The leaves are beginning to brown, the nights are drawing in, and there’s a faint whiff of pumpkin spice in the air... Autumn is coming. Grab a cuppa, put your woolly socks on, and read our handy guide about getting your home ready for this transformational season.
Autumn is the season of spices. Think apple spice, pumpkin spice, allspice, posh spice, ginger spice – if it’s got ‘spice’ after it, you can bet it’s great for autumn. Cinnamon and nutmeg also fit into the mix, making you feel warm on the inside while you cosy-up on the outside. Besides baking batches of delicious treats, you can bring these spices into your home with candles, oil diffusers, potpourri, or incense.
Floral and geometric are out, faux fur and checked are in! Furnish your furniture with an abundance of soft layers to snuggle up in as you binge-watch your favourite shows and listen to the rain outside. If the blankets aren’t enough, swap out your low-tog summer duvet for a thick, insulated one and get some covers to match the rustic vibe - think warm brown and orange tones.
Preparing for autumn also means preparing for the abundance of holidays and celebrations, and this season has all the best ones. From Bonfire Night and Halloween to Diwali and Thanksgiving, autumn is a non-stop event. Bring the several boxes marked ‘decorations’ out of the loft or garage and check that you’ve got all that you need to dress up your house for every occasion.
When stepping out the front door doesn’t seem so appealing, it’s important to keep your mind active. Dust-off the board games, puzzles, and other indoor activities and get your family and friends involved. It’s a much-welcomed break from the TV and it brings back the age-old technique of verbal communication.
Pumpkins. Pumpkins everywhere. Prepare a list of recipes to try out that make use of the seasonal harvest with veg like pumpkins, parsnips, potatoes, squash, marrow, and (everyone’s favourite) brussels sprouts. Strawberries may be hard to come by, but juicy apples, pears, and cranberries will be lining the shelves of your supermarket in their thousands. Work with what’s available to save money and get the best fresh food.
It's also a great idea to rifle through your cupboards and fridge, cleaning them out as you go. Get rid of any forgotten and now inedible grub and make sure you're all stocked up on tins!
It's time to pull the woolly jumpers and jackets out from the back of the wardrobe. Long sleeves and full-length jeans are a must for the coming months. Not only do they help hide that you haven’t shaved in weeks, but they’ll keep off the chill and look smokin’ with your fluffy winter boots. Thick and cosy pyjamas are also an essential, perfect for lounging round the house as you sip from your hot chocolate and think of all the indoor things you want to do before spring arrives.
Don’t forget to get your garden ready for the coming change too. Check out our article on how to prepare your outdoor spaces to make sure your home is ready for Autumn on the outside as well as the inside.
