Around these parts, the weather is just starting to turn to fall, which is my favorite season. There's something crisp and fresh in the air that totally invigorates me, and I've been frantically redecorating my house in spurts over the last few days, thanks to my newfound energy. I'm not the only one, apparently; although the official start of autumn is three weeks away, many minds are starting to turn towards DIY fall home decor. Over on Hometalk, people are really going to town!

Okay, some of you prefer to call it "autumn." That's fine. Whatever you call it, this is a great celebration of fall, or autumn, on a side table. If you're hosting a party, those rustic pitchers could easily hold an assortment of drinks, including perhaps some hot cider...

I love it when crafts involve repurposing, and this is a super cool project. This Pennsylvania blogger took old glass and stenciled it with glass paint to make it so much more visually fun; and these golden gingko leaves are the very essence of fall!

Wreaths aren't just for winter, kiddos! Here's a beautiful fall wreath that integrates the season's rich colors into a beautiful mantel display. By the way, this intrepid DIY carpenter installed her own floating mantel since her home wasn't equipped with one.

While "traditional" fall colors are red, orange, and gold, that doesn't mean you have to follow the rules. White pumpkins look highly unusual and pulling together a decor scheme around them makes for a sophisticated, striking display. You can play around with other unusual looks for pumpkins to make your decorations stand out this year.

Everyone knows the best decorating happens for free. Recycling, repurposing, and getting creative with the things you already have isn't just a great way to save money while keeping your house looking fresh: it's also a great eco-choice, because it reduces your burden on the environment! High five, right?

Normally, book mutilation makes me quiver in horror, but these book pumpkins are actually really cute and innovative. You are hereby allowed to go to the thrift store and pick up some tatty paperbacks for this purpose, as long as it's clear that they're pretty much past reading.

Another creative new take on pumpkins! These cuties are made from burlap, but you could use any fabric, and any color, to get the look.

More evidence that white can totally work in classy fall decor. In the Netherlands, this display of fall gourds and other fruit, white pumpkins, and candles weaves together seamlessly.

Another example of simple, artful DIY fall decor, using inexpensive items you probably already have around the house.

While you're at it, remember to prepare your house for fall too, and that includes calling a plumber to make sure all your systems are go for winter if you live somewhere like Cincinnati. Plumbing has it rough in the winter, and you don't want your pipes to go when you need your hot water most!

Katie Marks writes for Networx.com.

Updated October 31, 2018.