap wreaths are great for a beach town fall. Burlap can be incorporated as a year-round interior design piece, but its appearance during the harvest season flawlessly seams together a fresh and buoyant ocean feel with the warm, neutral tones of autumn. For an extra touch of coastal flair, embellish your burlap wreath with seashells or starfish.
Driftwood Ghosts from MossBetweenMyToes.
Beach Boos
This quick and easy DIY project uses black and white paint, driftwood and rope to create fun, dangling driftwood ghosts. Use it as a wind chime or as a piece to add a bit of seaside charm to your traditional Halloween decorations.
For more decorating tips, check out our How To: Fall for Fall with Door Decor.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
