Creating Fall Traditions with Family and Friends

Autumn is a gorgeous season filled with warm colors, crisp weather, and bountiful harvests. As we begin to prepare for the winter months ahead, now is the perfect time to create comforting fall traditions to share with family and friends.

Here are four ways to create lasting memories:

Join in on the harvest. Contact your local farm, fruit orchard, corn field, or pumpkin patch for a schedule of seasonal events. Whether it’s visiting the orchard to pick apples, enjoying a hayride, going horseback riding, or meandering through a corn maze, there is always something going on that the entire family can enjoy. These activities provide excellent backdrops for memorable photos and also give your visiting holiday guests an opportunity to enjoy your local fair. Who can resist a fresh baked apple pie or homemade cider – made with delicious apples you picked yourself?

Savor the great outdoors. Fall is a good time to reconnect with nature. Cooler weather makes​ participating in outdoor activities comfortable. Plan a visit to your state park or local zoo. Nature reserves, conservation areas, and parks have a wide variety of trails you can walk or hike through. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an adventure on foot. Make it a family tradition, or put it on your calendar yearly to share some quality time with your friends.

Decorate! The trees don red, yellow, and orange hues for autumn, so why not dress your home to follow nature? Fallen leaves and bare branches are just waiting for you to pick them up and use them in your next DIY project. Gather a few supplies and some friends for an afternoon of do-it-yourself decor. Glue fallen leaves to large white candles for fabulous fall lighting. Spray paint tall branches in gold and arrange them in a tall vase for an elegant and eye-catching centerpiece. Small gourds and miniature pumpkins gathered into a bowl will liven up consoles and coffee tables. Or, using heavy twine, tie approximately 80 pine cones into groups of threes. String each bunch together to create a striking garland. These simple projects will lend warm autumn textures to your home and last throughout the winter.

Nestle in. Fall is a season of balance. While it’s a wonderful time to go outside and play, it’s also a great time to cuddle up indoors. Establish a regular night for family time or potluck dinners with friends. Preparing for colder months means you can indulge in comfort foods like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, gourmet grilled sandwiches, and pumpkin pie. Stoke up the fireplace, provide warm blankets and hot chocolate, then cozy up with a few board games or a lively round of charades. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can still gather around a makeshift flame (candles, anyone?) to make classic s’mores or cheese-​fondue. When it comes to turning your home into a warm and welcome haven, the possibilities are endless!

 

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