Don’t you love the first whispers of fall? Leaves become brilliant, crisp days and the promise of cider or hot chocolate around a bonfire dazzles the senses. Now is the time to compose your bucket list of things you don’t want to miss. Here’s ten to consider…
#10: Visit one community event. Tiny communities dot the landscape with their parades and harvest celebrations.
#9: Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze.
#8: Initiate a Friday Night Firepit time for unwinding. Put together a basket for s’mores and hot chocolate, and be ready to whip it out when friends drop by. Better yet, pick a few Fridays and send out the invitations.
#7: Gather your chili makins’ for the first cool day of the year.
#6: Get out you’re afghans and warm fuzzy blankets in anticipation of cool nights ahead. Repair or clean as needed.
#5: Football season is upon us! Pick a favorite NFL team to cheer. Find recipes for gameday delights and post game days on the family calendar.
#4: Get tickets to a local high school game and show your community spirit.
#3: Gather hats and gloves and scarves for a local charity to bless the less fortunate.
#2: Decorate your home for fall. Plaids, Indian corn, pumpkins and mums are the order of the dy.
#1–the big fall lallapalooza: Plan a family harvest party. It’s a wonderful ritual children and grands will enjoy. Embracing fall takes a person to make it happen, and don’t worry…we have you covered. From snacks to décor to activities, read on!
Begin by choosing a central activity or theme for your harvest party. This becomes challenging when you have hosted fifteen or twenty consecutive galas, and is even more challenging as children grow into teens. When they are young, having pumpkin flashlights and glow stick necklaces are enough to thrill their little hearts.
By middle grades scavenger hunts on various themes seem exciting. And when they become too cool for words, capture the flag is a hit. Check out these cool ideas and see what piques your interest.
If you haven’t started a big tub for fall décor, this is a good time to start. It’s not like dragging out boxes of Christmas lights, bulbs, candles, etc. It’s just way to take some key pieces and stash them for yearly use.
I begin pulling summer décor September 1st, and like to have the fall décor set up before I bring in deck plants and the first freeze. More on that next month! The Dollar Store and Salvation Army are good places to find pieces that don’t break the budget. Pumpkins are always appealing. If you don’t want the mess of carving one, use markers or just fall leaves around them for a lovely display. When in need of inspiration, Pinterest seldom disappoints. Go simple with a pumpkin carving station for littles or fancy with white pumpkins and berries. The idea is to either take first steps or branch out for new, more challenging ideas.
Food is the fun part! Caramel apples are fun for everyone. You don’t have to be a pumpkin spice aficionado to enjoy these Pioneer Woman recipes. Choose one that seems to good to miss. Plan for a family chili cook off and try some a twist on a timeless classic. Add cornbread or Indian fry bread for the win.
No matter how you embrace the fall, don’t let this fabulous season pass you by. Work and school and yardwork notwithstanding, everyone has time for a little fall. Make it inexpensive or make it over the top and memorable, just fall in love with fall.
