How to celebrate the start of fall (and fall holidays!)

Sweater weather, glorious foliage and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything...fall is almost here. That means our favorite celebratory fall holidays are too:

• Halloween
• Día de los Muertos
• Diwali
• Thanksgiving
• Hanukkah

Before you start party planning for those holidays though, we suggest celebrating the start of fall properly. This season is a true feast for the senses and all about savoring the changing seasons, so read on for our tips on how to set the scene for an all-around cozy autumn.

Warm and fuzzy feels

A cuddly-soft throw is a great way to start easing into crisp fall days. Add a few extra throw pillows to your couch, and you’re ready for weekend streaming marathons and cozy nights in. Plaids, chunky knits and faux shearling are all worthy successors to your summer home textiles. Just like that, your home mini-makeover is well underway. Or are we forgetting something wick-ed important?

Scented with love

Candles! But not just any—candles that smell like freshly baked apple pie, perfectly spiced pumpkin bread and sweet cinnamon. The warm glow of a lit candle offers a welcoming ambience that's hard to replicate. Plus, the scent can help boost your sense of well-being AND get you in the mood for the next topic on our list…

In good taste

Taste is possibly the most engaged sense around this time of the year. While the desserts tend to get the most attention, it’s hard to resist a hearty meal straight from the slow cooker on a chilly fall day. A few of our favorite drinks and dishes include:

• Drinks: pumpkin spice beverages, hot chocolate, chai, Oktoberfest brews, hot toddies and cider (spiked, hard or otherwise). This spiked cider recipe is sure to keep everyone warm and toasty.
• Savory foods: mac and cheese, pot roast, coq au vin, chili, au gratin potatoes, roasted carrots, or a tomato soup and grilled cheese combo.
• Sweets: pie (apple, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato), pumpkin cheesecake, apple cider donuts, gingersnap cookies and pumpkin bread.

A sight to behold

When you close your eyes and think of autumn, what do you see? Colorful foliage? Pumpkins? Plaid button-downs and cozy boots? Whatever imagery comes to your mind, take it and bring it to life in your home. Plaid, fall-themed and warm-toned table and kitchen linens are a practical update to make, especially with all of the deliciousness coming your way this season. Want to add a natural touch of fall to your home? Gourds, mini pumpkins, colorful dried ears of corn, potted mums, and vases filled with dried wheat stems, pampas grass or branches are all gorgeous options to consider.

Now that you’re fully prepped for fall, it’s time to think about which holidays you plan to celebrate. If you need a Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Diwali, Thanksgiving or Hanukkah invitation, you know where to find us!

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