Each season has its own unique characteristics, beauty, memory-making opportunities and even chores, but of them all, fall has my heart. It’s like a contented sigh after a long day’s work. When you can settle into your favorite chair in the corner, kick up your feet and relax a little. When the leaves all over the sidewalk and porch are considered a thing of beauty instead of a mess! When the oppressive heat of summer lifts and a fresh awareness and enjoyment of little things returns.
Like F. Scott Fitzgerald put it so perfectly, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
So, what is the secret to making your home a cozy retreat for your family this fall? Here are some ways!
1. Layers & Texture
This part can’t be skipped, if you are trying to pull off cozy! Trade your summer throw pillows for ones in heavier, richer fabrics, like velvet, boucle’ or wool plaids. Don’t be afraid to pick a color palette that is different than you would normally go with here. It’s just one season, and throw pillows are a great way to try something fun without a lot of commitment! Nutmeg, Olive Green, Mustard or Navy are just some hues to consider incorporating. And a luxuriously soft throw blanket isn’t even negotiable! Consider spreading a cowhide rug over your existing rug to add an extra layer to a seating area.
2. Scents
Of course we have to mention candles here, when we are going for cozy! Not only do they make the whole house smell amazing, but their little flicker creates a visual ambiance, too. Look for warm scents like vanilla, tobacco, pine or spices. Another option to a candle is stovetop potpourri! Simply put some in a little sauce pan, add some water, and simmer on the stove. By refilling the water, this can be enjoyed for several days. Try it and see the comments you get when your family comes home! They will love it! Fall is also the time of year that I love to throw open the windows and let the cool, fresh air fill the house. We don’t get too many days like that in the South, so I savor each one that we do!
3. Comfort Food
Each season has its favorite food and drinks that we attach to it and look forward to. (Just ask Starbucks!) For me, a lot of my fall favorites are associated with wonderful childhood memories of what my mom and grandmas made…chili and cornbread, sloppy joes, pumpkin anything, molasses cookies, and spiced cider, to name a few! It’s ironic how many memories are associated with food! Pick a few recipes that you want to make or try during this season, get the ingredients, and then go for it! Here is our family’s favorite molasses cookie recipe. They are easy to make and delicious! I used to make a batch, roll them into balls and freeze them. Then, about 30 minutes before the kids walked in the door, or a friend came over, I would thaw however many I wanted on a cookie sheet, then bake, and voila! fresh cookies!
Grammy’s Molasses Sugar Cookies
¾ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
Mix first four ingredients well with a mixer. In a separate bowl whisk together remaining ingredients. Once combined, slowly add flour mixture into batter. Chill for 1 hour. Roll dough into 1” balls and roll tops in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy!
4. Seasonal Décor
You don’t have to over-do this part, as a little bit can go a long way inside the house, but it’s a nice touch in some key areas, like the entryway, fireplace mantle, kitchen island or coffee table to have some seasonal décor. This can be as simple as some faux fall leaves in a vase, some warm-colored taper candles in candlesticks, and a few decorative or real pumpkins. Sometimes seasonal décor can be found in your own backyard, like a basket of pinecones, firewood, or even dried eucalyptus or hydrangeas! I have a collection of vintage tartan plaid wool throw blankets that I have found over the years, and in the fall I keep a stack of them on a bench in the entryway. Not only are they pretty, they are also perfect to grab on the way out the door to a football game. While I typically recommend keeping seasonal décor pretty simple on the inside, on the outside of your house, go as crazy as you want (or can afford!) with hay bales, pumpkins, gourds, and mums! And don’t forget a pretty wreath for the front door!
