Sometimes the change of seasons is harder to notice in Hawaii.  The more common signs of approaching autumn; shorter days, change of foliage and the cooler air are replaced with the absence of trade winds, voggy days, and blooming tropical flowers.  However fall is more of a mood that can be created anywhere in any climate.  There are ways to conjure up feelings of fall especially through thoughtful decor that marries traditional harvest decor with tropical touches.

Bell Jar Pumpkins: brides.com, Shells: katie-d-i-d.blogspot.com, Lanterns: Jamali Garden Supply, Lei Centerpiece: Green/Chrissy Lambert, White Pumpkins: Sunset Magazine

To create a fall feel in our home I usually try to put together something that will last through Thanksgiving. The white pumpkins at the local grocery store provide the perfect amount of autumn.  Also they are usually readily available because the orange pumpkins seem to go first.  Keeping the decor simple makes it more appealing and easier to complement different interiors.  The small white pumpkins look perfect on a long wood tray, piled in glass bowl, or just placed down the center of the table.  I usually add some local touches to the pumpkins with white shells that I picked up at the beach and sometimes pieces of driftwood.  If I am having a dinner party I will add some loose white orchids and small glass votives.  It always looks festive and is easy to maintain.  Below is a list of fall decor items that can help incorporate the feeling of fall with a island feel.

Elements: white pumpkins, driftwood/branches, shells, coral

Candle Holders: hurricane with sand, mason jar votives, coconut husk wrapped votives, white corn husk wrapped votives

Flowers: white orchids, white torch ginger, white anthuriums, white king protea