Autumn Overhaul
Feeling Fall-ish?
Memphians love a good Fall temperature (this time of year 84 counts as an absolute cold front) and we look for every reason to embrace the changing of the season and the departure of humidity. For most of us, our moods rise as the temperature falls! So it only makes sense that we celebrate the coming of autumn with some updates and refreshes around our homes. The cooler temps give us a chance to get back on track before the upheaval of the holidays begin.
The Purge
Nobody wants to do it, but cooler weather gives ample opportunity to clean out the hard-to-handle spaces that heat and cold make too difficult like the attic and garage. Dedicate a Saturday to pulling down boxes, culling old items that can be given away or tossed and placing everything back in an easy-to-find space. You might even consider using a filing or color coding system to label boxes so you can pull exactly what you need exactly when you need it. And invite a friend or a family member to help you stay safe, cheerful, and working smart. Nobody needs to be pulling heavy boxes down by themselves. That’s dangerous and depressing. Even better, host a yard sale when the job is done for some extra holiday cash!
When it comes to tedious tasks like cleaning out, it may help your morale to upgrade the situation. Purchase new plastic bins or install a new organizational system. Find a way to make your space work for you, not work on you. We suggest you put on some great Stax tunes while you work and break for a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
The Yard
After a long, hot summer with several days in the triple digits, we’re sick of watering! Grab some hearty winter pansies (double check that they’re winter pansies) for your pots and window boxes. Ornamental kale and cabbage also add a lot of easy pizazz to your garden containers…lean heavily on plants with colorful leaves since flowers won’t last long into the season. Or simply add a lovely pumpkin to your plant containers for temporary but low maintenance decor. Hang a grapevine wreath to your door and call it done. Simple autumn decor is always best.
For the back patio, consider some shepherds’ hooks and a few iron lanterns for candles. Creating a space to sit and chat in the cooler temps (with a couple outdoor blankets) will ensure you’re outside even on the chilly fall evenings, getting fresh air, and enjoying every bit of outdoor space.
The House
You don’t need to go garish or ghoulish to give your home an autumnal update. Instead, choose a few white pumpkins for the mantel or find a new Fall scented candle or essential oil to add warmth to the space. Comfy new blankets are always a good choice (we love ChappyWraps), but steer clear of “Fall” stuff you’ll have to store most of the year. Embrace the season by lighting more candles, boiling cinnamon and clove on the stove, and baking muffins for company and neighbors.
Enter the fall slowly and intentionally and enjoy it for every cooler temp and vibrantly colored leaf. Good things are coming.