by Carol Gioia

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: March 12, 2011

A chill in the air is the first hint that Mother Nature is about to debut her most colorful season for our visual feast.  Glancing out the window at the thriving gold and yellow mums along the back fence border, I realize that It is time to get busy and cozy up my home by bringing a touch of autumn indoors.

During my brisk early morning walks, I periodically stoop down to collect a jeweled rainbow of freshly fallen leaves. Squirrels scurry here and there, gathering tidbits for their own winter nests.

A trip to the local pumpkin farm garners small pumpkins, multi-colored gourds and Indian corn complete with husks. On the way home, I stop at the local Farmers' market and purchase a mini-harvest of fruits and vegetables.

A Fall wreath of leaves, pine cones and berries on the front door and a group of pumpkins on the stoop announce that my home has embraced the new season.

In the living room, a huge vase of chrysanthemums in yellows and golds graces the coffee table. Throw pillows of brown, rust and gold are scattered about the couches and coordinating plaid throws rest on the arms of the chairs.

Framed pictures of grandchildren in Halloween costumes, collected over the years, are grouped on the shelf, with tiny gourd pumpkins interspersed among them. Leaves serve as coasters for the candles on the end tables. The results of my effort are pleasing to me; my living room is comparable to a warm autumn hug.

The dining room table boasts a centerpiece of apples nestled in a large crock. A bushel basket of the same crisp fruit rests on the hearth. The mantle is banked with leaves, gourds, Indian corn and small pumpkins. My antique black watering can, holding a bouquet of fresh leaves and stemmed berries, sits proudly on the sideboard buffet.

Black candlestick lamps and lit pillar candles are all the illumination needed when dusk falls and my family gathers at the table by the fireplace in this festive room for our evening meal.

In the kitchen, the aroma of a hearty vegetable stew seeps from the slow cooker. A basket of oranges, lemons, pine cones and nuts perches at the far end of the countertop. Tomatoes line the windowsill, ripening in the rays of the late afternoon sun. I set out new pumpkin-embroidered hand towels and a matching oven mitt.

After putting the kettle on to brew a cup of tea, I wander from room to room, assessing my handiwork, acknowledging to myself that my home easily reflects the spirit of the season.

By the small effort of bringing some of autumn's glorious color and bounty indoors, my home reflects a cozy and inviting refuge all during the Fall season.

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