3 min readAfter the Fourth of July, the American flag banners and summertime decorations start to lose their luster. Now that September has arrived, we're officially in the dog days of summer—aka no man's land for holiday decorations. The weeks following Labor Day leave many of us asking: How soon is too soon to decorate for fall?
There are pumpkins and faux autumn branches just waiting to go up as you enjoy your first pumpkin spice latte and apple cider donuts. When to decorate for fall mostly depends on your personal preferences, but there are a few guidelines to consider when swapping out your seasonal decor, according to design experts.
When Should I Start to Decorate For Fall?
Some fall decorations, like spooky skeletons or turkey-themed throw pillows, are best saved for the months in which their designated holidays fall. But plenty of non-holiday-specific decorations can be put out—and you don't have to wait until October to do it. Ahead, we break down a few of the key indicators that it's time to start decorating for fall. Some will be here faster than you might think!
When Is the Autumn Equinox?
If you're someone who likes to play by the rules, you'll probably want to wait until autumn officially starts on September 22. The autumnal equinox is the date when the fall season begins in terms of the planet's rotation and proximity to the sun. Days start to get shorter and darker after this date.
Are Your Kids Back in School?
Many people view the start of the school year as the unofficial start of fall, but the first day of school varies widely across the country. Some schools start on August 1, while others don't return until after Labor Day weekend. If you or your children are back in school, you're probably in the fall mindset already, so we give you permission to go ahead and start putting up corn husks and scarecrows on your porch.
Have Your Neighbors Started Decorating?
One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not it's socially acceptable to start decorating for fall is to watch what your neighbors are doing. While we recommend not judging anyone and allowing your own style to guide your decisions, you know you're not alone in your love of colder weather if a neighbor is already decorating as well.
What Is the Weather Doing?
If you live in a warm or hot climate, you may not experience a true fall. However, you can still look to the weather to determine if fall decorations are appropriate. Look for a break in the heat waves, the first crisp morning, or the last true summer storm to give you the thumbs-up to hang a fall wreath on your front door.
Have the Leaves Started Changing Color?
For some people, it's not truly fall until the leaves start to drop, no matter what the weather or calendar says. Leaves tend to come down toward the end of the season as winter is nearing, so it's a definitive sign that it's time to decorate for fall.
How Long Should I Leave My Fall Decorations Up?
Winter may not officially start until December 21, but we (along with the majority of the country, based on the evidence we've seen) mark Thanksgiving as the official transition from fall to winter. That means that as soon as the Macy's parade is over and the plates are in the dishwasher, you can swap your gratitude tree for an evergreen and start decking the halls.
