Labor day has come and gone, which means the unofficial start of fall is upon us. And what, you may ask, is the pinnacle of the fall season? Thanksgiving, of course. If you’re a planner, you're probably already in menu planning mode (because it's never too early), mapping out your tablescape in your head, taking stock of your mismatched dinnerware, and getting ready to clean every corner of your home (because now's as good a time as any).
The light at the end of the holiday prep tunnel? Eating as much of this easy foolproof pumpkin pie as your stretchy pants will allow is a bit of a bonus. Wait—did we mention this recipe needs no crust? It doesn’t.
Below, our favorite, easy ways to make our homes look and feel as cozy as an oversized cable knit sweater-embrace.
1. Amp Up Your Curb Appeal
Guide your guests straight to your front door with the best decor on the block. Give your porch a good sweep, air out those welcome mats, line up the entryway with some choice winter squashes, and hang a cheerful wreath on the door. In fact, did you know how simple it is to make one yourself?
2. Air It Out
Once inside, your small-but-mighty squad will inevitably be greeted by all of the wonderful holiday cooking smells. To balance out all the heady aromas, create a homemade scent for some seasonal cheer. Throw some clove-spiked citrus fruit in a bowl on the coffee table or, separately, get a big simmer pot going.
3. Make Use Of The Mantel
Nothing says fall quite like a mantel styled with greenery, candles, and all manner of odds and ends. We’re willing to bet this is where you’ll snap a family portrait as well, so it’s worth trotting out your best candlesticks and favorite framed art to liven up the space.
4. Light The Way
The days are definitely getting shorter, which has us reaching for the light switch more often than we'd like. To make things feel better, you could add some candles to the lighting mix. Candles do more than just brighten up a room—they can totally transform a space, creating a warm glow for any holiday gathering. For the dining table, load up on shorter candles and votives—we'd recommend staying away from anything too scented, or candles that are too tall (awkward for conversations!). And consider our favorite on-demand ambience for high-traffic areas where they'll get in the way of kids and pets.
5. Incorporate Dried Stems Throughout
Harvest-hued maize and corn stalks are a fall porch staple, but the same bunny tails, preserved eucalyptus, and dried florals you love all year long feel right at home with your Thanksgiving decor. The muted tones and resemblance of naturally fallen leaves make dried arrangements a perfect fit on side tables, mantels, credenzas, and more this fall.
6. Grab A Spirited Drink
If you're stocking a bar cart, you'll need a killer non-alcoholic mixer. You can also add festive accents, in the form of hammered copper shakers, a classic flask decanter, and handblown glassware to set the tone for a stylish holiday season. Finally, show off your amateur mixology tricks with this infusion set, which comes with 7 pre-made infusions.
7. Gather 'Round The Holiday Tabletop
The dining table is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving Day. Make it as welcoming as the delicious spread to come: Mix and match your favorite dinnerware; skip ironing the linens for a more casual look; throw in some natural table decor (like clementines atop plates, or woody herbs to tie up those perfectly rumpled napkins). Here are some show-stopping (and foolproof) tablescapes that’ll ensure the most important things stay front and center: food, friends, and family.
8. Pull Together A Centerpiece
Despite what you might think, a stunning centerpiece need not be a lot of work or a ton of fuss. A gathering of harvest fruits, a collection of candlesticks, or a few dried stems in mismatched bottles are all you need to make a table look intentional. Share it on Instagram, while you’re at it—you still deserve the accolades even with a limited number of in-person admirers.
9. Put Out Place Cards
Of course, place cards contribute to an overall sense of pre-planning, even if you scribbled them out minutes before guests arriving, but what about those who couldn’t make it this year? Here us out on this one: putting out place cards for those not physically attending might be quite a nice way to keep them feeling included. You’re bound to patch one or two family members in via video call, and the thoughtful addition of their names on place cards might help bridge the gap.
In the same vein, video calls often feel like they fall flat, especially when compared to the warm fuzziness of gathering in someone’s home. Forced as it may seem, it’s helpful to participate in activities like trivia or charades, since it gives everyone on either side of the phone a reason to remain engaged.
10. Line It Up For Dessert
While your crew takes a little break from the big main meal, you can get the next course ready. Try setting up a more laid-back spread for all the sweet treats that await. Warm up your coffee jugs and teapots, line up your favorite mismatched mugs, and parade your desserts on a few cake pedestals.
11. Think Ahead To A Total Revamp
Okay okay, this isn’t technically a decorating idea so much as a design idea, but we can’t help ourselves from plugging this roundup of kitchen trends we’re seeing for this fall. Think: darker wood tones on cabinets, earthy, terracotta tiles, and vintage elements make 2021 the year of the cozy kitchen. We’re calling it!
12. Whip Up A 15-Minute Table Setting
Who says place settings need to be intricate in order to be elegant? Not us, that’s for sure. Some of our favorite fall place settings, in fact, are shockingly simple to throw together. Among our favorites: pears as place cards, blue and white china as the focal point, and neutral linen on linen.
Bonus: Kick Back & Relaaax...
With all the hardworking behind you, you deserve a rest. Go ahead, get that fire roaring. Make sure your living room and any outdoor lounge areas have plenty of cushy pillows and cozy throws for added warmth. Settle in with a warming beverage, and watch the games (or shut your eyes for a well-deserved catnap while others do).
Or if you still have energy to spare (you have our utmost respect), gather around for a board game or two. Nothing quite like it to rally the family around.