5 Quick and Easy Ideas to Get in the Mood for Fall... even if you're not quite ready.

I know so many of us want to ease into the Fall season, but it's too hot in August and early September to get much in the mood. As much as I love fall, digging into tubs and boxes in hot storage areas, dragging out a bunch of faux pumpkins, and slathering on the fake leaf garlands just isn't appealing when you're breaking out in a sweat. I'd much rather take an approach that's gradual and less stressful. 

There are a lot of posts out now about transitioning to fall, but each person's ideas on fall are different. So I'm sharing what works for me and how I go about making the change-up in my own style. Here are my own tried and true 5 Quick and Easy ideas to get me started.

1. Light a scented candle that smells like baked goods or the crisp outdoors. Love that smell of Fall!

Smells and fragrances are a sure thing on evoking a season or holiday. Nothing gets me more excited about Autumn than yummy pumpkin bread fresh out of the oven or a woodsy whiff of a bonfire.

Early Fall Changes on the Sunporch

Today, while writing this post, I lit my first fall candle of the season. It's woodsy, cinnamon-y fragrance is filling the house and I'm looking forward to getting started with some basic change-ups.

2. I'm all about fall and harvest colors to get me into the mood for the change from summer to fall. I remove lighter pastels, seashells, and patriotic themes first; anything that looks like summer. Then I focus on neutrals, and warm toned colors. Some of you like cool pastels for fall and that's beautiful, but I'm a warm hued person.

Some people like to leave their patriotic themed décor out through Labor Day, but I'm too ADD to let things sit that long. About the second week of July it's all packed away and I'm ready to start thinking about late summer and early fall.

3. Change up your pillows for fall color and add a light throw or blanket for some texture in hopes of a cool evening. Texture and harvest colors get you in the mood for cooler temps that will eventually get here.

Even in late summer and fall, you can begin transitioning to deeper hues of harvest, add some plaid to kick things up for fall.

4. Create a flower arrangement with Sunflowers and early fall blooms. Add naturals from your yard; a fall leaf or two, grasses and dried hydrangeas for more fall feels.

Early Fall Entry with a Botanical Print

5. Create a focal point or centerpiece with a tote, doughbowl, crate or basket filled with fall fruit and darker pottery and dishes. Pears, pumpkins, moss balls, and linens, bring out the fall mindset.

Paint Refreshed Tote

Embracing Fall in the Garden Room

Boho Quilt and the Fall Garden Room

Doughbowl and Pumpkin Centerpiece

6. And for a bonus, even if you're not ready to decorate the whole porch... Hang a fall wreath or fill a basket for the door on the front porch with seasonal faux flowers. This will immediately greet you and your guests with a bit of Fall expectation.

If decorating for any season feels overwhelming, take it step by step and one day at a time. A project a day or two a week can be easily accomplished if we pace ourselves. The idea is to have fun and enjoy the process! Happy decorating!