Bring a Touch of Fall into Your Life

This is, by far, my favorite time of year. I love the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp air on my face, the beautiful array of goodies available at the local farm stand and the smell of earth which surrounds me. I love hearing the breeze cascade over the trees carrying with it the full spectrum of rich fall colors. It makes me think of my childhood. It makes me think of my Dad.

Fall was also my father’s favorite time of year. The cooler weather meant more comfortable work days, late night rides on his Harley, the start of hunting season, and my father’s childlike anticipation of my mother’s famous Thanksgiving smoked turkey. My mother is a wonderful cook. My father waited all year for my mother’s Thanksgiving meal and he enjoyed every bite.

September 1st marks the start of “Our Season” in my family. It begins with my youngest sister’s birthday on September 5th, continues to my father’s birthday on September 9th, my middle sister’s birthday on October 13th, and concludes with my birthday on December  24th.  Sprinkle in Halloween and Thanksgiving and it was our best time of year as a family. My parents planned the best events during this time of year...the haunted hayride, the spooky walk, apple picking, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and we always had the best costumes. My favorite was my wicked witch of the west costume with its scalloped trim and appliqued half moon and star on the chest handmade by my mother. I wish I still had it. Its funny, when the anniversary of my father’s death comes in mid August I am pretty ok but as soon as we hit September first I have to fight to keep the tears away. I really miss him everyday.

I love incorporating the beautiful colors and energy of the season into my home. I love changing my decor each season or major holiday. It makes me feel as if I have a whole new home. January begins my winter theme which has beautiful winter whites and blues, spring is a mix of bright floral patterns incorporating 1930s reproduction prints, in June I transition to my Americana theme of red, white, blue, and gold, after September 11th I then transition into my fall theme and ending the year with my favorite holiday, Christmas, just after Thanksgiving. My husband often remarks that during the Christmas season it appears as if the North Pole “threw up” in our apartment. I find the entire process very cleansing and I encourage you to try the same in your home. It helps make you house proud! This is especially true when you are showcasing your handmade treasures.

What is so special about this “season” is that I had an opportunity to make new memories for this time of the year. My dearest friend, Victoria, is getting married this October. I met Vikki when we were 11 years old at William Paca Jr. High School. We were in 6th grade. We instantly had a connection as only kindred spirits do. She s the sister God let me pick and she is set to marry my husband’s childhood best friend. They were in scouts and grew up together. I knew of I put Ryan and Vikki in a room together long enough they would fall in love...All I can say is, I called it!

As the Matron of Honor in her wedding I was honored to host her bridal shower on September 10th at my mother’s home. The theme of the party was “Victoria Falling Head Over Heels for Ryan” and we came together with family and friends to celebrate their love. I incorporated the colors of the season using fall leaves, votive candles, small pumpkins, and mums. Guests were asked to bring their favorite memory of the bride and groom in addition to their gifts. My favorite part was surprising my best friend. The person who has been there for me through thick and thin. She has held me up when things have been tough. We have laughed together, cried together, had days where we were ready to kill each other and we will be friends forever. She was so happy with her shower and I am honored to have been able to do this for her.

My family was a huge help in the process. In addition to preparing food they helped with set up, clean up, and even serving. My wonderful husband, who’s skilled at what he calls “making other husbands look bad”, strapped on a apron and managed the entire party from behind the scenes. With the help of his person assistant, my sister Christina, the party when was perfect executing my “Master Schedule” in a manner of sheer perfection. The bride and grooms families were both wonderful preparing wonderful dishes and gifts. It was a wonderful day.

My gift to the bride and groom is what I called “A Lifetime of Heirlooms”. Each year they will receive a new handmade piece to display in their home. I started them off with Halloween, which is their favorite holiday. Next year they will receive an item for Christmas and so on. My friends and family tell me that there are serious benefits to having me around...I think they are right.

So my advice to you this fall...use the beauty and energy of nature to make you house proud. You don’t have to spend a ton of money. Get creative. Go to the craft store or your local quilt shop. Learn to sew! It will be the best thing you will have ever done for yourself. Get creative and take it one step at a time. You will get overwhelmed if you try to tackle the entire space at once. Start small with a table or an empty wall and then work your way out. We can all be house proud on any budget.

If you would like the contact information for either the favors or the towel cake please message me. I would be happy to provide it.

Happy Harvest

- Jeannie Sargent