Now that summer is officially coming to an end, we're being bombarded with cute small gifts for fall in virtually every store (and online, as global retail e-commerce sales were predicted to double between 2016 and 2020). If you're ready to start redecorating your home with a fall theme in mind, you may not quite know where to start. And while some decorative elements can easily transition from summer to fall, it might be time to put away certain seasonal elements and embrace the Danish concept of hygge -- meaning cozy contentment and appreciation for the simple things. This is the perfect philosophy to carry you into fall and through the winter, especially as you're looking for fun and unique gifts online for friends and for your own home.

But where to begin? The following tips will make you "fall" in love with your choice in decor and make every guest feel like they're being welcomed in a warm embrace as soon as they walk in the door.

Start With a Scent

In summertime, you might have been drawn to fun sparklers when you wanted to switch up your illumination. But now that fall is on its way, you'll want something a bit cozier -- and maybe with a homey scent! Candles can be an excellent way to add warm light and warm smells to your home. Look for candles with scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple, apple, spice, clove, tobacco, or anything slightly smoky or sweet. While you don't want to go over-the-top, your choice in candles should promote feelings of instant comfort and belonging. As a bonus, there are many fall-shaped candles (which can double as cute small gifts!) that can add a bit of whimsy to any table setting during the fall holidays.

Try a Leaf Motif

Bringing in an autumnal color scheme is a popular choice when switching over decor from summer to fall. But if you don't want to completely refurnish a room, you can keep your existing colors and simply add a few little elements, instead. By swapping out a glass dish filled with seashells, for example, for a leaf-shaped bowl containing an aromatic potpourri and placing it on your coffee table, you can have a substantial effect on the overall space. A pillow, framed print, table cloth, or festive throw -- all bearing autumn leaves -- can transform a room without having to undertake a total makeover.

Go Au Naturale

One of the best ways to redecorate for fall? Bring the beauty of outside in. Use gourds, acorns, pinecones, dried leaves, branches, twigs, feathers, corn kernels or stalks, and other natural elements to spice up your design on the cheap. Whether you forage for goodies in your backyard or purchase some cute small gifts online in the same vein, you'll instantly make your home reflect the feeling of fall if you work with what nature gives you.

With these tips in mind, you'll look forward to changing over your decor each season and will delight your friends and family members with your creativity. For more fall decoration or gifting ideas, check out our seasonal page for further inspiration!