Settling in for the Season

As fall creeps in and the summer winds down we take time to ourselves to ease into fall. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s so easy to feel cozy on a rainy day. To curl up on the sofa with a cup of coffee or chai tea and watch your favorite movie or tv show. It’s easy to become a home body during the fall and notice the things your home might be missing. Whether it’s an accent piece, more seating for guests, a new rug, or something to bring the colors of fall indoors. Here are some things we’re seeing that will be important for settling in this season.

Setting the table for gatherings. Once the leaves change we are reminded that Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon be upon us. This season set the table for your gatherings to bring a welcoming atmosphere. Use nice placemats, your good china, cloth napkins and silverware. It makes your guests feel important to have a designated seat at your table. Set the mood with some form of lighting like taper candles in a gold or silver holder or tea candles. LED or real it will bring an intimate feeling. Add some kind of arrangement of flowers, real or dried or some green leafy stems. If you're really feeling creative, cut some sticks from your backyard. Don’t forget to have a theme in mind when planning your table setting. Focus on 3 or 2 colors to keep it simple but interesting. Stick with a basic main color like black or white, then add in the fun accent colors like burgundy, rust, or sage green. Your guests will love feeling like they're at a fancy party this holiday season. 

People are really digging the moody and cozy feeling of dark colors. It’s always smart to have neutral colored large furniture pieces so you can switch out your décor for the season. Jazz up your sofa with some different pillows and throws. Burgundy, dark cocoa brown, dark evergreen, rust, mustard yellow, and dusty blue are always great colors to try and incorporate to bring that fall feeling indoors. Every season I change out my florals, art work and décor objects. If you choose to decorate for fall, winter, spring and summer it makes it easier to keep your things up for a longer period of time. I like to use non-tritonal things and colors to make my décor more interesting. Like using burgundy colored leaves instead of typical red/orange/yellow. Don't be afraid to get creative! Decorating is a process that requires you to step back, look, and see if you are liking the set up. Trust me I will change something around two or three times and then back again before I'm satisfied.

Get out and about! Make memories this fall with the people closest to you. Before winter comes fall is our last chance to get outside. Head to your nearest apple orchard for locally grown apples. Check out some wineries and sample some fall wines. Stock up on some essentials for your fall wardrobe. Plan a movie marathon with themed cocktails and snacks. Take a hike or a drive and see the fall foliage. Head to a pumpkin patch and paint your pumpkins or carve them. Take a candle making class or do a paint night at a local shop. Samples some fall beers at a local brewery or two.

Take time for yourself. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of an everyday routine. The summer freedom wares off, kids go back to school, sports start, and the holidays make it even busier. Take time to relax and do something for yourself. Even if that something is doing absolutely nothing. It’s important to stop and reflect on what we want for ourselves. Even if that something is small. Fall invites change and it reminds us how beautiful change and quiet calm can be. 

Check out our Pinterest board inspired by Settling in for the Season

https://pin.it/75lCdZZVt

Check our our list of places to visit this fall

Apple Orchards

Terrapin Orchard-Elizabeth Il

Edwards Apple Orchard West-Winnebago Il

Dittmar Farms and Orchard- Elizabeth Il

Pumpkins

Dittmar Farms and Orchard-Elizabeth Il

Run-A-Muck- Freeport, Il

Winery

Massbach Ridge Winery-Elizabeth Il

Galena Cellars-Galena Il

Sugar Bakers Cocktail Lounge-Lena Il

Brewery

Lena Brewing Company-Lena Il

Wishful Acers-Lena Il

Mud Run Beer Co-Stockton Il

Generations Brewery- Freeport Il

Highway 20 Brewing Co-Elizabeth Il