Celebrate Fall

The long lazy days of summer are soon to be memories, while the beautiful colors of the fall season are soon to be all around us.. This is probably my favorite time of the year. I'm not sure why it is my favorite, but I think it has to do with the feelings of family, closeness, anticipation of upcoming holidays, and a general feeling of contentment. Celebrate the new season of fall with some simple ideas that I've used in the past, and will undoubtedly use again this fall.

Decorate your home with the colors of Autumn. Create a centerpiece for your dining room table with pumpkins and gourds. Place them on a decorative platter, and accentuate with some fall leaves, berries, and dried flowers.

Take a nature walk with your family to enjoy all the fall colors. Collect different leaves of different shades of beautiful autumn colors, when you return home, place the leaves in a glass bowl or vase, and display.

Plan a trip to a pumpkin patch or farm with your children The Internet will give you many locations if you do not know of any. Remember to buy some miniature pumpkins. They are easy and fun to decorate with. One idea is to line them up along the fireplace mantel.

Bring out extra pillows for couches, and a throw blanket or two. Earth tone candles on tables always add an extra touch of warmth for the season.

Placing board games and books on tabletops and shelves will help inspire cozy family time in the evenings.

Collect pinecones and make a Fall Wreath with them. Most fabric and craft stores sell the basic wreath that you buy and decorate. Simply hot glue pinecones to the wreath, let it dry, and then add some autumn colored ribbon to the wreath using glue or just tying the ribbon. Use a strong hanger for the wreath because the pinecones will make it heavy.

Put a fresh new tablecloth on your dining room table with warm autumn colors.

Get out recipes that warm up the senses like gingerbread, apple spice cake, hearty casseroles, and of course, fresh pumpkin pie!

Most of all, try to spend family time together and enjoy all the beauty of nature that is in full color during the Fall Season.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Find more quotes about the seasons at The Spirit of Gardening