It's time to decorate

Okay.....I hereby declare it..."time to switch to fall".  Let's just go ahead and make the change from summer.  Here's how............First, get a big empty laundry basket and go around the house gathering all the tired old summer decorations.  That includes, but is not limited to, patriotic July 4th stuff, stale Easter eggs, seashells from the family vacation, dusty silk geraniums. This is going to energize you, I promise.  Place all this carefully on the attic shelves that you have labeled and decorated for that particular season..............no, Martha, just cram it in the first half-empty closet you come to.  Of course, dump it out of the laundry basket so you can use it in the next step.

Now, I've found that this is definitely the time to "layer".  It will save you time later on in September.  Choose the strategic spots you want to focus your efforts on, i.e., mantel, entryway, buffet, cocktail table, etc.  (Don't overlook the tops of cabinets, entertainment centers etc.  They're just begging for a finished look.)  Get that laundry basket out again and gather your fall garlands of colorful leaves, pine cones, dried hops, acorns etc.  Spread them around as your first "layer".  Those will be the basis for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving.  Concentrate on making a colorful display of leaves, wreaths, and grassy reeds!  Don't forget the door and entryway.  (If you do those first, all your neighbors will think you've already completed your fall change-over and be quite jealous ! They don't need to know you're inside wrestling with that laundry basket.)  Use some gorgeous fall ribbons for extra color.

That layer will carry you for a few weeks and get you in the spirit.  Use autumn scents in your candles and Lampe Berger to help you forget that it's 92 degrees outside.  In late September, all you'll need to do is add your Halloween decor ON TOP of this layer.  Then, November 1st take out Halloween and add some pilgrims and turkeys.  You're good to go until ho-ho time!

Now, take that laundry basket, toss it down the basement stairs, and shut the door ! Voila !  It's fall..................