Tips for Simple Autumn Homemaking

A cool breeze rustles through the crimson and gold tinged leaves, and the smell of warm apple cider wafts through the air; fall has arrived. Pumpkins are carefully nestled on tables as festive decoration, while mom is busy shifting into the ebb and flow of a new season. The season of autumn homemaking has begun!

Autumn Transitions

As with each season, autumn brings with it a new set of needs and tasks around the home. Summer flowers and bright tablecloths are washed, folded and put away.

Pumpkins and acorns find their place amid the decor and orange, burgundy and copper placemats are pulled from their cozy drawer, ready to be used once more.

The transition into cooler days and colder nights brings with it the need for sweaters, blankets and warm fires: a shift in mindset and practical application.

Around the Home

As we transition into the autumn season, our homes are due for a little festive sprucing up. While not necessary for a put together and lovely home, I personally enjoy the cozy touches that a little bit of seasonal decor add to the overall aesthetic of a place.

Not only that, but I’m also prone to a chronic desire for change. So, tastefully decorating for each season gives me that little bit of change, while also tempering any tendency towards excessive extremes.

I think God created the different seasons, in part, for this reason.

A constant reminder that nothing is truly permanent in this life, but things are always moving towards something else: summer into autumn, autumn into winter, etc.

Decorations

I think we are all familiar with the staples of fall decorating: pumpkins, acorns, leaves in vibrant autumn shades, etc. The challenge comes when trying to decorate on a budget.

Or, trying to decorate but not over decorate (it is a veritable problem and can be done, I promise). A couple easy things that really add a sense of autumn to the air are:

• A couple of small pumpkins and a cinnamon scented candle as a table centerpiece
• A small sunflower bouquet sitting on an end table
• Plaid tablecloths or other such fall colored table coverings
• Pumpkins on the front porch
• Extra candles scattered throughout your living space (and lit frequently)
• Comfy throw blankets draping living room chairs

Smells

In addition to decorations, incorporating specific smells into your autumn homemaking is a great way to welcome fall!

Scents like:

• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Pumpkin spice
• Apple cider
• Ginger

Utilize candles, diffusers, or a good old-fashioned apple cider pot simmering on the stove to achieve the desired effect in your home.

In the Kitchen

What is autumn without all of the wonderful treats?

• Pumpkin pie
• Cider
• Apple Pie
• Pumpkin rolls
• Cobbler

The list goes on and on. Try your hand at some new fall treat recipes this autumn to spice up your kitchen.

Of course, there are the savory staples that also hearken to this season.

• Chili
• Stews
• Warm bread slathered in butter
• Lasagnas
• Stuffing

I’ve found that, while not everything changes in my meal planning once fall arrives, I do gravitate more towards hearty, warm dishes rather than salads and pasta.

Outside Looking In

As homemakers, I think an important part of creating an overall feeling of welcome in our homes begins outside, before anyone ever steps foot in your door.

This, as every other artistic decision within the home, looks different for everyone. For me, I find that having well-kept flower beds surrounding my porch and sidewalk leading up to the front door is how I start creating a homey, welcoming feeling.

With the change in weather, this looks more like mums and small pumpkins scattered throughout the beds, and a festive wreath on the door.

I find personal enjoyment from having a beautiful exterior to my home, and taking the time to care for the gardens.

That said, I know gardening, or even outdoor things aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, do what you feel is best for your home and leave the rest in the dust.

Final Thoughts on Autumn Homemaking

While autumn homemaking looks a certain way for me, and holds specific foods and traditions, it doesn’t have to look the same for you.

Something I’m coming to realize the more I interact in community with others is the need for each of us, as mothers, to find and embrace those things that work well for our family and leave the rest behind, regardless of the advice or advertising we hear.

So, take these musings as a spring board and find what makes your home more cozy and peaceful this autumn!

Other Homemaking Posts You Might Enjoy

Living Out Your Vocation as a Christian Woman and Homemaker

Old-Fashioned Homemaking: Forgotten Skills We Still Need Today

Making Healthy Choices for a More Nourished Home