Look beyond the store this season and lean into eco-friendly and inexpensive autumn decorating with real fall foliage.

We’ll also give you a handful of ideas to get you startedbut the options are endless.

Some popular trees commonly used as fall decor areJapanese maple,birch, beech, and various fruit trees.

dried leaves in a vase on a dresser

Credit:Victoria Pearson

Oakleaf hydrangea,fothergilla,chokeberry, andsumac shrubsare all great options to look for when foraging.

It’s important to do these things so that the color of the foliage lasts as long as possible.

Then, use sharp clippers tocut the branchat an angle.

fall decor tree stumps branches

Credit: David A. Land

Glycerin can also be used to preserve the branch and its leaves.

Fill a vase with a solution of one part glycerin to 2 parts hot water.

During the next few weeks, keep the branch base submerged in the solution, refilling as necessary.

Dining area with fall leaf centerpiece and pumpkins

Credit: David A Land

Your foraged branch will now last for years to come.

Let them air-dry for a day or two.

All of these techniques will make the leaves more flexible and better suited for decorating.

orange flowers on wood table

Credit:David A. Land

Let your creativity take flight with the countless ways to integrate branches and leaves into your home this season.

Here are a few of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Centerpieces

An obvious but worthy decorating idea for collected branches is afall centerpiece.

Or consider antique-looking crocks and wicker baskets for a more laid-back approach.

Garlands

With your preserved leaves in hand, consider displaying your fiery foliage as garland.

Thread the leaves with twine and use a hole punch or a needle and string to assemble the garland.

Knot each leaf in place as you go.

you’re able to also attach the leaves to twine using mini clothespins.

Lastly, frame the paper full of pressed leaves and you have a beautiful piece of inexpensiveseasonal artwork.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins don’t have to be exclusivelycarved or paintedto be displayed as decor.

Use pressed leaves and decoupage medium to adorn a pumpkin with seasonal and colorful embellishments.

Be gentle when you apply the decoupage with a brush to prevent damage to the leaves.