Monday, September 13, 2010

Keepin' my home warm and inviting this Fall

I came across a homemakers blog this morning as I was looking for some fresh inspiration as to keeping my home cozy this fall. Thought I'd join in and swap ideas with other homemakers.
My kitchen would be more inviting if....... I kept my dishes done up! I love to cook and bake, but unfortunately, I am the world's worst dish-washer. I have a sign in my kitchen that says, "This kitchen was perfectly clean yesterday... Sorry you missed it"
My best tip for making my home seem more welcoming.... I'd have to say that putting up the extra effort to decorate things nicely helps a lot. I am making a fall wreath to hang on my door. When ever someone has a beautiful wreath on their door, I always wonder what the rest of their home is like. A beautifully set table makes a person wonder what wonderful food is going to adorn the plates. And MUSIC! I think music in the background of any day helps to set a mood that feels warm and welcoming.
To give the feeling of warmth in my home..... I, too, light yummy smelling candles. I think candles that smell like baked goods are the best in the fall. I get into baking breads and pies once the weather turns cool. Candles can add that little bit of ambiance as well. What is it about a flame or a fire that is so welcoming... you just want to linger, like a camp fire draws people to hang out quietly for hours.
In the cool months, it is essential for me to..... pull out the down comforters, electric blankets and flannel sheets. I love to crawl into a warm bed. By the way, I don't put all those on our bed! Hahaha! We'd roast. Comforter on our bed, electric blankets for the kids.
Some favorite Autumn/Winter recipes are.... applebutter made from my apples in the backyard, cinnamon rolls, french bread, and SOUPS!!!! My kids know that every fall, soup will be for dinner often. Their favorite? What we call Poor Man's Soup... soup that consisted of bits of vegetables and dried beans one season when we were very broke. We make it annually, and thank God for faithfully providing for our needs.
A quick tip for making our house more inviting.... Laughter! No one wants to visit with someone who is negative or griping. We try to laugh often in our home. Laughter comes easily when seated around the table for dinner or while playing a board game. I think of a quote from a book I once read... "God is most glorified when we are satisfied with Him." Joy is contageous! Spread the JOY!
Ok, so it's time for me to start my day, get up from the computer and make my home ready for another week. Thanks girls for the ideas and inspiration!