Sweater weather

I'm not letting it go without a fight. Until the bitter end, I will hold on to summer. That's why this week and next I am focusing on enjoying every last drop. We'll chat about heaters and fire-pits and even sweaters for your furniture...

Did I tell you I love summer? Lazy days at the water's edge, barbecues, margaritas, fresh fruits and vegetables, being able to have all the windows open, easy dressing, easy décor — you get the idea. The fun doesn't have to end with August. No, we can make it last just a little longer, postponing the inevitable, I suppose. Though we can indeed design to extend the warmth of the summer inside and outside, we also need to embrace the approaching fall season. This week will focus on a few good ideas that embrace the idea of an Indian summer and then next week we'll chat about some ideas for enjoying fabulous fall days outside.

One of the best pieces of advice I've heard is to live in the moment; be grateful and appreciate what we have right now and those with us today. So many of us are moving forward looking backwards or too worried about what's around the next bend to notice all the good that we have at this moment. We can extend this advice to our rooms, as well. Embrace each season as she comes and goes.

This morning I had to put on a sweater. Now that it's chillier outside, make it your fall project to knit sweater-style pillow cases. Choose soft cotton and go for either a cable-knit look or a swanky, style-savvy mohair. If you're a speedy knitter, knit a co-ordinating throw for a favourite chair.

Mum's the word for fall flowers. Fill the foyer, mantel or fire box with potted mums in fall shades of yellow, orange and maroon. Potted mum's bloom for at least a month and their colours add warmth and charm to a room.

Fall demands heady aromas, so change out the lemon and magnolia-scented candles and potpourris with warmer scents, such as orange spice or sandalwood. Hold off on the pumpkins for now, but bring in the albino gourds as they make a fabulous September centrepiece.

I always have a signature drink that fits with the season, so this weekend my bar top becomes home to all the ingredients for blueberry tea — one of my favourites. (I even put a basket of organic blueberries in the freezer for garnish.) A tray filled with crystal decanters of Amaretto and Grand Marnier, a silver teapot and a pair of brandy snifters look warm and inviting on the buffet.

Now all I need to do this Sunday is finish knitting that throw, make a pot of tea,and curl up with a good book.