Squirrels and acorns: 10 fun woodland home accessories for autumn

If you’re lucky enough to live near an oak forest, you’ll be hearing the surprisingly loud pat-pat-pat of acorns dropping to the ground, one of the quintessential sounds of autumn. And when acorns appear, can squirrels be far behind? Bring a little of that woodland feeling into your home with these quirky, fun accessories.

1. Acorn stow pots, Edge Company

These acorn-shaped caddies are great for storing household bits and bobs such as matches, but would also make unusual nibble bowls – for serving nuts, of course.  Made from hammered stainless steel, they’re designed by Garth Williams and available from In Spaces for £25 for a set of two, one medium and one large.

2. Red squirrel bookend, Susan Bradley

This simple silhouette of a squirrel holding an acorn is made from powder coated pressed steel in bright red. They’re supplied as a single book end so you can keep books steady against a wall or make up your own pair with two different shapes or colours. £18 for one, available from One Brown Cow.

3. Acorn candle, Broste

Danish firm Broste have been producing top quality candles for over 50 years. This acorn candle is incredibly realistic, and will maintain its shape while burning with minimal dripping or smoking. £6.95, available from The Scandinavian Shop.

4. Red squirrel salt and pepper set, Quail Ceramics

This playful pair of squirrels, each nibbling on an acorn, almost look as though they’re set to jump off the kitchen table. Numbers of red squirrels are gradually increasing again in Britain, so show your appreciation with this set, £19.95, available from Cotswold Trading.

5. Glass acorn decoration, Broste

These large (20cm) glass decorations are perfect for adding an autumnal feel. Heap them in bowls, arrange on mantelpieces or hang in clusters. They’d also double up nicely as Christmas decorations. Also available in a pine cone shape, and in three different colours, prices start at  £24.95 from The Scandinavian Shop.

6. Squirrel and acorn magnet holder, Qualy

A gift with a difference, this cute little squirrel will look after magnets in an office or kitchen until you need them to keep papers tidy. The  set contains a plastic squirrel, metal tray and eight acorn magnets and costs £9.99 from Mollie and Fred.

7. Acorn utensil jar, Laura Ashley

This sturdy, ceramic utensils jar is traditionally decorated with a frieze of oak leaves and acorns, and is roomy enough for a range of wooden spoons and other kitchen tools. Even better, it’s currently half price in the Laura Ashley sale at £8 instead of £16.

8. Cast iron squirrel boot brush, Berry Red

This cast iron squirrel isn’t strictly a home accessory. He’d do a much better job sitting in the porch or outside the back door, ready to clean the mud from boots or shoes become you come in. £20, available from Berry Red.

9. Squirrel door knob, Drift Living

If you’re a fan of squirrelling away vintage finds, these quirky door knobs will help cheer up an old chest of drawers. They’d also be perfect on painted kitchen cabinets or wardrobe doors. Finished with a champagne-coloured antique paint effect, they’ll add a touch of woodland charm to doors and furniture. £6.50 each, available from Drift Living.

10. Squirrel and nut cushion, Thornback & Peel

This cream cotton cushion is hand printed with red squirrels and grey nuts and is made in Great Britain. Available from Annabel James, who have pledged to donate 15% of the proceeds of this cushion to The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, a national body established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in the UK. £60, available from Annabel James.

By Sara Walker.