Ideas for Winter at Home

Easy Tips for Cooler Months

Sep 24, 2008 Barbara Gibson

Ease into cooler months with these tips to help you get the most out of crisp days and cool nights. While planning, why not get a jumpstart on holiday preparations?

There are countless ways to make your Fall fabulous; take a cue or two from below.

Try a Great One Pot Recipe

Such recipes are perfect for Fall because they are easy to make, warm and soothing on cool days. Also, you can freeze them for easy dinners later in the week. Here's one to try:

Vegetable Soup

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery hearts
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 15 oz fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1 cup Brown Rice
• Your choice of vegetables from your own garden or your local farmer’s market (frozen works, too)
• Salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

1. Sauté onions and celery in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until tender
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic, it will taste bitter)
3. Add broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil
4. Add rice and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes
5. Add vegetables, bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste
7. Set the scenery and enjoy your fall meal. Here are some suggestions:
8. Serve with rustic bread or cornbread
9. Enjoy in front of the fire or in the cool breeze of your yard or deck.
10. Put on some jazz tunes or music that takes you back to a special time in your life.
11. Set the table with candles or flowers
12. Eat and share some laughs with friends or family

Get Rid of Clutter

Start with your mail. If you need it, file it; if you don’t, shred it. Collect catalogs, newspapers, flyers, etc. and place them in recycling bins. Another suggestion for magazines would be to collect a few that you can use to make collages or vision boards. This can be a great family activity. Add snacks and you have the makings of a free and fun Friday night.

Next, move to counters and cabinets. A clean and organized look is considerably more welcoming than a cluttered space. Place those appliances and toiletries you use infrequently under cabinets or in drawers.

Rotate Your Closet

Make your mornings easier by removing summer items. Pull out all fall items and notice which things need cleaning or repair. Donate those items you no longer wear. Another suggestion for clothing - save an outfit or two so the little ones can play dress up.

Compile a Reading List

Fall is a great time to curl up with a great book. Check out the New York Times for its bestseller list. A bonus? Many books include the first chapter online so you don't have to judge the book just by the cover.

Order your Firewood

Beat the crowds and have wood on hand when you're ready to burn.

Craft for the Holidays

Handmade gifts make the holidays feel special, and they are easy on the budget. Start now to make lovely gifts at a pace leisurely enough to enjoy. Why not also start any heavy cleaning you want to have done before the holidays?

Get Ready for Impromptu Gatherings

It's great when friends stop by. Prepare now to enjoy stress-free entertaining later. Stock up on wine, nuts, cheese, olives, canned Italian tuna, jars of roasted red peppers and other easy treats.

The copyright of the article Ideas for Winter at Home in Home Management is owned by Barbara Gibson. Permission to republish Ideas for Winter at Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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