Ahh, the 5 senses of the autumn season are among my favorites of the year! On this Creating A Welcoming Home Thursday, let's focus on a few little things to enhance our family's enjoyment of this month of Thankfulness!
Sight -- Switching just a few things around from the "Boo" objects of October to items of fall bounty will do the trick! Leave pumpkins and gourds, scatter fall leaves found on a family walk, and place bundles of wheat or branches on the mantle or table. Light the 1st fire of the season! Add some of the accent colors found in nature: reds, oranges, browns, golds...it'll make everyone feel warm and festive! Do a family craft time and have everyone write down something they're thankful for on a paper leaf...add to a pretty branch placed in a vase for a table display/centerpiece, then add the leaves to your scrapbook later!!
Smell -- Light a lovely smelling candle (I'm just a wee bit partial to Yankee's Home Sweet Home scent!), bake an apple or spice cake, and air out the house on a day that's a little warmer for some fresh, crisp fall air before the house gets shut tight for winter!
Taste -- Carmel apples, pumpkin pie, s'mores, pecan pie, pot roasts, chicken pot pies, chili & cornbread...and let's not forget the turkey dinner! Yum!!! My mouth is a-watering already! These foods give our families a warm, cozy feeling -- they call it comfort food for a reason, y'all! :)
Sound -- The sound of a crackling fire, crunchy leaves during a walk, and prayers before a family meal are all blessings! Take time to enjoy each sound during this season, and be Thankful for the little things!
Touch -- Place a cozy blanket or quilt on the beds and one by the couch for snuggling on chilly evenings. Use fabric napkins in a fall color for meals...they are sturdy, pretty, washable, and less wasteful than paper! Pull out the fall/winter clothes and place away the summery things...a warm sweater is wonderful! Give lots and lots and lots of hugs to family and friends this Thanksgiving!!! Touch someone's heart by giving a donation to a local food pantry, coat drive, or shelter.
Let's focus on the simple things this November, and be THANKFUL for all of the blessings in our lives!!!
Let's focus on the simple things this November, and be THANKFUL for all of the blessings in our lives!!!
How are you going to enjoy this season to be THANKFUL???
22 comments:
I am chuckling at your comment on my blog, and too think....you didn't list my things in your Welcome Home 5 senses post....hee hee.
We are so glad you're back.
I LOVE The Yankee Home Sweet Home but I haven't been able to find it anywhere!!!!! I got it as a housewarming gift about 3.5 years ago and have searched high and low since. Where do you find it?
Jessica --
I got mine at the Linens N things closeout sale! They're going out of business, so everything is on sale!
Blessings,
Stacey
Your ideas are just wonderful!!! I love that candle too!!! Tonight, we have no where to go...and I was thinking a fun movie..fireplace and hot chocolate..no school tomorrow!!
You captured November perfectly!
-sandy toes
Great post, Stacey. I do love this time of year also. It's so nice to enjoy Autumn right before the crazy starts.
I'm finally learning to enjoy fall! I was so sad when summer left, but I'm happy with fall now so all is great!
I like the idea of giving to a food pantry or something in someones name as a gift for the holiday since we all know we don't need more stuff!!
You've given the perfect picture of what Fall holds.
I couldn't agree with you more about staying focused on the simple things. It really is the simple things that I am truly thankful for.
Stacey, I just hopped over to your blog from Kim's@Seasons of my Heart, using your (very cute, by the way) blinkie. I had to chuckle at your fabulous taste, since we used the same scrapbook stuff for our blogs!
I love this post, and I will definitely be coming back to visit more! Love the whole sight, sound, smell sensory stuff. You are very inspiring!
I just feel warm all over reading this post. I'm keeping up my pumpkins, lighting our fireplaces, snuggeling under warm quilts and enjoying time spent with my family. They are the reason that I am so thankful.
All of your ideas sound so wonderful!
I am so looking forward to going home tonight and having a nice cup of vanilla cocoa after reading this
Such great ideas Stacy! Smell has got to be my favorite thing--a good candle makes a home seem so cozy. About your question on my blog--I use min wax gel stain--special walnut color (not sure what is special about it, but I think it is darker).
I taught a class once on the 5 senses as it pertains to design. I really like this approach. I really like this post as well.
Excellant ideas
T
Yes! So many people just ignore these easy things, and it is all I can do to not to bring a candle to some of my friends' houses just to make it more welcoming!
Carrie
I agree..we need to all stop and pay attention to all the details of the season. The beauty is amazing!!! Again, I'm really glad you're back.
Wonderful ideas. I love that candle too. I love a day when our family can be home with candles lit, snuggled in blankets and playing games together... along with some of the yummy treats you mentioned of course! :)
What GREAT ideas!!! I too love Yankee Candles...in fact, a new Yankee Candle store JUST opened and I received a $10.00 coupon so I just may need to check out the Home Sweet Home candle.
Have a BLESSED fall.
Autumn is my favotite season! Maybe because I love ALL that goes along with Autumn. I made home made chicken and dumplings tonight and burned a Pumpkin Spice candle...smelled like Thanksgiving in my home! I spent 3 hours putting my front flower garden "to bed" and walked inside to those wonderful scents. I also left some nice music playing, so I would hear it after working so hard out doors.
...my candle was a Gold Canyon candle
Very well said all the things that make our house warm and enjoyable.
Your wonderful descriptions became so vivid in my mind ... now to get them in my house ... thanks for the inspiration!
Love your list of things for the season. By far, this is my favorite season...a time of thankfulness for all my blessings.
Great post...I had a gingerbread latte yesterday and sat for the longest time just breathing in the goodness! :-)
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