Lengthen the life of all your fall favorites

From vibtrant autumn crafts to festive wreaths and gorgeous gourds, you can enjoy all your seasonal decor as long as possible with these pro tricks! Lock in fall aromas with a few pine cones

Aah, the sweet smell of festive fall aromas. To heighten store-bought potpourri, sprinkle in a few pine cones, suggests Belinda R. Johnston ( Wandering-whimsies.com). “They’re highly porous so they hold on to fragrance longer,” she says. “Just keep potpourri away from heating vents, which quickly dull the scent.” Keep leaves with a pretty special soak To preserve the color and texture of fall leaves for a colorful centerpiece, lay the leaves down in a casserole pan and pour a solution of onepart vegetable glycerin (one option: NOW Solutions 100% Vegetable Glycerin, Walmart. com) to two parts water over them. Nest another pan on top to keep the leaves flat. Let sit for three days, then blot dry for glossy, pliable, vibrant fall decor!

Burn candles longer by blowing them out

Turn your pumpkin-spice candle into an “eternal flame” by blowing it out every two hours, then letting it resolidify, says candle-maker Aimee Rankin (Circlercandles.com). “This keeps candles from overheating, so they burn more slowly.” Extend the life of your jack- o’-lantern with a peppermint spritz Make the Halloween stars of your front porch last weeks longer by giving them a youth-preserving “mist.” Just add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a quart of water, pour it into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the outside, inside and cut areas of your pumpkin, advises DIY expert Amanda Carlisle (Afewshortcuts.com). “Peppermint is a natural antifungal that slows and prevents the decomposition process, significantly extending the life of your pumpkin.”

Enjoy your mums longer by adding more ‘ leg room’

Keep the unofficial flower of fall healthy for months to come by taking one simple step: Move it from its original petite pot to a larger container, advises gardener Laura Janning of Dukemanorfarm.com. “A mum’s roots need space to spread,” she says. “A bigger pot will help it thrive and maintain its vibrant color.”