Mrs. Mayfair Knows: How She Prepares Her Home for Fall
As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, Mrs. Mayfair welcomes the season of fall with open arms and a refined approach. For Mrs. Mayfair, autumn is more than just a season—it’s a feeling. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and surround herself with the warmth and beauty that fall naturally brings. From the rich hues of burnt orange and cocoa browns to the comforting scent of spiced candles and crackling fires, Mrs. Mayfair’s home becomes a sanctuary of coziness and elegance. Today, we take a peek into how she artfully prepares her home for this magical season so we too can fall in love with Fall.
The Essence of Fall: Inviting Warmth Through Textures
Mrs. Mayfair believes that textures are the soul of any fall-inspired home. As the cooler weather arrives, she begins by layering her living spaces with soft, luxurious textiles. Wool throws are delicately draped over sofas, and plush velvet pillows in hues of burnt orange and deep browns mixed with fall themed brown floral ones instantly bring warmth and richness to her rooms. In her bedrooms, heavier linens, such as flannel and wool, replace the lighter summer fabrics, transforming them into cozy havens for chilly autumn nights.
“The beauty of fall is in the details,” Mrs. Mayfair often says. “It’s not about changing everything, but about adding layers that evoke a sense of comfort and serenity.”
Setting the Mood: Ambient Lighting and Fragrance
The warm glow of flickering candlelight is one of Mrs. Mayfair’s favorite ways to welcome autumn into her home. She carefully selects candles that not only provide a soft, ambient glow but also capture the essence of fall through scent. Notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla fill the air, creating an inviting and tranquil atmosphere throughout her home.
When evening falls, she swaps out brighter overhead lighting for elegant table lamps and dimmable fixtures, allowing the home to be softly illuminated, perfect for winding down with a book or enjoying intimate dinners with friends and family.
Nature’s Bounty: Decorating with Seasonal Elements
Autumn brings with it a wealth of natural beauty, and Mrs. Mayfair is keen to incorporate these elements into her decor. She forages for branches with colorful leaves, dried grasses, and berries to create simple yet stunning arrangements in vases around her home.
Her dining table, which serves as the focal point for many fall gatherings, is adorned with small pumpkins, gourds, and rustic ceramic pieces that add a touch of elegance and earthiness. Vista Alegre's Casa de Alba Collection along with Quinn colored glasses from Caskata in mocha or amber are some favorites, brown gingham and linen napkins combined with silver cutlery complete the table setting, balancing traditional refinement with the organic beauty of the season.
“I find inspiration in nature’s palette during the fall,” Mrs. Mayfair shares. “The deep oranges, sage greens, and earthy browns are grounding and bring such a sense of peace.”
A Warm Welcome: Fall Entryway Decor
As a lover of first impressions, Mrs. Mayfair always ensures that her entryway sets the tone for her home in every season. For fall, she dresses the front door with a lush wreath made of magnolia leaves, dried berries, and dried coreopsis. A pair of planters filled with her favorite topiaries and small pumpkins flank the doorway, offering a cheerful greeting to guests and passersby alike.
Inside, she keeps her entryway chic and functional. A vintage umbrella stand holds wood-handled umbrellas for those rainy fall days, while a round center antique table provides the perfect spot for a decorative fall arrangement, beautiful books and a welcoming candle.
Autumn Comforts: The Heart of the Kitchen
Mrs. Mayfair believes that fall is the season of comfort, and nothing says comfort like a warm kitchen. As the heart of her home, Mrs. Mayfair’s kitchen is filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread, simmering soups, and apple pies cooling on the counter.
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, she prepares hearty meals using fresh vegetables from her garden and locally sourced produce. A wicker basket of freshly picked apples sits on the counter, ready to be transformed into apple crisps or cider, while jars of homemade preserves line the pantry, a tradition passed down through generations.
For fall entertaining, Mrs. Mayfair often hosts intimate dinners featuring her favorite autumn-inspired dishes—butternut squash ravioli with sage, creamy pumpkin risotto, and hearty stews. Her kitchen is always a warm, inviting space for family and friends to gather around and have a lovely glass of French Pinot Noir.
Embracing Change: Preparing the Garden for Fall
As a lover of nature, Mrs. Mayfair doesn’t let the end of summer signal the end of her time in the garden. Instead, she embraces the changing season by preparing her outdoor space for the colder months. She begins by pruning back her perennials, collecting seeds for next year, and planting bulbs for spring.
In the early days of fall, Mrs. Mayfair takes advantage of the cooler temperatures by hosting outdoor dinners in the garden around her Provence outdoor table and chairs. A fire pit surrounded by outdoor seating keeps her guests warm as they sip mulled wine and enjoy the crisp evening air. Cozy blankets and lanterns ensure the atmosphere remains inviting, even as the temperatures drop.
A Timeless Transition: Fall as a State of Mind
For Mrs. Mayfair, the transition into fall is not just about physical changes in her home, but about embracing a slower, more mindful pace of life. It’s a season of gratitude, reflection, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of home—whether it’s curling up with a good book, savoring the warmth of a cup of tea, or gathering with loved ones around the dinner table.
“Fall is when I feel most connected to my home,” Mrs. Mayfair reflects. “It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the beauty around me, and create spaces that reflect the warmth and comfort I want to share with those I love.”
Mrs. Mayfair’s Fall Tip
Want to bring a little more autumn warmth into your home? Mrs. Mayfair suggests starting with your favorite fall scent—whether it’s the smell of spiced apple, cedarwood, or cinnamon. Light a candle in the evening or add a few spices to a pot of hot water and let it simmer, the scent of fall will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
In true Living Beautifully fashion, Mrs. Mayfair’s approach to fall is thoughtful, elegant, and centered around creating a home that feels both beautiful and comforting. From soft textiles and ambient lighting to nature-inspired decor, her home is a reflection of the season—full of warmth, grace, and timeless charm.