The Feel of Crisp Air...   the taste of warm cider...the smell of blazing bonfires....the sound of cheering fans at football games.....Signs of Fall.  While I haven't encountered these yet, I'm convinced they're right around the corner.  With fall officially gracing our calendars as of this coming Tuesday, it's  time to tuck away thoughts of sand and seersucker; instead embrace longer hours of darkness and clothing that keeps us completely covered. Though I love Halloween, I believe it sometime steals the attention away from the season that contains so much beauty and charm; or then again, maybe Halloween is just a headliner for Autumn.   

        Either way, celebrating Fall, aside from Halloween is a great way to get your friends and family together.    We always hear about wine and cheese tastings, but I suggest leaving the dress or tie at home.  Instead grab your cable knit sweater and opt for a more casual soiree:  A craft beer and cheese party.   Craft beers have become ever-so-popular and there are some fantastic seasonal autumn picks to provide!

For your Fall Party, you may want to pick a game day!  Pick a football game that is central to your location so everyone has a common interest in front of the big screen!  Fill your house with autumn-scented candles to set the seasonal  mood.   Yankee Candle Co. has some Amazing fall scents!  Provide 3-4 different autumn beer selections. I suggest Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale (pictured above left) or Sam Adam's October Fest.  Check out your grocery's beer selection. You'll be surprised at the variety of fall seasonals.   Set a few bottles of each type out and have frosted beer tumblers available.  This way your guests can sample a little of each beer.  Near your tasting table fill large metal drink caddy's or buckets with the selected beers and ice so everyone can easily continue to drink their favorite seasonal.  

Cheese blocks on wooden trays or platters will look great near your bottles of "tester beers".  Whole Food's has an incredible selection of Cheese.   You can't go wrong with Smoked Gouda, Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack with these fall ales.  Choose 4-5 different kinds of cheese and provide wheat or multi grain crackers.   Fill large glass bowls with Caramel Pop Corn and Shelled Peanuts for gameday.   For your non-alcoholic beverage drinkers,  have warm cinnamon cider available .  When the big game is over, move outside into cool air if you can provide a bonfire or have a large chimenea.  Not an option?  Light a fire in the fireplace and put on some good music.   Try something fun like Louis Armstrong's All Tim Greatest Hits or Ray LaMontage's "Trouble" while everyone is mingling.  Both are fun and engaging for calmer casual get-to-gethers. 

   Keep decorations low key.  Opt for uncarved pumpkins-Try Blue and White or different shapes; which you can find at your local garden nurseries.  Set large white candles in hurricane jars and fill with cranberries or Pears.   

     This type of party is easy to pull off.  You'll have rave reviews and all the while you'll be sitting by the fire sipping an ice cold beer.   WELL HELLLLO FALL!

                                                                           

     Tolbert (pictured above left with business partner Jeanie Nuemeyer,right) displayed her knack for perfection by planning the grand re-opening for Adornments, which included delicious hor d'oeuvres and wine.  She also created an attendee-involved game where browsers could win gifts within the store by guessing which celebrity they had drawn.  I would encourage you to view some of Tolberts lovely events; everything from weddings to children's birthday partys on  DetailsbyMargaret.com!

     One of the showcased lines of the night was by Nashville Designer, Olia Zavonzina.  She had clothing from her fall line including evening wear and casual wear.  Celebrities have sported her garments on Good Morning America and at Oscar Parties.   I absolutely love her Bridal Collection which can be found on http://www.oliazavozina.com/

     A mix of pottery, dishwear, painted canvas's, and hand-carved wood were among some of the other featured lines in the store.   If you're in Franklin, you must visit Adorments ! The ecletic mix of art in all forms will satisfy your craving for something you can't find anywhere else.
Above right: Allison Sturterant, Dim Dugger and Artist Laura Lempke

Designer Olia Zavozina shows one of her floor length dress

        Arriving at your destination after hours in the car or plane, most likely one of the first things you'll want to do is refresh yourself in your long awaited guest room.  The last thing you want to find is a bedroom stocked full of sports equipment, office supplies and piles of clothing that obviously didn't have a proper place in the home.   Or worse, when you  go into your guest bathroom to wash your face, you find the only white towels to dry off with are fringed, nubby, and have spots of hair dye all over them.  "Welcome" is the last thing you're going to feel for your week's stay.   The room I just described said a lot about the people I was staying with at the time. At the end of the day, where your guests sleep at night will say a lot about you.   It'll say more than the touristy finds you show them over their stay.  More than the one-of-a kind restaurants you take them to;   More than the souvenirs you buy them.  IF YOUR GUEST ROOM ISN'T INVITING, DON'T PLAN ON INVITING THEM AGAIN. THEY WON'T COME BACK.   Plain and simple.

           When decorating a guestroom there are two routes I'd recommend: Clean and Fresh or Warm and Inviting.   Most likely your guest aren't going to share your same themed- passions.  A room plastered with Stephen Speilberg posters  isn't going to make your friend feel at home.   Instead, take the knickknacks out, store the clutter in the basement and begin with a clean slate.  I'd suggest a room with clean lines: A big white fluffy down comforter and pillows accented with light charcoal walls and a mini chandelier.   Or, if you want to go for the warm and inviting affect I'd try chocolate brown walls trimmed in white; A bright green comforter with yellow accents throughout the room and a large vase of gerber daisy's on one of the bed stands.  

         However you choose to decorate, their are essentials you need to include.  A gift or something that will immediately catch your guest's attention is a wonderful idea.   A small box of gourmet cupcakes or an item reminicient of  the city your home is in is an easy start.  I found some great antique looking magnents of famous places in Nashville like the Downtown Farmer's Market, The Union Station Hotel and The Pancake Pantry; all of which are possible places I'd take my guests during their stay.  This would be a cute gift to leave on the vanity.

            Make sure there are plenty of empty drawers and open closet space with hangers for your guests to unpack their suitcases.  It's always so lovely when there is some sort of bench or ottoman at the end of a bed to be able to leave a suitcase on for quick access. This keeps your guests from feeling cluttered in their room; not having to step over suitcases. The bench in the top left corner is the perfect example. 

         Upon entering the guest bathroom, make sure there is a surplus of thick, plush towels  and wash cloths along with completely filled bottles of Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.  If you feel like going the extra mile, provide travel size toothpaste, hairspray, etc. 

      I visit one of my college friends on a regular basis.  Every time I travel to her and her husband's home,  I  enjoy a shabby chic room with comfortable wicker furniture,  light that streams from a vaulted-ceiling window and my own flat screen tv.   This is a far cry from stained towels, a sweaky bed and clutter as described earlier.   A room can set the mood for a guest. Take advantage of being in control of someone's positive attitude and their delightful stay by creating a welcoming atmosphere!