The Merits of Seasons, Agony of College Drop Offs and Comforts of Fall Decor

With every season there is new purpose.

The Merits of Seasons

Winter brings quiet. Our eyes soften as the sun takes backstage. Our bodies move less, sleep more, rejuvenate and gather strength.

In Spring we awaken. Our eyes begin to brighten as the sun moves back towards center stage and the colors begin to bloom all around.  

Summer is our season of go. Bright full sun, vacations, gatherings with friends and family. 

In Fall we soften. The summer sun’s glare is fading, our skin no longer exposed. Instead nestled into soft sweaters. Our sofas and chairs covered with throws, our rooms lit by candlelight and the soft glow of a fire. It’s a time for comfort.

The Heartbreak of College Drop Offs

Just as fall arrives each year, if you listen closely, you will hear a collective quiet sob that is filled with a sound that isn’t quite sadness. Perhaps a little joy. Perhaps a little despair.

In the midst of all the comfort fall provides, it also brings us college drop offs.

Collected treasures are packed up, theirs and ours, and moved into rooms with new roommates, freedoms and fears. Our souls soar and sink all at once.

Tears are shed, strength unknown is garnered as we walk away, leaving our babies’ to put to test all we have given them. Was it enough? Will they make friends? Will they wash their sheets?* Will they call?**

This year was my third college drop off. My last, as Colt is our baby. I could tell you it gets easier with each one, but that would be the baldface-est of lies. It does not. 

I have, however, gotten better at coping. I invite friends into our home to fill the quiet, made travel plans to avoid empty bedrooms and have switched out pillow covers, candles and pulled out all of my softest throws. 

With each newly covered pillow, pumpkin placed and a fall scented candle lit, it brings me closer to Thanksgiving. A time when Colt and our other boys will be sitting around my table and filling our home with laughter once again.

Notes from above.

*No.

**They always call when the money runs out, so divvy it out in the smallest of doses. 

Creating the Comforts of Fall Decor

My good friend, Raili, once paid me the highest compliment. “Your home is always so cozy.” She was snuggled under a blanket watching football, eating soup. That is exactly how I want people to feel in my home.

Creating a cozy fall home is as easy as color and texture. Caramels, browns, reds and terracottas for color and throws and pillows for soft texture.

Gingham is my current favorite color. Pillows shaped like pumpkins my second.

Fall is about soft textures. Beautiful throws make all the difference. Stack them on a chair or roll them into a basket.

Lighting is everything when setting a cozy mood. Candles with fresh fall colored flowers are a simple way to create fall vignettes on your tables.

Dimmers and faux stems can also be used to create a soft fall ambiance. I have dimmers on every light in my home including this newly added beauty over my dining room table.

Finally, I love a few strategically placed pieces of art like these acorns and my favorite fox.

What are your favorite ways to create fall in your home?