I know it doesn't feel like fall in much of the country, but the first day of autumn has come and gone--it's officially fall! Whether you're already sporting jackets on crisp evenings or sweating to death during never-ending hot afternoons, it's still the time of year when we all love to embrace the idea of fall. So turn up the air conditioning if you have to, and let's dig into four ways to prepare for fall around your home.

Photo Credit: Trendecora.com

1. Your front porch is often the first thing a visitor focuses on at your house.  They may have vaguely noticed the driveway and front yard, but while they're standing and waiting at your front door, they'll really notice the porch. While you can go crazy with items themed for each month (looking at you, Halloween), you can save some money and stress by just focusing on the fall season as a whole. Step one is to put out the welcome mat, literally, with something featuring fall colors or a fun fall phrase.  (Happy Fall Y'all is quite popular here in the South.)  Don't want to buy a new mat or find one from last fall?  Just take the hose and clean the current one off then. Hey, while you're at it, you may want to wash that glass door and any windows on the front--just sayin'. 

The other way to autumn-ize your front porch is with a focal piece. You CAN go overboard on this, as I have one neighbor with about 40 pumpkins and gourds of all different sizes intertwined with vines and colorful leaves. Not only does it require gymnastics to maneuver up the steps, but I'm always sure there's a snake hiding in there waiting to get me. But I digress...just keep it simple. You'll want something to elevate your piece, so grab a crate, small straw bale, or even a piece of a log. Then add some fall flowers and maybe a FEW pumpkins or gourds, and you're all set. If you want to add a little extra drama, get some old corn stalks and tie together to stand up as a backdrop to your arrangement. This is a great time of year for DIY, because nature provides so many items ready to use and I guarantee anything you find in your yard or your neighbor's yard (ask first!!), will speak to the season you're in.  

Photo Credit: Homeridian.com

2. If you're blessed to have a yard, make sure to use it during this spectacular time of year. Keep the leaves raked up (and encourage any children in your life to experience the joy of jumping in fresh leaf piles). Prune back any trees or shrubs, and put out some planters with beautiful fall flowers.  Chrysanthemums are a beautiful addition anywhere, unless you're near Texas where you may not find mums now as everyone buys them up to make those outrageous (and really cool) homecoming arrangements. (Side Note: If you don't know about this tradition, you should really read up on it--Texas folks are crazy about their mums!) Beyond mums, you can use alyssum, fall-colored daisies or pansies, goldenrod, helenium, sedum, and heather. If you go to a pumpkin patch, bring back a pumpkin or two (or even gourds) that still have some vines attached. Kids will think Cinderella lives there and adults will marvel at how cool that looks (and wonder why they didn't think of it).  Also, make sure to clean up the fire pit and use it, if you have one.  If you DON'T have a fire pit, and have space for one, I highly recommend it.  They're pretty easy to build or you can buy one, but it will guarantee you spend some time outdoors enjoying the crisp fall nights.  I can' smell the marshmallows cooking now... 

3. On your tables, revisit the ideas from the front porch and the yard.  Think outside the box and bring beauty from the outdoors to your indoors. Prune a small branch from that stunning tree in the yard and use it in a vase or as a runner on your table. Put wheat and goldenrod into vases, or better yet make your own vase with a mason jar wrapped in burlap OR wrap twine around some large twigs to make a vase. Place a few fall items strategically, using fall corn, pine cones, and apples. Do you have allergies?  You can still go for this outdoor fall look--just pick up the artificial versions at your local store.  Last but not least, grab your favorite fall scent in candle form, whether it's pumpkin spice, apple, cinnamon, or sage. Just don't do more than one scent per floor so you don't assault your guests' noses.3. I haven't forgotten about the indoors, as you certainly want to add some fall decor inside. You have to be really careful with this though.  Remember the crazy pumpkin porch I mentioned? Well I've seen plenty of people go nuts on the inside too.  Yes, I know there are SO many adorable pumpkin tchotchkes (ie, purposeless trinkets) out there.  Just stop a moment and think about where you're going to put all that stuff for the other nine months of the year. Instead, embrace more subtle ways to bring fall to life indoors. Pull out table runners, blankets, and pillows that feature fall colors (earth tones, jewel tones, and plaids) and pair those with a few carefully chosen trinkets. If you love themed pillows, make sure some of them can last over the season, such as our pumpkin throw pillow. Yes, it's okay to put out some of those crazy Halloween pillows too--but only in October!  :)

4. We've talked so much about adding to our home and yard for fall, but don't forget about paring back.  Spring cleaning is not just for spring, it's essential in the fall as well.  If you have children, this is doubly so (as they'll be adding to their "stuff" during the holidays).  Fall cleaning is also great for helping your community.  Go through your storage and your closets and liberate the clothing, shoes, jackets, and blankets that don't fit, that you no longer like, or that you didn't use in the past year.  So many community organizations need these items, especially ahead of colder weather. You'll feel great about helping and you'll love the extra space in your closet. Plus, maybe you can buy that new fall outfit that "follows" you around the internet because you've viewed it so many times.  

Have fun changing things up for the season, and hope you enjoy your time with family and friends wherever you are.

Happy Fall Y'all!