Celebrating The Fall Equinox 2009

This year, the Fall Equinox occurs on September 22. Fall harvests and celebrations are better than ever before, with the rich, jewel colored leaves and flowers of the season resembling the inside of a treasure chest. Gold, red, orange, and purple don deciduous trees, while the evergreens add a touch of emerald to nature. There is nothing like a walk through the woods at this time of year, inhaling smoke from a nearby wood fire, and watching the animals scurry about preparing for winter hibernation. For many people, this is the best way to celebrate the equinox, but here are some additional suggestions for the start of the fall season:

Bring fall aromas into your home. Potpourri containing orange, apple, cinnamon, and pine are perfect for this time of year. Allow it to steam in a pot on your stove during the afternoon.

Make a fall mantle decoration of English ivy laid out, draped over the edges, with a vase of bright chrysanthemums. Pink, yellow, and rust colored chrysanthemums are beautiful in a vase.

For your dining room table, make a centerpiece of two deep red candles in candleholders, and a small round tray placed between the candles with a variety of small, colorful gourds. Add a few red apples to the touch.

For the home, use slipcovers on your chairs and couch in the living room. Go with burgundy or golden yellow colors. In the bedroom, try new curtains or drapes in blue or deep green.