Get Your Whole Life Ready with This All-Inclusive Fall Preparation List
The leaves are beginning to turn, the days are slowly getting shorter, and football is back on TV. So, break out your sweaters and the pumpkin spice — it’s time to kiss summer goodbye! From swapping out your wardrobe to prepping your home, here’s how to get your whole life ready with our all-inclusive fall preparation list!
Start at Home
Are you ready to get your home ready for fall? Make the most of the season by incorporating these tips and tricks!
Get Ready for Fall Fashion
Autumn typically means cooler temperatures — and fun fall fashion! Prepare for fall by swapping out your summer seersucker and sandals for cozy sweaters and scarves.
First things first: clear out some closet space! Begin by boxing up summer staples you know you won’t be wearing this fall, think swim gear, flip-flops, and super-lightweight fabrics. But don’t pack away all of your skirts, shorts, and tanks just yet! Instead, continue wearing some of your summer favorites with these fall layering tips! Pair your favorite tank or sundress with a cozy cardigan or trusty denim jacket Pop a neutral turtleneck under your favorite easy summer tank dress for an on-trend 60’s inspired look Layer tights under shorts and skirts — for added warmth, choose a cable knit pair! Then, choose a chunky knit sweater or long sleeve top for a chic-but-cozy fall look.
To maximize your transitional wardrobe, opt for close-toed options like sneakers, flats, boots, and booties. When in doubt, accessorize — and warm up — with a scarf or hat!
Declutter Before You Decorate
Turning leaves may have you itching to dig out cozy blankets, seasonal candles, and Halloween decor — but pump the brakes! After a busy summer season, it’s time to declutter.
The first step in getting your home ready for fall? Take inventory of your home Mari Kondo style. Yep, that means if you don’t love it, it’s time to toss it. Start by trashing anything you no longer need, like expired cosmetics, old papers, and magazines.
Once you have the clutter cleared away, create a donation pile. Start with old clothes, shoes, and accessories you no longer wear. Then, move on to old books, toys, and furniture. Once your home is neat and tidy, it’s time to enjoy the season — and break out the fall decor!
Incorporate Seasonal Decor
Now comes the best part of getting your home ready for fall — decor! From warm, rich tones to Hygge’s nature-inspired decorations, incorporate the colors and textures of the season. Whether you’re in the mood to DIY your autumn decor or are putting together a shopping list, here are some tips to help you decorate your whole house for fall!
- Decorate your mantle with a faux fall leaf garland
- Sprinkle in pinecones
- Fill vases with sunflowers, pampas grass, or wheat cuttings
- Fill metallic or mercury glass votives with tea candles — go flameless
- Swap out your doormat for a festive, fall-inspired mat
- Use pumpkins and gourds (real or faux!) to create centerpieces and top tables and shelves
- Swap out your wall art for something seasonal
Looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of autumn decor? Create your own and get fall festive at Painting with a Twist! And, don’t forget the candles! From sweet pumpkin pie to spiced vanilla chai, a seasonal candle can help set the mood for autumn.
Add Ambiance with Lighting
While fall marks the beginning of the holiday celebrations, it also brings the end of daylight savings time — and likely more time indoors. If the shorter days tend to leave you feeling down, a few simple lighting swaps can help!
Warm light is easy on the eyes, both literally and figuratively! In addition to creating a cozy atmosphere, a warm glow creates less eye strain (and can even help you sleep better!) than white or blue-based lights. Therefore, warm lighting is the perfect choice for your living area, bedroom, or anywhere you want to chill. Embrace the cozy vibes with Edison bulbs, warm-toned string lights, and wall sconces.
On the other hand, if you’re constantly feeling sleepy or battling a poor mood, you’re probably feeling the effects of less sunshine! Use white, bright lighting to mimic daytime sunlight in your home office, craft room, kitchen, and any areas where you need to get detail-oriented. If you tend to catch the fall and winter blues, consider purchasing a special lamp intended for light therapy.
Make Lifestyle Swaps
Sip and Snack on Festive Fall Flavors
A sure sign fall is near? The return of pumpkin spice everything! Fill your kitchen with seasonal beverages and get ready to prepare your favorite fall meals.
Fall is the perfect time to sip on a hot drink! Savor the flavors of the season with seasonal coffee creamers, apple cider, or your favorite spiced tea.
Let your taste buds know autumn is here by preparing your favorite comfort foods and fall dishes. Create meals that incorporate seasonal produce, like chili or butternut squash soup. Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade pumpkin or apple pie.
Make Time for Mindfulness and Self Care
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by travel plans, shopping lists, and endless fall activities. Wondering how to make the most of fall even when things get busy? Slow down with mindfulness and make time for self-care.
Mindfulness can take many forms. Whether you choose to walk, meditate, journal, or pick up another relaxing craft or activity, it’s important to incorporate screen-free time into your routine. If you’re really looking to get creative, our Zen Painting Events set the stage for a relaxing, mindful experience.
It’s also essential that you make space for some quality “me time.” Get prepared by creating your own self-care kit. Then maintain a self-care routine to help you look and feel your best this fall. Whether you prefer to take a long, relaxing walk, journal, slip into a bath with a pumpkin scrub, knit, or paint, mindfulness and self-care are vital!
Embrace Seasonal Activities
Sweater weather is the perfect time to gather with friends and family. Whether you prefer to take in the fall foliage outdoors or snuggle up indoors, there are plenty of amazing experiences to be had this fall. Call up your loved ones and start filling your calendar with this list of fall activities:
- Tailgate at football games
- Host a game night
- Enjoy the cooler temps with a scenic hike
- Plan a weekend camping trip
- Plan a movie night
- Spend the afternoon apple picking
- Gather around a bonfire
- Visit a winery
Looking for more fall bucket list inspiration? Check out this guide!
Welcome Fall with Painting with a Twist
Now that you’re prepared for the season, it’s time to sit back and relax. Capture the magic of the season by booking a Painting with a Twist Zen Painting event! Enjoy a relaxing evening of painting where you can create your own piece of autumn home decor. Visit your local studio today and get ready for a fall-festive time!
