Aaaaaah, Autumn!

photo courtesy of angel pardue photography

Oooohhh goodness, it’s almost here!!! I’m embarrassingly giddy! Can you feel it? It’s FALL! The air was so crisp this morning! I woke up extra early before everyone else, started the coffee, opened the windows, and turned off the air. As I riffled through my CD’s I felt the same anticipation as Charlie Bucket when he peeled back the wrapper on that bar of chocolate in hopes of catching a glimpse of the golden ticket… I found it!!!! Yes! I found my Vince Guaraldi Holiday Hits CD (He’s the one who did the music for “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, and the rest of the amazing Peanuts collection.) As I listened to the Great Pumpkin Waltz and watched some clips from “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” my mind started to wander a little… it tends to do that without much warning. I thought about what a beautiful season fall is. Of course I can’t actually see it yet… the trees are still quite green and I’m sure we’re not done with the heat yet but I’m speaking more to the inherent beauty of the season… the snuggling up by the fireplace, the hot chocolate and apple cider with dear friends, warm soup on the stove as family gathers around the table. Fall is the charmingly rustic gate that swings open wide and graciously welcomes you to the commencement of the entire holiday season. This is the perfect time to set the stage for a cozy and welcoming place for your friends and family to settle in and enjoy each other’s company. With that being said I have a few tips to help you in your quest to cozy up your home as fall approaches. It’s the perfect season to celebrate the simple things… So if we’re celebrating the “simple” things why in the world would we break our backs, and the bank, to create a memorable atmosphere???

So my number one tip is… Have FUN!! Remember to PLAY! Don’t feel like you have to have a plan! Okay those are actually 3 things in one but you get my drift! Take a walk with your kiddos… collect leaves, pine cones, interesting branches… whatever catches your eye! Bring nature inside… God’s handiwork is displayed year round but He showcases such beauty and richness with the colors of Fall. Make use of his generous gifts! You want to make memories not more work! And the best part is it’s free for the taking… well unless you’ve trespassed onto someone’s property… and I am certainly not endorsing that!

Number two tip… Give your décor plenty of layers so you can transition easily from Fall to Halloween and straight into Thanksgiving. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, pine cones, cinnamon sticks… all of these will create the perfect foundation so you can transition effortlessly as you add special touches for Halloween and remove them for the Thanksgiving season. Use different textures and shapes to create varying heights in your display. Use groupings of gourds, pumpkins, and mums. Tie raffia and twine around vases and candle sticks.

Number three tip… Tap into all your senses. I know this one seems too simple to mention but sometimes we forgo the simple and miss the point entirely. Nature is abounding with dynamic colors, unbelievable aromas, and stimulating textures. So play music that you associate with fall, use fall scented candles like pumpkin spice, warm cinnamon and apple cider, put out fleece throws and cozy blankets. Simmer apple cider on the stove all day.

I hope this has inspired you to take a little time to embrace the beauty of Fall. Remember it’s the little details that will help you capture the essence of the season. Never miss an opportunity to laugh. Don’t take for granted those precious moments to sip hot cider with a friend or the chance to cozy up by the fireplace for some hot chocolate with family.

Michelle