preparing for autumn – a seasonal checklist

As I mentioned in this vlog last week, every season I like to sit down with my trusty Smythson notebook and make a plan of action for embracing the season ahead. 

Whether it’s updating my wardrobe with heavier fabrics and richer tones or adjusting every fragrance around the house with suitably seasonal smells, each plan helps me to appreciate the uniqueness of each season and embrace the day-to-day subtleties that can often get overlooked.

With that mind, here are my key tips for preparing for autumn this year:

1. Update your fragrance

Whether it’s the perfume I wear, the candles I light or the cleaning products that we spray around the house, seasonal scents are an easy mood enhancer for all – especially when the weather isn’t offering the perfect, seasonal scenes outside! Personally, I like to lean into amber, musky scents in Autumn. Aerin’s Amber musk perfume is my automatic go-to for instant warmth and comfort. I love Diptyque’s Ambre candle and have just ordered ‘Autumn’ by The White Company so will report back with my thoughts!

2. Take inspiration from the outdoors

When it comes to sourcing inspiration for my home decor throughout the year, the British countryside is the gift that keeps on giving. With that in mind, before I even think about opening Pinterest for inspiration, I use my morning dog walks as a starting point for all of my plans. For that reason, the summery citrus plants have been replaced with dried poppies, white rodanthe, teasels and preserved bracken that Jemma from Hello Petal has arranged (beautifully) in sturdy, antique pickling jars. Set against the sage backdrop of Casa Millen-Gordon, I think it could very well be my favourite home decor so far!

3. Get ahead on homemade gifts

Autumn presents the perfect opportunity to get ahead on Christmas gifting because everything from chutneys to Christmas cake can be made months in advance. With that in mind, when the weather doesn’t look inviting and I have a Sunday to spare, I cherish the opportunity to batch cook Carrie’s tomato and courgette chutney recipe. Poured and sealed in quaint glass jars that I find on Amazon, I add them to ‘home made’ hamper gifts at Christmas for close family and friends. Extra tip: Contact a local artist or graphic designer to create bespoke labels for your homemade goods or use a free app like Canva should you wish to create them yourself!

4. Embrace seasonal fruit and veg

Closely linked to the tip above, I try to embrace seasonal goods as much as I can. Not only do they taste better (v. Important!) but they also help to ground me in whatever season we’re in. I found this reel from @eatnourishglow useful for breaking down what fruits, herbs and vegetables taste best in September and plan to factor it in when deciding on what to cook/bake in the coming weeks. Get your tupperware at the ready ladies and gents, it’s time to go blackberry picking!

5. Layer up!

For me, there are three failsafe rules in autumn that if followed, transition your wardrobe from summer to autumn with ease. 1) Add layers 2) Embrace richer tones 3) Start introducing heavier, warmer fabrics as the weather turns. This year, I’ve loving classic cognac leathers, caramel cashmeres and navy/mulberry/butterscotch wools that you can snuggle up in. You can find my top luxury picks from My Theresa here. Alternatively, browse my favourite autumnal items from the high street, here.

6. Go to the dark side

Though I refuse to ditch my tan for any season (St Tropez has and will always have my heart!), my beloved coral lip glorifier from Cle de Peau (that sees me through the duration of spring/summer) gets traded in for richer nudes at this time of year. I find that By Terry’s Hyaluronic Lip Balm in shade ‘Tea Time’ compliments the autumnal hues in my wardrobe (and helps to keep chapped lips at bay on those brisk and blustery autumnal days!)

7. Cover all senses

We’ve ticked off sight, scent, touch and taste. For my final tip therefore, I had to include sound! Often overlooked on the majority of checklists, I’m a huge advocate for creating new playlists as the months go by. I also pay attention to how the melody changes outside. To say that I’m looking forward to the crunch of leaves underfoot, not to mention the whistle of wind as it weaves through the trees, would be an understatement…

I’d love to hear how you prepare for Autumn too! Drop me a message below and let me know.

Lydia xx