Fall is finally here. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping and the pumpkin lattes are flowing. This is a great time of year to get your house holiday-ready for all the cozy times to come! Here are some helpful ways to stay warm and toasty (and stylish) this season:

• Pack- up and pick-up summer: It’s time to put away the sea-themed décor and clothes and pull out the deep-jeweled colored decorations and sweaters. Who says spring is the only time for cleaning? Give your living space a deep scrub in-between packing and unpacking for a fresh and clean start to the season.
• Prepare for the weather: You can’t get cozy if the wind is blowing through your windows. Check for drafts around your house with a candle (hold it near suspicious draft areas and see if the flame flickers). If you do find drafts – consider plastic window insulation to ensure drafts are kept at bay (along with your heating bill).
• Drape it on: For an extra-step on stopping drafts, consider swapping out drapes in lighter colors/fabrics for heavier material, deeper colored window coverings. This will not only add to the warm décor, but will also make a difference in just how warm you stay. You can also drape warm fuzzy blankets in soft textures on couches and chairs to encourage people to warm up when they arrive.
• 100 ways to pumpkin: Use pumpkins for everything from baking to décor. Use a hollowed-out pumpkin as an ice bucket for a party and bake the seeds for a snack for guests. You can also think outside the box of just carving pumpkins, and consider painting them or drilling holes in them in a pattern for some sweet seasonal art.
•  Stalk your house: Cornstalks add great fall flare to any front porch. You can also make cornstalk wreaths to hang on your door to welcome friends into your autumn paradise.
• Skirt your tables: Bare-legged tables look breezy and cool in the summer, but take advantage of the décor space for autumn and drape cloth over a table to the floor in a festive color. This will add a new dimension to the room without much effort.
• Let there be candlelight: Light seasonally-scented candles around the house (safely) for an extra-cozy glow to accentuate the season. Candles add to the over-all ambiance of a room and can add that extra touch of warmth you were looking for.
• Swap you dishes: Trade in your regular dishware for some fall-themed patterns. Make sure to include some large mugs for all the hot chocolate the upcoming season has to offer!
• Change your sheets: Swap your regular sheets for cozy-flannel. You can also change out that summer bedspread for one in a fall color like wine, grey, mustard yellow or soft rose.