1. Upgraded Entertaining Spaces
After more than a year of not being able to see family and friends, many are excited to get back to entertaining at home. “People are trying to entertain as safely as possible because COVID-19 is still around, so we’re going to see a lot of outside fall parties,” Wilker says. Melamine dinnerware ($23), galvanized metal dishware ($17,) and wood serving trays ($25) made great outdoor entertaining pieces because they’re unbreakable. A bar car is another entertainment essential. “A bar cart is terrific because it’s such a multipurpose piece. You can turn it into so many different things: an appetizer station, drink station, dessert station—even a s’mores station set up next to the firepit,” Wilker says. The Crossmill bar cart ($169) has two large shelves and hanging racks for stemware. Plus, it’s on casters for easy transport.
2. Cold-Weather Outdoor Living
As the weather gets colder, homeowners are finding new ways to extend outdoor living. “Everyone wants to entertain more than just the immediate family, so there’s going to be more and more gatherings outside where everyone sits around the firepit,” Wilker says. To create your own outdoor sanctuary, buy a spacious patio furniture set ($238) and plenty of throw pillows ($13). Then gather around a gas firepit ($350) and make the most of your deck or patio until winter.
3. Cozy Ambience
A lot of us have gotten used to hunkering down at home, and that trend isn’t going away anytime soon. “This year, it’s all about being comfy, cozy at home, and joining with your family and just enjoying being together,” Wilker says. What better way to make your home comfortable and inviting than by decorating with plenty of throw pillows ($16), wrapping yourself in a plush blanket ($18), and lighting a pumpkin-scented candle ($10) or two. Curling up on the sofa all night never sounded so good.
4. Velvet Accents
If you want to elevate your fall decor with a bold color, try incorporating a little bit of velvet. “Velvet is back. We’re seeing it in jewel tones, like rich gold, deep greens, and plum purples,” Wilker says. Velvet furniture, like this Marlowe Lounge Chair ($304) or Reed Faux Velvet Dining Chair ($109), gives a feeling of luxury while still being soft and comfortable. Velvet floor cushions ($30) or even embroidered velvet bedding sets ($64) can add a nice pop of accent color that works with many styles.
5. Nods to Nature
Natural textures like rattan, cane, and wicker are going to be popular this season. “People want to be inside and outside, so we’re seeing a lot of the coastal-casual trend with natural materials that are all about comfort,” Wilker says. “They want things to feel very organic inside their home. They are thinking a lot about the materials that their furniture and accessories are being made out of, so rattan is huge right now.” There’s a ton of natural accessories to decorate your home with, like woven trays ($25), cane storage crates ($14), and rattan round baskets ($25) that double as storage bins for extra blankets and pillows. Items from the fall 2021 Better Homes & Gardens Walmart collection are available now on their website and in stores. Browse through these top-selling items to transform your home into a cozy fall oasis.
