Autumn Everywhere You Look

One of my good friends really gets into the “spirit” when it comes to decorating in October. I always love to visit her around this time of year because it completely submerges me in everything autumn. I get sudden cravings for hot apple cider and pumpkin pie. Here are some tips that I picked up on my last visit that you may want to put in your own home.

Set the Mood
Before guests even walk inside your home, they should know that seasonal hospitality awaits them. Here’s one trick that turns out to be quite a treat – instead of spreading decorations all over your front yard (a la Freddy meets Jason at the yard sale), group your decorations into one large focal point with some accents here and there. For example, you may want to put several bales of hay, a scarecrow, and an assortment of gourds in one group and then spread out a few pumpkins and Indian corn in some other spots here and there. And if you are above the old tried and trues, then go for something original – decorate your entire home like a spider’s nest (complete with egg sacs), a witches’ den, or a mad scientist laboratory. But take heed. If you are going for more of a theme, then stick with a theme. Don’t try to combine everything under a full moon. It’s a home, not a traveling circus.

Welcome One and All
When guests come in, they should be welcomed with a touch of festivity. Another one of my friends has a beautiful antique mirrored chest of drawers that she keeps in her foyer. In October, she adorns it with her old wooden candleholders with tall black tapers in them and spreads out silk fall leaves over the surface – very cute! When it comes to greeting your guests, tone down on the cheese factor (no screaming skulls with black strobe lights) and go for a touch of class instead.

Spread the Wealth
Part of the fun in October is creating your own little “hide and seek” throughout your house. Adding little touches of fall here and there are a pleasure to discover. Perhaps some black pillar candles in the bathroom, a string of candy corn lights on the silk tree, or some fall leaves on the mantle. Remember, even if there are no guests over, your home should be a blessing to everyone who lives there. Decorating isn’t just meant to be when company’s coming (or trick-or-treaters).

Don’t Forget the Kid Factor
One thing that I often find missing in family homes are decorations for (and by) everyone in the family. My kids have so much fun decorating our home. As a matter of fact, I’m lucky if I even get to carve a pumpkin. They begin by diving into the storage boxes and spreading everything through the house, and then they start on the best activity of all – making their own decoration. This continues throughout the month, and by the time Halloween approaches, I usually have about fifty paper ghosts taped up all over the house and lots of posters of favorite ghoulish characters. One year, it was Frankenstein. His lovely face adorned every wall in our home. You have a home, not a showplace. Make decorating a family affair!