Having enjoyed a bit of an Indian summer we have been able to eke out that summer to winter transition a little bit longer. But, as we approach the end of October with the nights closing in and a definite chill in the air the time has come to embrace the changing of the seasons.
I was quite late to the party with the whole summer to winter wardrobe transition and only started doing it a couple of years ago, when I was promised swanky new wardrobes on the condition I shared them with my husband. For the previous umpteen years together he had been relegated using a wardrobe in the office next door to our bedroom. The only way I could accommodate this was to split my wardrobe into summer and winter. Purchasing good quality zip up bags with a transparent window that can be neatly stored under the bed was the first step. Then twice a year dedicate a whole morning/afternoon to making the seasonal switch . I can honestly say it has transformed my life. Twice a year as I unpack the bags I can see at a glance any pieces that have lost their allure, are a bit shabby or will no longer fit me so they can be sold on, sent to charity or binned. Items can be hung according to what they are i.e. dresses, coats & jackets, skirts and trousers, tops, jumpers and colour coded making it super easy to pick and coordinate outfits at a glance. If an item hasn’t been worn all season its either moved in or moved to the back of the wardrobe. I make a list of anything new I may need to update or complement an outfit so creating a whole new look.
This year I’m expanding this whole seasonal transition to my home…repainting the entire lounge in the gorgeous Hague Blue from Gardner’s, adding warm white LED string lights in warm white, a sumptuous Hawk’s Eye linen sofa from Maker & Son and finishing off with copper lighting and accessories. You don’t need to break the bank and do a whole room makeover. A few simple tricks that will take only a couple of hours will prepare your home for the change of seasons …
- The Living Room can easily be transitioned from season to season. Plain sofas and chairs lend themselves to all the seasons with a quick change of the decorative pillows and the addition of the lovely faux fur throw. The layering of the cow or reindeer hides on top of rugs adds a dimension of texture that creates a feeling of warmth.
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The Fireplace Whether you have an open fire, a wood burning stove or a gas fire, this is the time of year you need to prepare it ready for the winter. A chimney sweep is recommended at the start of every season before you light the first floor. Dig out and arrange the hearth kits and log baskets. Make a pretty arrangement of seasonal branches, lanterns, fruits, flowers and candles to decorate the mantel. Light the candles as the sun starts to set to create a warm glow and lovely ambience.
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The Bedroom Once you’ve made the wardrobe transition beds are perhaps the easiest thing in the home to change for the seasons. Sheets are relatively inexpensive these days and so why not have a few on hand to accompany the changing of the seasons. Perhaps flannel is what you are after for a warmer, cosier feel during the cooler days of fall. Toss on a few blankets, or a velvet or quilted throw to really welcome the Autumn.
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Accessorise A trip to the greengrocers is all it takes. Fill baskets and fruit bowls with piles of seasonal fruits; apples, clementine’s and nuts to create healthy and environmentally pleasing displays. Bundle up sticks and branches from the garden and display in tall vases. Fill glass vases with pine cones and light them up with sparkly led battery string lights. Add a couple of seasonal plants to your entrance hall to create a beautiful setting. While the temperatures are certainly cooler, we will have many warm evenings ahead of us and therefore it is not too cold to stop entertaining outdoors. When the evening air begins to give your guests a chill, leave warm blankets available for everyone to use. Consider entertaining near a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace to generate some warmth and make your night that much more memorable.
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The Garden While the temperatures are certainly cooler, we will have many warm evenings ahead of us and therefore it is not too cold to stop entertaining outdoors. When the evening air begins to give your guests a chill, leave warm blankets available for everyone to use. Consider entertaining near a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace to generate some warmth and make your night that much more memorable. Use led lanterns or outdoor string lights to create a magical atmosphere. These lights were a best seller last winter and are now back in stock! Perfect to transform your garden into a magical winter wonderland!