The calendar says it’s fall, but the weather disagrees. Still, I feel fully entitled to the seasonal delights promised by the gods of autumn, aka advertisers. I can’t take any more catalogs featuring wind-swept, rosy-cheeked women dressed in light-sweater perfection. If I paid any attention to social media, I’d be convinced it was time to stroll under an orange-leafed tree with a hot pumpkin spice latte in hand. Since none of this is our current reality, we’re going to have to take matters into our own hands. We must conjure fall all on our own. But how?
We can start by dressing up our homes (both inside and out), incorporating all five senses. For sound, I’ve got a fall Spotify playlist going as often as possible. For touch, this indulgent cashmere blanket is a must. I’ll pull out my Half Baked Harvest cookbook to cook rich, warm recipes that smell and taste great. But what about the visuals? Not entirely sure how to tackle this sense, I decided to corral advice from professionals who make seasonal spaces come to life for a living. Ben Miller operates the The Judy Garlands, a holiday-focused pop-up of wreaths, garland and more. “I love using dried botanicals to bring in a little witchy spirit to the fall season,” said Ben. “I’ve been known to forage and haul back enormous branches and sticks to use in tablescapes and wall decor. My studio at Merchant House has a great selection of dried stems that can be used to build your own arrangements. I use fresh seasonal stems like those from The Secret Spot for a dose of rich autumn colors and layer in dried elements to capture that fleeting moment when flowers give their final flourish before winter arrives.” The Judy Garlands will soon offer presale on their holiday trees and, in addition, workshops for creating your own seasonal arrangements.
The Flower Shop by Kim Starr Wise provided us with guidance as well. They offered, “Peonies come back into season and there’s nothing quite like a lush peony (or ten!) to brighten your kitchen counter or dining room table. Also, as temperatures cool, we’re leaning into rich, jewel-toned palettes; burgundies, plums, ambers, rusts, and emeralds, bringing warmth and depth into floral arrangements and decor.” The Shop will be stocking seasonal fall foliage and branches including maple oak, and magnolia and berries, grasses and pods, to add natural dimension and lasting beauty. And for the additional olfactory pleasures of fall, they are excited to introduce La Feu de L’Eau’s new Edible Garden candle collection, with garden-inspired scents, including African Basil, Cardamom, Lemongrass Rosemary, and Citrus Geranium. They add, “It brings that fresh-from-the-garden feeling indoors and is perfect for cozy dinners and upcoming holiday celebrations.”
So, please go and manifest your own fall fantasy. As farfetched as it may be, I’m right there with you cheering you on, ignoring the obvious weather constraints. Let’s shop for pumpkins, table linens, candles, flowers, wreaths, anything it takes to create the Autumn we deserve.
Faux Leaf Garland, Sparkle & Swag
Mums, Perinos
Squirrel Tealight Holder, Hazelut
Acorn Mousepad, Alexa Pulitzer
Vegetable Taper Holder, Terrain
September Decorative Pillow, Maisonette
Amber Room Spray, Pied Nu
Medi Liquid Soap, Pied Nu
Juniper Wreath, Judy Garlands (presale sign up)
Le Feau de L’eau Candle in Cardamom, The Flower Shop
The Judy Garlands Shop
Velvet Ribbon, Sparkle & Swag
Painted Corn Door Hanger, Judy at the Rink
Embroidered Pillow, Eclectic Home
Sale & Event Picks:
Sept. 24-26: Customer Appreciation Sale 20% off, Hemline
Sept. 30 – Oct. 2: Brow Wow Flash Sale, Bopp Dermatology
Oct. 3 (5-9 p.m.): 25th Anniversary Party, Eclectic Home
