Feathering your nest this fall

Soon we will be saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Fall is that time of year when the air starts getting crisper and the leaves change, begin to fall and often times dance down the streets. We tend to break out the lightweight sweters, go to football games, start making soups and chilis, etc. Well one place that I love to focus my attention on in the fall is my home. I call it feathering my nest, because I am creating a cozy place for my family to enjoy. Starting in my bedroom, I like to replace the cream colored Matelasse coverlet on my bed with a comforter that is much thicker, weighted and cozy. I also change out my window treatments to match. I like to toss a throw onto the corner of the bed to easily grab when I am reading a book and need a little warmth.

In the bathroom, yes, I go there too. I like to replace my melon and lightly scented handsoap with something in vanilla, or a fall inspired scent. I also switch out my shower curtain, valance and rug.

In the living room, I like to toss a throw over the arm of the sofa and keep a couple more nicely folded and tucked away for the whole family. We love it! Then I add fall scented candles to my many holders and they get lit nearly every evening when we are able to be at home for a few hours. It makes the house smell delicious. I also add nice cozy throw pillows to the chairs and sofa. To spice up my gold colored silk draperies, I use various tiebacks. Sometimes a berried garland or a rope and tassel, depending on what I choose. The dining room gets a centerpiec of candles on a pretty platter or a fall themed arrangement that I create. The kitchen gets burgundy, gold and/or olive green dish towels. I like to even take the nesting to my front porch. I sweep it clean of all of the leaves, place a throw over the settee arm and fall scented candles and runners on the outdoor dining and coffee tables. I will also put out a beautiful autumn flag to welcome our guests. I like to place mums on either side of the doorway and a few pumpkins of different sizes.

What makes you feel all warm and cozy at home? Wish I had a fireplace. I miss our old house for that alone.