Fall is a great time of the year. You can break out your favorite sweater and take a scenic stroll through Vermont’s brilliant foliage to get a pumpkin spice latte. Or see fall’s splendor from the seat of a mountain bike, or in a convertible with the heat turned way up.

And, when you just can’t get enough of the foliage and the pumpkins outside, why not bring it inside?

A tasteful, fall-themed tuneup of your home’s décor can add a markedly rustic and homey feel to any space, says Nina Towne, owner of Proud Flower in Waterbury.

“When I think about fall, I think a lot about texture,” Towne said.

She likes to incorporate a lot of different textures — such as the fine weaving of a wicker basket filled with small gourds and pumpkins — into the centerpieces placed around her home.

Carol MacLeod, owner of Evergreen Gardens in Waterbury Center, suggests buying bundles of Indian corn, which can be paired with gourds and foliage right off the tree to make attractive pieces for the Thanksgiving table, or just around the house.

MacLeod said a friend puts bundles of corn in a wooden planter full of hay and pumpkins.

The corn can also be hung on a door or wall, much like an evergreen wreath in December.

And don’t forget the wreaths of fall. MacLeod said a wreath of dried branches — she sells a lot of artificial willow branches — paired with dried bittersweet, a vine bearing bright orange berries, that make for a great autumn-themed decoration. Another favorite is dried Chinese lantern stalks, bearing pods of fall hues that resemble pumpkins.

Towne had a straightforward solution for bringing fall into the home: Literally bring it in.

Once the leaves get especially vibrant, cut down a branch and put it in a vase on a side stand.

Small glass receptacles — such as bowls and jars — are good for small nuts and cones. Towne likes to get a nice layered effect in the jars. It’s all about the texture.

Hunters can also contribute to the natural décor, Towne said.

“I love antlers,” she said, whether hung on the wall or featured on a table. They add a distinct hunting-lodge feel to a room.

If you’d rather decorate with live organisms, Towne has a list of suggestions for fall houseplants.

Easy houseplants to keep alive include the ZZ plant — which is native to northern Africa — and peace lilies.

The good thing about the peace lily, and its beautiful white flowers, is that “it lets you know when it’s thirsty,” Towne said. “The leaves start to wilt.”

MacLeod said chrysanthemums are a popular fall-time flower, though most people keep them outdoors. Once they bloom, though, they can safely be brought inside.

The most important thing to remember if you bring plants into your house is to not overwater them. If the soil is soggy, wait until it’s dry again before you give the plant another drink.

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