Labor Day has come and gone, and we move ahead with thoughts
of fall in the foreground. This is my
favorite season, the gateway to the holidays, and I like to enjoy it in ways
that northern dwellers do. We may not
have the vast temperature dips or the same changing of the leaves, but I
embrace fall nonetheless. And here is
how you can be getting ready. . .
This is a great transitional time for home projects with
school in session, regular routines in the rotation, and potential holiday
company in the months to come. If you
have a project in mind, now could be the right time to get the ball rolling in
time to roll out the welcome mat for more family in late November. Are you looking to install some new lighting
fixtures or flooring? Change out an element
in your home like a backsplash, countertop, or sink? Paint a room, or a few? Find the right subcontractor (or your own DIY
skills) for the job, and hit the local home improvement store.
If you like to add fall decorations in your usual mix,
capitalize on the store shelves and catalogs that currently display what’s new
and available. If you’re ordering
something, give it time to arrive before you intent to set your fall table or
hang new seasonal wreaths on the front door.
One popular printed pumpkin I ordered won’t be shipping until early
October, but at least I’ve secured one.
Now is also a great time to start stocking up on wonderful fall scents
in themed candles, room sprays, and hand soaps so they’ll be on hand when a
cooler breeze is more prevalent than a heat wave.
For those who love to shop end-of-season sales, you have
plenty of options to choose from as stores make way for new fall merchandise. Think ahead to guest room updates you’ll
enjoy providing months from now and nab some bargains in bedding, towels, or
bathroom rugs. Would you like to see
some new pieces hanging in the dining room before your next feast? Peruse racks of wall art for some additions
at a steal. Prior to holiday baking,
could you use some new dish towels, pot holders, or silicone tools? It can be little changes that make for
festive finds.
September is a fitting time to look up new fall weather
recipes, dust off the slow cooker, learn how to cook a butternut squash, ask
Mom for that great stew recipe, and find a new cider mix that hopefully sips as
great as it smells. You can also be
testing seasonal side dish options that could be worthy of the next potluck
dinner or family gathering.
As you put away the things of summer and begin to prepare
for the changes of fall, plan to welcome it with a warm and inviting seasonal
start-up.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 7th.
