It's time to say good-bye to summer as the fall season emerges and brings with it the holidays. Now we start to get excited about Halloween, one of the biggest decorating holidays of the year, and of course Thanksgiving. Even though the climate is still warm, we tend to think of autumn colours, jack-o-lanterns and the taste of apple cider. This in turn is reflected in our homes as we succumb to that holiday decorating urge.

What if your home is up for sale? You've staged it beautifully, right down to the table setting; do you refrain from putting out your stuffed scarecrow and pumpkin display? Absolutely not; do celebrate the season, but do exercise some caution. Instead of turning your front lawn into a graveyard, complete with flying bats and howling sound effects, perhaps you could try a tastefully displayed jack-o-lantern instead. There is nothing wrong with festive decorations, but remember, less is more; your home can stand apart from the other homes without becoming a billboard. Keep in mind that your walkways are left unobstructed and that you haven't created any sort of hazard for your potential buyers.

Here are some easy, tasteful ideas for Halloween and fall decorating:

Outside

Instead of plastic figures, use items from nature to adorn your home. Decorate a front porch by tying corn stalks and Indian corn to pillars with raffia ribbon.

Gourds and pumpkins make colourful adornments; try overturning a basket and display them spilling out over the edges. They also make a nice ornament combined with a bale of hay.

Either purchase or make a fall wreath by wrapping it with silk autumn leaves and adding a baby pumpkin or squash. Convert it to a Halloween wreath by attaching a stuffed witch.

Display your potted mums indoors or outdoors by using a large pumpkin as a vase allowing the flowers to overflow.

Indoors

Create an atmosphere of warmth by introducing area rugs over bare hardwood floors or by adding blankets or pillows to your furnishings.

Add dashes of autumn colours throughout the house in deep oranges, greens, reds and browns.

Try revamping existing knickknacks by placing sprigs of autumn leaves in that old pottery vase or by replacing your candles with spicy scented versions in fall colours.

Once again using nature as your inspiration try creating a display using fruits, nuts or pine cones. Present them in bowls, tables or along a mantle with leaves strewn in amongst them.

For a simple centerpiece, arrange about five candles across the center of the table; place fall leaves, pine cones and baby pumpkins around them. The baby pumpkins also make interesting place settings.

Simmer potpourri with an apple pie or cinnamon and clove scent.

Using a black basket, fill with bright orange sunflowers for Halloween.

Gourds and mini pumpkins also make interesting candles; hollow them out and place a tea light inside.

Need a doorstop? Simply prop up a large squash or gourd against your door.

With a few simple updates you can present a warm, inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers. Now your house is not just a piece of merchandise, it's a home.