Autumn Checklist: Get ready for the change of season

This week I thought I’d share my checklist to get us (and our homes) ready for the onslaught of winter.  That sounds a bit dramatic but this is the time to get things organised before the REALLY bad weather sets in. You can then feel safe in the knowledge that everything you need to make you and your home feel cosy and warm this winter is ready.

1. Swap in some cosier textiles Add a couple of warm blankets to your sitting room, draped over sofas or piled up in a beautiful basket in the corner.  They'll be easy to grab when you're feeling the chill and they soften living rooms, making them look and feel cosier.  

2. Print off your holiday photographs I do this after every holiday and put them into albums (even in this digital age) and get the really good ones enlarged to put in frames around the house.  They provide lovely memories of warm sunny days with your friends and family and can take you right back to that beautiful sandy beach where you sipped rose under a parasol (even when the rain is lashing at your windows and it's dark by 4pm!). 

3. Get your chimney swept and logs re-stocked  Only for those with chimneys of course and don't forget the matches, kindling and firelighters.  If you don’t have a fire at home, I highly recommend a few candles to add ambience and make your space feel cosier.  I have lots of lovely ones in the shop :-)

4. Power Cut Emergency Pack  If, like me, the area you live in is prone to the odd power cut, there's nothing more depressing than finding yourself plunged into blackness without some necessities to hand.  First up, you'll need some candles.  Tall candles give off a lot more light than t-lights (again, I've got some beauties in the shop), but a combination of both makes for a romantic ambiance.  Also, a proper camping lantern is handy as it's easier to carry around the house with you (and safer) than a candle.  You'll also need spare batteries, matches and a plug-in phone if you only have electrically powered phones like me.  That way, when the electricity company phones to inform you that the power won't be back on for another 5 hours, you can prepare yourself for the fact that you'll miss Strictly. Grrr.

5. Hallway/Boot Room clearout  It's time to start ditching those sunhats, beach towels and flip-flops you have cluttering up the place and make room for gloves, scarves, winter coats and boots.  Check that your winter coats aren't caked in last year's mud and if they are, give them a spin in the washing machine or get them to the dry cleaners. If you’re after some storage baskets to help get your organised, you know where to come.

6. Get your wardrobe ready  Have you got enough jumpers, cardies, etc that still fit you and that you still like?  Do you have a pair of watertight, warm boots that still look half decent and don't let in the rain?  Have you got a good supply of warm tights without holes and a waterproof coat that is actually waterproof (the longer the better as it's no fun having a dry top half and completely wet-through trousers)? If you’re ready before the weather really hits, it’ll make all the difference.

So, that's the checklist done.  Here's to a nice mild winter with lots of sunshine (fat chance) but whatever the weather, I'll be ready for it.