The first day of fall is September 23rd! Autumn is our favorite season not only because it encompasses four of the five of our birthdays (Kate September 26th, Drew October 11th, Andrew November 26th and me November 29th) but also because it means hosting Thanksgiving for 25 in our home (plus football, Halloween and pumpkin-flavored everything!). In the Phoenix valley, that means double-digit temperatures for most of the day which is a welcome reprieve from 115. Leaves don’t change much but the light is different and the Halloween decorations come out. If you’re eager to welcome fall into your home, here are ten ideas.
1. Bring in some nature. Branches, leaves and pumpkins go a long way toward adding a fall vibe. Rather than buying and storing a bunch of seasonal decor, what if you got fresh items then just tossed them out at the end of the season? Grocery stores carry a variety of pumpkins and gourds you can place on your front porch or coffee table.
2. Remember smell. You can diffuse a fall essential oil blend or or simmer cider on your stove. The spicy smell of fall is a favorite for everyone.
3. Make fall foods. Pumpkin-flavored everything is already in stores and pumpkin bead and muffins are obvious choices but what about an apple cinnamon coffee cake? Homemade caramels are fun and easy or whip up a homemade caramel sauce and share a few jars with your neighbors.
What’s more FALL that soup?? This is one we’re trying on the first cool day! https://sharedappetite.com/recipes/rustic-tuscan-style-sausage-white-bean-and-kale-soup/
Below is my favorite fall go-to recipe that everyone loves and makes the house smell fabulous!
TWO INGREDIENT PUMPKIN MUFFINS RECIPE
1 spice cake mix (or yellow cake mix + a dash of pumpkin pie spice)
1 can 15 or 16 oz pumpkin puree (small can, not pie filling)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Mix spice cake mix together with pumpkin. Scoop into lined or well-sprayed muffins.
Bake 18-20 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean).
Optional: add chocolate chips!
4. Add fall texture throughout your home. A chunky throw blanket, a fuzzy pillow or a wood bowl full of pine cones say fall. Other fall-ish elements include burlap, galvanized metal, sticks, twigs, stumps, acorns and leaves. Even vintage books and chalkboards bring to mind going back to school.
5. Create a fall tea station or coffee bar. Mugs, a few choices, spoons and fixins is all you need. Anything pumpkin, cinnamon or hazelnut will work and everyone loves fun add-ins like syrups and creamers.
6. Spruce up your front porch. Trick-or-treaters will be arriving soon then an onslaught of holiday guests so why not add some potted flowers, update your welcome mat or change your front door color?
7. Dust off your fire pit or chiminea, it’s time for s’mores and chats around the fire again!
8. Set your table for fall. Bring out the fall-colored dishes and place mats and create a fun centerpiece. You could also fall-ify your coffee bar area for easy entertaining like this one from Giggles Galore.
9. Switch up your bedroom. Red or orange sheets are fun and you can add fall textures and smells here, too. Even a leaf garland over your headboard is a fun touch.
10. Yes, home maintenance is important this time of year. Check out your outdoor plumbing. Run your heat to be sure it’s working properly. Go up on the roof to make sure it’s ready to handle falling leaves and other debris. Trim up trees and shrubs. And consider a “fall cleaning” as you’re bringing in your decor and switching things up.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in the valley of the sun! We hope these ideas for adding fall to your home will help you enjoy the season even more. And of course if you are looking at buying or selling a home this fall, Drew would love to sit down with you and explore your options. Contact us to get started!