Don’t you love the autumn season? The chilly temps have already had us turning on the heat and dressing in layers here in Northwest Connecticut. My little town is gearing up for tourist season. October is dedicated to “Leaf Peepers” in Kent.
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It’s a term I never heard until I moved here, so if it is foreign to you it’s okay – you aren’t the only one. Peepers are those who travel around in search of the glorious, unbelievably vibrant colors of the changing Autumn leaves. They are die-hard Sunday joy-riders and escapees from the city. Motorcyclists and hikers and novice photographers. People come in by the bus load like it’s a pilgrimage one must make before they die. It’s kissing cousins to a religious act – and why not? I mean, how often do people really stop to appreciate this beautiful world?
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Kent, CT, has won the title of The Best Foliage Town in New England by Yankee Magazine the past two years running. Not that the townspeople have much to do with it, but its a fact we are very proud of!
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Besides enjoying the seasonal scenery (& sweater weather), how do you get into the Fall spirit? I don’t have the patio to do this but if I did gourds and Indian corn, cornstalks, pumpkins, & mums would occupy every inch…
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with wreaths on the windows & doors…
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and my mantle (also something I don’t have) would be blessed with any variety of fall feeling paraphernalia…
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Leaves up to my shins in the courtyard remind me of when my sister and I did cannonballs into the piles of leaves Dad raked up.
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I love entertaining, but I love the party prep just as much. Personalized invitations, place cards, & party favors take a little extra effort, but they are charming and leave a lasting impression on your guests. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to do it, either. The Graphics Fairy is an indispensable resource for DIYers out there.
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Don’t forget the table centerpiece, which can be as subtle…
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or…
outrageous as your imagination takes you (or time allows).
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I crave comfort food when the temperatures drop. Don’t you? Soups, stews, and roasts are my favorite. Anything warm, rich, and decadent works, too. Luckily, Mother Nature plays along with my aesthetic preferences and provides a hearty, colorful palette of root vegetables and earth toned fruits, cheeses, & mushrooms.
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Any friend of mine knows that, as far as I am concerned, there is never a bad time for a cocktail. I don’t discriminate against warm or cold totties, but there are certainly times when a warm beverage can do wonders for chilly fingers. Mulled wine is one of my favorite things, a friend of mine can get very excited about hot buttered rums, and my mom makes the most amazing egg nog in the wholewideworld!
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Do you have a favorite? Fall pastime, decorating idea, childhood memory, or drink? Please share them with me. I’d love to hear from you!
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All images are from my Autumn Pinterest board.
Click on the link for image credits and more images, recipes, decorating ideas, and articles.
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