Decorating your home for fall with LED rope lights, pumpkins and hay bales

Just because it isn't Christmas yet doesn't mean you can't start thinking about how to use LED rope lights, string lights and other decorative items to prepare your home for the holidays. As the leaves start to change, so should your decor! There are plenty of reasons to give your living spaces a quick face lift before the holiday shopping madness begins.

First, keep in mind that autumn is full of its own holidays, most notably Halloween and Thanksgiving. These events can be used as a source of inspiration when you're out shopping for LED string lights, pumpkins and window decals to spruce up your home.

If you've never decorated your house for the fall, there's no better time to try it than now. Who says you have to wait until Christmas to bring out the LED rope lights? Here are a few ideas for decking the halls in time for autumn.

1. A decorative wreath. Nothing says fall like a wreath for your front door, composed of faux autumn leaves in hues, such as orange, red and yellow. If you don't want to spend big bucks on a large wreath, don't be afraid of making your own! You can easily find the pieces you need at your local craft store and string one together to perfectly suit your front door.

2. Garland. Even though most people think of green pine and Christmas when Christmas is mentioned, garland can be used during other times of the year as well. One great way to use garland in your fall decorations is to string together dried corn. Not only will this give your home a rustic feel, but it will help you celebrate the season with the colors of fall.

3. Pine cones. Using what you can find outdoors is one of the easiest ways to ring in autumn. Although you might think of winter when decorating pine cones, MarthaStewart.com says these can also be used for fall – no decorating necessary! Just pick a few off of the ground from a pine tree in your yard, and shake any dirt loose. You may also want to give them a rinse before placing them in a decorative bowl in your dining room or on top of your mantel.

4. LED rope lights. If you're looking for an innovative way to show your love for fall, LED rope lights are the perfect way to do so. You can find LEDs in a variety of different colors, including reds, oranges and yellows for fall. The best thing about LED rope lights is they are resistant to the elements as well.

The bulbs are encased in plastic tubing, which protects them from rain, sleet and snow. Many people use LED rope lights outdoors for this reason on their decks and patios. Although they are primarily seen during Christmas, they can be used before then as well. Look for LED rope lights in purple and orange to celebrate Halloween.

5. Pumpkins and hay. Nothing says fall like pumpkins, and you can successfully create the perfect autumn display when combining them with hay bales. Just stack a few of these together in the front of your house or along the side of your yard for an eye-catching arrangement.

If you're feeling a little crafty, carve out a jack-o-lantern and set a candle inside for a spooky look outdoors throughout the season. Just remember, carved pumpkins have a shorter lifespan than those that are left alone.