Fall vibes are the best seasons of all seasons. With Christmas décor starting to pop up earlier and earlier, it’s begun to feel like Fall vibes are the forgotten season.  There just never seems to be enough time for a full autumnal spread!  Maybe you weren’t ready to let summer go just yet, or your neighbors already have Halloween décor out.  Regardless, if you don’t squeeze something in fairly soon it will be too late.  Here are a few tricks to make your home feel fall-ready with all the vibes…and without a full overhaul!

Trick #1: Go for Mums

Fall mums are by far the easiest way to make it look like you went all out.  They are inexpensive, readily available, and come in a great array of colors.  You can put small potted ones inside, medium ones on the porch, and drop larger ones into baskets and barrels in the flower beds.  Instant fall décor!  PRO TIP: Many local garden centers offer fall “porch pot” classes where you can plant your own arrangement of mums, hardy ornamental kale, and other fun plants.  And bonus – they’ll even show you how to care for it!  I can personally vouch for Westwood Gardens in Rathdrum – their fall porch pot class is excellent.

Trick #2: Start a Simmer Pot

Growing up with a woodstove Mom often had a simmer pot going.  The smell always transports me back to childhood, and it’s an easy way to scent your whole home for the season.  There is not really a recipe; just fill a pot with water and add in whatever will smell good, bring it to a boil, and reduce the heat to keep it at a low simmer as long as you like.  Citrus, cinnamon sticks, and star anise are popular combinations, but you can also use cranberries, bits of pine boughs, herbs, and even bark.  A few drops of essential oils can help with scent throw too.  PRO TIP: Any time I peel a lemon or orange I put the peels in a small container in the freezer.  They’re great for cleaning the garbage disposal (I run them through with a handful of ice cubes) but it is also wonderful to have them on hand for simmer pots.

Trick #3: Quick & Cozy

The quickest way to make your home look fall-ready is with cozy blankets and throws.  Perfect for couches and chairs they also look nice across the corner of the bed.  The texture is wonderful and even a warm evening can feel cozier with a comfy throw.  You can also ramp up that texture with fresh knitted covers for throw pillows to increase that hygge feeling.  PRO TIP: Fall is a great time for a new pair of cozy slippers and a warm robe.  The fall spirit is all about mindset!

BONUS TRICK: If you only have time to decorate one area, make it the front door.  It can be as simple as a wreath or maybe a porch leaner sign, but it’s something you (and everyone else!) will notice daily as you come and go.  It’s well worth the effort, even if Christmas is about to come knocking!