Celebrate the season by decorating with fall favorites

Do you find you change your attitude when the seasons change? You look at things differently and your mood makes note of the transition. So can your home. The change of seasons can give a kick-start to room-freshening projects and ideas.

As summer fades, it's time to pull out quilts and comforters. It's time to build a warm nest for the cool weather ahead. Autumn is one of the easiest seasons to absorb, because its palette of reds, yellows, greens and browns is comforting and mellow. Besides, it's easy to decorate with nature -- leaves, gourds, pumpkins and bittersweet.

Textures from wood grains, pottery, wheat and Indian corn help showcase the abundant harvest. Candles displayed in cutout gourds are good ways to mark the season, as are vases of dried pods or hydrangea from the garden. Lighting a fire adds the glow and removes the chill in the air.

Sometimes it's as easy as flip-flopping the furniture arrangement. Part of the year, the seating may not face the fireplace. Come autumn, it's more appropriate to face the fireplace and a new perspective is gained.

Here are some easy ways to let your home take the aura of autumn:

Fill glass canning jars with dried beans and legumes from the grocery store. Group warm-colored candles on a table for instant glow.

Add some layers with comforters and quilts and some texture with tapestry and needlepoint pillows.

Neutral colors for an autumn backdrop don't have to be dull. Pattern and texture and a touch of bright color add to the comfortable feel of fall.

Turn gourds into candleholders by cutting off the top, cleaning out the center with an ice cream scoop and setting the candle in the hollow.

Fill a pottery or earthenware bowl with autumn's best apples. Trim with colorful leaves for a natural centerpiece.

Nestle a chunky candle in the middle of a clean glass salad, punch or trifle bowl. Fill in around it with apples or small fruits. No fireplace? No matter. Gather candles on a tray to light for an effective glow.

Bring out your baskets to display books, linens and flatware. The texture will be pleasing.