Now that it's officially fall in Bettendorf, we can start celebrating with some sensational seasonal style! After all, let's be honest: we've all got some parts of our home that could use a bit of a decor refresh with some seasonal colors and textures that breathe new life into the space. So, let's take a peek into how you can spice up your fall decor for a happy harvest season.

How to Welcome Fall Back into Bettendorf

As the days get shorter and the temperatures dip, it's time to breathe some new life into your home and garden! Here are some of our favorite ways to infuse our spaces with the spirit of fall:

Fall Flowers

Infusing your fall decor with local flowers celebrates the season's beauty like nothing else. Try adding some of our most vibrant flowers to your autumn landscape design:

• Asters: for a touch of purple passion.
• Ornamental kale: offers textured, ornate foliage. 
• Sunflowers: these beauties always capture the essence of Iowa's fields in fall!
• Chrysanthemums: available in various colors, home-grown at Wallace's Garden Center!

Of course, the right display can either make or break these vibrant fall flowers. Here are some of our favorite seasonal arrangement ideas for a festive fall vibe:

• Fill mason jars with sunflowers and dahlias to add a rustic feel. 
• Transform hollowed-out pumpkins into charming vases stuffed with orange, yellow, and red blooms. 
• Hang baskets filled with pansies and ornamental kale to infuse your outdoor spaces with color. 
• Create large floral arrangements in vases or containers to bring warmth to your living spaces, and place small bouquets in vases to brighten windowsills and tables. 
• Grace your porches and sidewalks with potted mums and fall container gardens to bring the spirit of the season to every inch of your property.

Gourds

In most fall decorations, you'll find that gourds take center stage. These versatile veggies can be transformed into charming, rustic decor that perfectly celebrates the harvest season! Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate gourds into your fall decor this season:

• Start by selecting a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as mixing different gourd types adds depth and texture to your decor. Traditional orange pumpkins, quirky warty gourds, and elegant white varieties all have their place in creating a diverse and visually captivating display. 
• For some extra fun with the kids, carve or paint your gourds for a personalized touch! We love Jack-o'-lantern faces, intricate patterns, and simple monograms to make each gourd a unique work of art.

• Pair your gourds with other fall elements like dried corn stalks, hay bales, and colorful leaves to create a wholesome autumn scene. Don't forget to add soft, warm lighting with candles or fairy lights to enhance the cozy ambiance.

When selecting pumpkins for your fall decorations, consider the wide range of pumpkin varieties available, each bringing its unique color and texture to your autumn setup.

Cornucopias

Crafting a cornucopia centerpiece is another one of our favorite ways to celebrate the abundance of the fall season. Start with a classic cornucopia basket and fill it with a bountiful display of all of autumn's treasures, like vibrant pumpkins, gourds, colorful apples, and ears of Indian corn. Finally, put your finished masterpiece of plenty on your dining table to symbolize the harvest's bounty while infusing your home with the warmth and charm of fall.

More Iowa-Specific Decor Ideas

Our climate may have its quirks, but that only adds to the charm of our autumn celebrations! Here are a few of our favorite Iowa-specific decor ideas:

• Porch Displays That Wow: Begin your autumn journey right at your front steps with a stunning seasonal porch display! Start by stopping by our garden center for some homegrown fall mums, then add in some pumpkins, cornstalks, and different varieties of gourds for a super festive touch. If you're feeling extra ambitious, make or purchase a rustic wooden sign to really set the mood!
• DIY Projects for the Whole Family: Get the kids and grandkids involved in the fall decorating fun at your house by making festive garlands or wreaths out of fallen leaves or by turning some pinecones into adorable critters with a bit of paint and creativity. These DIY projects not only spruce up your outdoor space, but also provide your clan with some quality family time.
• Seasonal Wreaths: Wreaths are a quintessential part of fall decor, so create your own using natural elements like twigs, acorns, and dried leaves. For a personalized touch, add a monogram or a welcoming message. Hang them on your front door or throughout your home to embrace the season!
• Create a Cozy Outdoor Seating Area: As the temperatures cool down, don't let your outdoor space go to waste. Instead, invest in cozy blankets and outdoor cushions with warm, earthy tones to match our fall landscape! Arrange them on your patio furniture to create an inviting nook for evening chats and stargazing.
• Embrace the Season with Lighting: Shorter days mean more opportunities for your outdoor lighting to shine, so add some string lights or lanterns to your garden or porch to create a magical ambiance during those autumn evenings. It's like having your own private fairy tale garden!

• Table Decorations with a Dash of Iowa: If you plan to entertain outdoors this fall, incorporate some local Iowa elements into your table decor. Use vintage Mason jars as candle holders or vases and fill them with locally grown wildflowers or dried corn stalks for a charming touch that celebrates our state's agricultural heritage.
• Harvest Bounty Centerpieces: Fresh produce from your local farmer's markets or farm stands makes for stunning centerpieces. Arrange colorful pumpkins, squash, apples, and corn cobs in wooden crates or baskets for a bountiful farm-to-table look.

If you want to really go all out this fall, try placing some rustic elements like wooden crates and barrels across your landscape to capture the essence of Iowa's agricultural heritage. Arrange your finds around your porch, entryway, or garden, and don't forget to add some warm, ambient lighting with lanterns or string lights for those cozy fall evenings.

Remember, you don't have to go far to find everything you need to celebrate fall in Bettendorf. Wallace's Garden Center is always your local destination for plants, gardening supplies, and decor to capture the essence of autumn magic, and we've got loads of fall decor ideas for Bettendorf to get you started this season. Swing by and visit us today to explore our handpicked selection of fall favorites, and let your imagination run wild as you craft your own autumn paradise!