STAR-BULLETIN PHOTOS Honolulu Chocolate Company has an eclectic collection of fall and Halloween decorations. The monster lights lanterns about 4 inches high, sell for $26.50.

Fall into winter

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Change of seasons are subtle in the tropics where the weather's mostly sunny, partly cloudy and fairly constant. We can't force Mother Nature to bring a traditional mainland fall to this part of the world, but it's easy to indulge the senses by bringing rich hues and sultry smells of the season into our homes.

Sequin leaves are $14.95 each from the Honolulu Chocolate Company.

In general, earthy tones such as rusts, oranges and yellows represent autumn, said Joett Colgan, marketing consultant for INspirations Furnitures; and accessories are the best way to introduce spot color. "It's the easiest way, without having to spend a lot of money, to get into (fall's) festive mood.

"They don't have to be a particular design, but just the change in color can make a big difference," she said.

Just be aware of conflicts with whatever spectrum is already in place. If you choose carefully, you can create a backdrop to take the mood from fall into winter, changing the decorative props accordingly for the string of holidays fast approaching, beginning with Halloween.

Colgan, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, said accent pillows, candles or even slipcovers that you can sew from patterns, work well. "They can be easily stored and used next year."

Even throw rugs, runners or an entry carpet will do the trick. "I have clients who have two or three area carpets that they change through the year. A 4-by-6 rug or a 2-by-8 runner can be easily rolled up and stored."

Potpourri is another way to awaken the spirit of fall. "What you're doing is designing for the senses," Colgan said. She suggests any woodsy scent such as sandalwood or patchouli.

Or start with fresh herbs. "Try rosemary. It dries very nicely. You can bunch them up, tie them with raffia and hang them on your doorknob," she said, adding that you'll be aware of the scent, even if it is less obtrusive than commercial scents.

The oak leaves are from Craft Supply of Honolulu, at about $6 a bunch.

Introduce oak leaves and conifers, which you can buy from craft supply stores, and mix them with fresh flower arrangements, or drop a few in a clear glass bowl filled with water and topped with floating candles.

Other suggestions: Seen in shops are silk maple or oak leaves on white lights that can be copied by tying oak leaves from craft supply shops with floral wire to a string of plain white Christmas lights.

Purchase small gourds in the supermarket produce section, and place them in a bowl on the dining table. Change the contents to Christmas ornaments when the time comes.

As far as Halloween decor, stop into Honolulu Chocolate Company at Ward Centre, which offers a whimsical, eclectic selection of treats aside from chocolate. These include tiny pumpkin and gourd garlands, tissue lanterns and glass ornaments in biomorphic shapes and stylings, some reminiscent of "Nightmare Before Christmas" animated characters.

The plastic garland sells for $18 at the Honolulu Chocolate Company

Ruby Mata-Viti, Star-Bulletin

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