Cooler days, longer nights, busier schedules. Autumn changes more than just the color of the trees. It's time to celebrate Fall by gearing up for seasonal fun. Try one or more of these ideas to add a little zing to the new season.

1) Cozy Up

Add some touches of fall to your home decor. Add a few foliage colored pillows or warm throws to your rooms. Don't forget cushy blankets or comforters for the bedroom and maybe leaf-colored sheets.

If you like to knit, crochet or sew, this is a great time to create jewel tone scarves and hats for yourself or friends.

Got family or friends you don't see as often as you did in the summer? Warm up their hearts by sending them a quick note letting them know you are thinking of them. Notes tucked into lunch boxes or brief cases also chase away chills from the heart.

Hang a Fall themed wreath on your front door so people will feel warmed and welcomed when they visit.

Do you have a fireplace? Does it need any new accessories to make you home feel warmer? Does your mantel need dressing up? Seasonal decor adds a touch of warmth even when there is no fire burning.

2) Evening Entertainment

Board games are a great way to spend a chilly, dark evening. Prepare for the fun by inventorying your supply. Are there any games you no longer use or have outgrown? Donate them to charity. Need to add some new favorites? Ask friends for suggestions or Google 'board game award winners' for ideas.

There are at least two good ways to organize board games. You can stack the boxes on their sides on a shelf so that you can see the labels at a glance. You can also remove the boards from the boxes and place all the pieces in a clear plastic bag. Stack all your boards together and place your bags of pieces, clearly labeled with the names of the games, into a basket.

Inventory DVDs and books too. Give yourself some new titles to look forward to. If you can't afford or don't want to buy new, check out the various book and movie swap clubs online. Thrift shops are another great source of inexpensive entertainment.

Recorded books (on CD or downloaded to mp3 players) make great evening entertainment for both children and adults.

3) Schedule Something for You

Will your fall involve lots of waiting time for lessons, car pools or appointments? Make that down time fun by planning ahead for it. Pack a small craft or needlework project that you can do in the car or in a waiting room. Bead stringing and sock knitting are both easy to do in a confined space. Or, bring a book or magazine you've been eager to read.

Crosswords, word search or suduko puzzle books make wait time more fun. You could even pack a small manicure kit and do your nails while sitting in your car--with adequate ventilation, of course.

4) Office Opportunities

You don't have to have students in your household, to enjoy school sales. Stock up on discounted supplies for yourself and your office. Look for patterned or colorful office supplies to add some fun to your office.

Speaking of workspace, try bringing a touch of Fall to your desk. Check out craft stores for autumn floral arrangements or make your own from collected leaves.

And don't forget the scents of fall. If your coworkers don't object, try a spice scented candle or air freshener close to your computer. Whole cloves or cinnamon sticks in a small jar can add natural autumn aroma to your work day.

5) Plan for Pleasure

It's not too early to begin thinking of the upcoming holidays. Spend some time today dreaming over what you'd like your holidays to include. Is there anything you'd like to do differently than you did last year? How about favorite or new recipes you'd like to add to your holiday feasts? Any new people you want to invite to celebrations? New seasons are a great time to think of new ideas.

Try asking your friends or family what their dreams for the upcoming holidays are also. You might be surprised to learn about the things or events that are most valuable to them. It may not be what you think or usually include. You might even make a family project of creating a poster with magazine pictures or drawing of what your clan would like the season to include.

After you and your family daydream take time to jot down your ideas. That list will give you a great start to your fall to-do-list.

Whatever you envision for this new season, make sure to add in some fun!

 

---

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!™ Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com