Summer is officially over.  My only question is “Where did it go?”  But I can already smell a bit of fall in the morning air and feel a touch of autumn chill in the evening.  While there are many ways to bring the loveliness of fall into your home decorating here are just 5 quick ideas to get you started.

1. The good old standby–new throw pillows.  This year choose warm and cozy fabrics like suede, velvet and chenille or patterns like plaid and checks.  Don’t forget to add trim to raise the cozy factor.
2. Replace your candles with colorful rust, orange, gold and green colors with scents like pumpkin pie, evergreen, mulberry etc. 
3. Even if your kids are all grown up, showcasing a collection of “first day of school” photos or those school pictures we all had taken, is a fun conversation starter and you will enjoy the memories they evoke.   You can display these on your entry way console, the kitchen bulletin board or console table in the family room.  Choose frames with a warm finish such as rubbed bronze, burnished brass  or wood to add to the autumn feel.
4. Line the walkway to your front door with luminaries to light the way as the sun sets earlier.  You can use battery operated candles with a timer so they automatically come on.  Purchase small lanterns or use old glass jars filled with glass chips from the crafts store.  Place a small tealight inside and voila!  you have a luminarie.  These are a nice change from the landscape lights normally used.
5. Place a beautiful wreath made from natural materials on your front door.  I prefer a simple grapevine wreath with no adornments.  You can make your own or purchase one from many sources such as your local home improvment store, craft store etc.  Pinecones, corn husks, natural vines and berries are all suitable for fall.

There you have it….5 quick tricks you can do in just one day to welcome the changing season.