Storytime & Game Night: Autumn Magic Around the Table

 

 

There’s something about fall that invites us to slow down and savor the little things crisp air, golden light, and the comforting rhythm of gathering together. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is by turning the family table into a hub of cozy connection. Whether it’s story time after dinner or a spontaneous board game afternoon, these simple rituals create lasting memories.

 Storytime at the Table

After a hearty autumn meal or during a quiet weekend moment, gather around the table for a seasonal story. Choose a picture book filled with woodland scenes, harvest adventures, or falling leaves—or let each family member share a favorite memory from past autumns. The tablecloth softens the space, adding warmth and intention to the moment. It’s amazing how a simple textile can turn a regular evening into something magical.

 Board Game Fun

When the mood calls for laughter and a little friendly competition, bring out your favorite board game. Whether it’s a classic strategy game or something lighthearted and silly, the joy of playing together is timeless. Add mugs of cider, a flickering candle, and a cozy table setting, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fall family fun.

 

Here Are a Few of My Favorite Fall Season Tablecloth Designs

Created with love for cozy autumn memories, each design is meant to inspire togetherness, storytelling, and a touch of seasonal magic. From rustic plaids to whimsical woodland prints, these tablecloths are more than décor they’re part of the story.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis 

Flowers in Pumpkin Base Autumn Decor How To

When it comes to decorating my home for the autumn season  I use fresh pumpkins and create floral arrangements for my tables. I prefer to use natural products for my centerpieces including the flower insert but have used silk floral arrangements also.

Fresh pumpkins are not expensive considering you get a fabulous decoration and get to make pumpkin pie with the puree.  Here is an art set that I designed that will inspire you to make your own flowers in a pumpkin autumn decoration for your home.

Autumn Floral Arrangement by sgolis 

How to Make Flowers in Pumpkin Decorations

1. Shop at the pumpkin patch or at your locally for a medium rounded pumpkin with a stem. 
2. Look the pumpkin over by checking it for bruises to the flesh or discoloration. You will need a nearly perfect pumpkin for this seasonal decoration.
3. When you get the pumpkin home wash the outside it to remove any dirt. 
4. Set the pumpkin with the  stem facing upward. determine how big the opening should be to hold a potted chrysanthemum plant. 
5. Cut the pumpkin to allow an opening for autumn season flowers.
6. Remove the seeds and the pumpkin pulp. Keep the seeds because you can roast them. Keep the pulp to make puree for pie or other baked goods; cookies or muffins.
7. Wash the inside of the pumpkin. Make sure the strings are removed and that surface is clean. There should be no pulp remaining, you want a clean pumpkin shell.
8. Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly. When the pumpkin is dry you would then set a potted chrysanthemum into the pumpkin. Or make your own bouquet; buy a variety of silk flower stems from the craft center like Hobby Lobby or Walmart.com.

Tips remove the real plant from the pumpkin to water. Let it drain thoroughly before putting back in the pumpkin

Decorating Bedroom for Autumn

Today I took some time to make plans to decorate my bedroom for the autumn season. Granted I have never decorated my bedroom for the change of seasons but since my husband has been spending more time in our newly renovated room I thought I would pop decorate it so we can both it enjoy this space throughout the season.

Cozy Autumn Bedroom by sgolis 

The fall colors are warm and earthy; gold, orange, brown and touches of gold. These colors will give the bedroom a cozy feeling and it will be a great place for my husband to relax.

We just painted the walls a warm flax color and I do not plan on painting an accent wall, instead, I will hang a few seasonal posters in hardwood frames. I also thought chocolate brown or pumpkin spice drapes would be eye-appealing window treatments. Then all that would be needed would be a garland of fall colored maple leaves to drape across the drapery rod or maybe accent the post as a wall decoration.

Presently our comforter set is chocolate brown and instead of buying a duvet cover I think I will update the bed with assorted seasonal pillows and add a fall theme printed fleece blanket.

Then for the dresser, I thought I would add a lamp and a stack of books. I think this would create a focal area that would be eye appealing.

Do you decorate your master bedroom for the autumn season. 

Easy Autumn Floral Centerpiece Instructions

One of my clients had asked me if I could make an autumn centerpiece for her.  She had seen one at Hobby Lobby that she liked but did not want to pay the asking price.  She had many craft items as well as an assortment of silk and dried autumn flowers and grasses.  

 I went to Hobby Lobby and looked at the centerpiece. I could make it and so I accepted the contract.  My out of pocket was minimal and compensation was more than enough considering I had fun making the autumn floral centerpiece.

I made the floral arrangements as seen on my clients table

For this project I used:
2- Already made craft dowel vases from the craft store
Florist craft dry foam
Florist tape
Natural craft raffia 8 ounces of long strong fibers
2 bouquets of assorted wildflower and sunflower matching bouquets
Dried stems of  thistle, wheat, and assorted grass plumes
Hot glue gun

To make this arrangement I cut a piece of dry florist foam and taped in the bottom of the wood vase.   I used the florist tape to wrap around the silk bouquet and naturally dried accents. This ensured that the flowers would stay gathered in the bouquet and would not separate.

Add natural dried grasses to the arrangement

In order to keep the flower stems from dropping hot glued them before I inserted them into florist dry foam. It is best to put the stems into the center of the foam.  When the glue is dry and flower are secure then work with the flowers and grass stems to make them look pretty.  I decorated this arrangement with a raffia bow. Wrap the raffia around the vase several times. The raffia bow will face to the front with long ties.  Keep the raffia in place by using your hot glue gun to attach the wrap to the woodcraft vase.

And you are done. I hope you will enjoy making this pretty autumn centerpiece.

Grass arrangement in a clay pot by Pixabay public domain photos:http://pixabay.com/en/dried-flowers-bouquet-clay-pot-233303/