Autumn Experiences

WHEN I WAS A KID, we had a big yard full of beautiful oak and maple trees. When they let go of their leaves for the year, my diligent father spent hours raking them up.

But before Dad hauled them away, he made a humongous pile for me and my siblings to play in. The crispy, crunchy, earthy-smelling pile was so much fun to run through, jump into and bury each other in. Along with the massive blanket forts we constructed on the clothing lines, the time spent frolicking in the leaf pile is one of my fondest childhood memories.

Another wonderful autumn experience for me is wandering through a farmers market (or even up and down the grocery aisles) when the bounty of pumpkins, gourds, ‘mums, zinnias and vegetables, in their end-of-summer grandeur, is abundant. Why not gather a basketful this year and add them to your own décor? We give you a few display ideas on page 100.

Tag along as we visit homes for which “cozy” is not just a word but a lifestyle. Layers of texture, color and warmth abound, and you’ll want to invite yourself over for a “cuppa” with these creative homeowners (see pages 38, 52, 66, 80, 86, 92 and 116).

We’ve also gathered the freshest looks in furniture, lighting, accessories and tableware to get your home both guest- and entertaining-ready (page 34).

And make sure not to miss the Project House Louisiana update. The Villas at Spanish Court are swiftly emerging as the belle of a Southern ball (see page 116)!

As the Nat King Cole song goes, “La-di-dah-di-dah-di-dum, ‘tis Autumn,” and we hope yours is bountiful … and also includes a leaf pile or two!