This Early Fall Apple Themed Tiered Tray is a great way to transition between summer decor and traditional fall decor. If you’re not quite ready to go “full-on pumpkin” yet, this is fill the gap.
It’s feeling like fall in Iowa this week, friends. I’m not talking about lovely crisp autum days with sunshine and gently falling leaves and all. No.
I’m talking about literally overnight going from 90s and sunny, to 40s/50s, dark, windy, and rainy for going on 5 days straight now. Rude.
It did get me thinking about my fall decor, though. I’m not quite ready to get all my pumpkins out just yet, though, so instead I decided to go with an early fall theme…. apples. Kind of clever actually, because now I can decorate for fall twice. 😆
How to Create an Early Fall Apple Themed Tiered Tray
Getting Creative
The apple theme forced me to think outside the box a bit, though, because I don’t own a lot of “apple-y” things. I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to display some of my vintage baking utensils, since several of them worked with my color scheme. Plus, apples and baking go hand-in-hand, right?
I was excited to use another one of my Willow Tree Angels for this tiered tray. Since my kids gave me most of these over the years while they were growing up, they bring back such happy memories.
The mason jar candle you’ve seen before, in my July 4 Tiered Tray. This time, I cut a scrap of vintage fabric from my mom’s collection and tucked it over the top, reminiscent of an old-fashioned jelly jar.
The little wooden apple came from an antique store. The top comes off and it’s hollow inside.
I also got the little stone jug at an antique store. I paid too much for it, but I couldn’t resist it since it says “Iowa” on it, and reminds me of a full-sized jug I have that used to be my mom’s. It works well here with the tin cup, sort of like it’s ready to pour some apple cider. 🍎
Once again, I resorted to making my own mini sign to fit the theme. I found a small block of scrap wood in the garage, then printed a picture from online that I liked, and cut it to the right size to fit the wood block.
Then, I just Mod Podged it on, except I didn’t have any real Mod Podge, so I made my own by mixing water and glue. I brushed it on the wood, then positioned the paper, and then also painted the glue over the top of the paper, too, to seal it down.
After letting it dry, it looks like a vintage sign!
I finished by filling in the gaps in the tiered tray with artificial flowers from Hobby Lobby. I chose sunflowers in a cream tone to fit my color scheme. I tend to use more muted colors overall, with just pops of seasonal colors.
I again wrapped my favorite Milkhouse Candle with a little checkered ribbon, for a bit more color near the back.
I will probably keep this Early Fall Apple Tiered Tray out until the beginning of October, and then it will officially be pumpkin season in my book, giving me a reason to re-do this tray again in the near future. 🤪#tieredtrayobsession
You can see all my other tiered tray designs here:
- St. Patty’s Day Tiered Tray
- Easter Tiered Tray
- Spring Garden Tiered Tray
- July 4 Tiered Tray
- Farmhouse Tiered Tray
Resources:
Creative Co-Op Distressed Brown Wood Metal Handle Two-Tier Tray
Milkhouse Candle Creamery Scented Soy Candle: Butter Jar Candle, Pure Vanilla, 16-Ounce
1.5″ Wide Primitive Gingham Check Canvas Wired Ribbon Red & Tan
Farmhouse Living Buffalo Check Placemat Set of 4, 13″ x 19″, Gray/White 4
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Thanks for sharing! Needless to say, the beautiful picture drew me right in. I love tiered trays! I have one in my kitchen that I’ve had for a few years now and I still love it as much as the day I brought it home. I love changing it out from season to season….a favorite of my sons’ is when I make it into a hot chocolate tray and put all kinds of toppings out for them to use should they want to grab a cup. I have to confess- I have had a fall decorated home for two weeks now. I love this time of year and was so ready to put out all my pumpkins! I love your blog and how it feels inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Tiered trays are so fun because of the versatility you described. That’s what I love about them, too. So many otions. And nothing wrong with decorating for fall already! 🍁
Your early fall apple-themed tiered tray is so pretty!
visiting from Encouraging Hearts & Home #10&11
This is so cute! Love it! I’ll be featuring it on tomorrow’s Crafty Creators & on social media over the weekend. Congrats!
Thank you so much, Niki! I’m honored. 🙂
This really is inspiring – time to get my fall decorations out!! I’m so glad you joined the Share the Wealth party at My Big Fat Menopausal Life. Can’t wait to see what else you’ll bring! Thanks.
Love your apple themed tray!! And the sign that you made!! I am doing an Apple and Sunflower theme too for Late Summer in my Kitchen….I will be posting later today about it so stop by if you get a chance!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
hugs,
Debbie
Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Farmhouse Friday!
Totally totally cute tray for early fall, Niky!!! I’m so glad you popped over last week and linked up at Share Your Style. I am happy to feature your fun fall post (sorry about the overnight change in the weather!) here at SYS #274 this week. <3 Pinned, as always, to my Share Your Style board.
Happy fall and enjoy the lovely fall weather (as the sun comes out!),
Barb 🙂
Thank you so much, Barbara!
Your apple tiered tray is giving me lots of ideas Niky and I’m pretty sure I have a little eggbeater just like yours somewhere. So cute! I’m excited to feature your post this week on the Tuesday Turn About Link Party!
Thanks so much, Michelle! That’s such fun news! And I’m glad I’ve given you some ideas, since I always get such great inspiration from your blog!
-Niky
Perfect for fall, thanks for joining the Linky Party! Please be sure and join us again this Wednesday (9/23) for our next Linky Party https://bellacraftspublishing.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-8/
Very cute apple tiered tray. They are all the rage and I love the creativity. I am happy to feature yours today at Love Your Creativity.
I love those large sunflowers!
This is an adorable tray. I love everything little thing you have in it. TFS at #omhgww. I have pinned your tray.
Thank you so much, Clearissa!
This is so charming, Cindy! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm
This is so sweet! I love the vintage cloves box the best. Thank you for sharing!
I love your farmhouse inspired apple tiered tray! Perfect for September!
That is just perfect for this time of year.. now I’m kid of wondering why I haven’t always decorated with more apples for fall as I just LOVE them and they are for sure the first sign of spring I look forward to (much more so than pumpkins!).
Thanks for your sweet comment, Joanne! I’m glad you’re inspired to decorate with apples now, too. 🍎
Oh, this is just beautiful! And I love your sign. Autumn/Fall is my favourite season and I’ve been enjoying doing some autumnal crafts over the past week. 🙂 x
I wish I had more time to enjoy some seasonal crafts right now. I crave the relaxation it brings! Hopefully, school will settle soon. 🙂
Hi Niky. I love your tray set up. So thoughtfully and graceful.
Much love
Naush
Thank you so much, Naush!