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How to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall

By Alexandra Sullivan

Autumn in Florida isn’t exactly a time for changing leaves, brisk breezes and chilly hayrides. On those 90-degree days, it may not feel like fall. But I’m here to show you simple ways to bring that crisp, cozy, seasonal magic you may be craving into your home this September.

Create a simmer pot to make your home smell like fall

A simmer pot is an easy way to use your fruit peels instead of tossing them or composting them. It’s also a great way to bring authentic and natural smells into your home, making you want to cozy up in a blanket, read a book and sip a pumpkin spice latte.

All you need to do is fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add in some ingredients that you want to smell such as:

■ Cinnamon sticks ■ Apple peels ■ Orange rinds/slices ■ Cloves ■ Cranberries ■ Lemon slices ■ Nutmeg ■ Bay leaves ■ Vanilla extract ■ Pumpkin spice seasoning

Find combinations that work for you and play around with them throughout the months of autumn. Once your ingredients are in the saucepan, boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add water every half hour, or when it evaporates.

Make a wreath

Making a wreath is a simple and creative way to transform your home and make it feel like fall. Sure, you can buy a wreath but finding pieces that showcase your own personal style and combining them into your own wreath will be a game changer for turning a fall house into a fall home. Plus, taking the time to create this DIY project is sure to get you into the spirit of fall, (especially if you have a simmer pot on the stove to set the mood).

Fall wreaths can be anything you want them to be. Combine as many or as few fallen leaves, twigs, burlap, ribbon, florals and accessories as you want. This is your project after all.

This is also a great way to spend time with your kids and get creative! You may even want to let them make wreaths to decorate their own spaces. You get some home decor and bonding time, it’s a win-win.

Simple decor tips to bring the vibe of fall

Pillow covers and throw blankets are an affordable way to transform the theme of any room. Investing in warm or jewel-toned colored pillow covers to use during the fall and winter seasons is a great way to decorate without cluttering your space. Adding blankets and pillows that are soft and cozy with fall hues is sure to transform any space. Cable knit blankets are on-trend and a way to bring texture and a pop of color to a room. Switching out the flowers in your vases to jewel-toned flowers or dried flower arrangements can also demonstrate the change in season.

Not only will these tips make your transition easier from summer to winter but it will also make Thanksgiving and Halloween that much more special. No matter the weather, you can indulge the magic of fall within the walls of your home.