It’s an understatement to say that this is a unique fall, and a unique year. As the stresses and uncertainty of 2020 build, most of us are seeking safety and normalcy. We don’t have a magic wand that will make this year’s challenges disappear, but we have the next best thing: inspiration for turning your home into the sanctuary you’ve been craving. October in New England is all about comfort and care. From decor to cooking and entertaining, this month’s focus is turning your home into refuge for you and your family.
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Turn your home into a haven in a few simple steps. If you have a fireplace, light it on cool evenings and enjoy its welcoming glow. Fires draw us in and create a feeling of togetherness. Turn off the TV, put down devices, and take a few moments to share your day with your loved ones. Or simply be together. You may be surprised at how centered this quiet family time makes you feel. Lighting candles just as twilight approaches and the work day ends will also create a warm feeling in your home. Thoughtful touches, like burning fall-scented candles and placing a soft blanket near your favorite perch, make your home welcoming. Simple fall decor, like an owl pillow, or a basket of asters, is all that’s needed to make the most of the season. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. You deserve these little luxuries.
Gardens are an important part of our home and have the power to soothe and help us reset our emotions. They’re more valuable than ever, because they extend our living space. Creating an outdoor sanctuary that’s a natural extension of your home doesn’t have to be complicated, and October is a great time to plant in most parts of the country. The gardens below have a couple of things in common. They use plants to establish privacy and frame views. A simple pot of annuals draws visitors toward an entry. Trees and shrubs frame views and lead the eye to an attractive feature or entry. Hedges take time to establish, but can’t be beat for creating privacy and all-important enclosure. Gardening nurtures something elemental in us, and we hope you take advantage of crisp fall weather to mingle with plants.
This fall, Halloween celebrations may look and feel different from previous years, but don’t let that stop you from staging a fun-filled celebration for your family. The simple and easy snacks and beverages below will elevate any celebration and please the kids and adults in your family. Do you know the donut game? It’s been a Halloween party favorite for years in our neighborhood. Putting in just a little effort to throw a party for your family will make your tiny goblins feel like they’ve had a proper Halloween.
Roasting, braising, simmering. Fall cooking is mouthwatering and soul-satisfying. Mushrooms of all kinds are in markets now and this mushroom, herb, puff pastry tart is so easy to make it doesn’t really require a recipe. Best part? It’s savory and oh so delicious!
Home is a feeling as much as a place. If you’re very lucky, an entire region will feel like home, and that’s how we feel about New England. Short day trips to nearby villages or other attractions will help you make the most of fall. October in New England is famously crisp and bright, beaches are open, and outdoor activities continue unabated. We recently journeyed to the coastal village of Annisquam, on Cape Ann. The village hasn’t changed much over the decades, which is a major part of its charm. Working boats and pleasure craft mingle in the harbor alongside kayaks and canoes. The village boasts an outstanding farm-to-table restaurant, The Market, which is open seasonally. Biking or strolling the waysides makes a rejuvenating fall day trip.
We hope you’re inspired to turn your home into a haven that will sooth and strengthen both you and your family. What routines do you have to create family time? What are your favorite fall comfort food recipes? Comment below!
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