Autumn is here again, and though we don’t have frosty weather or an array of color-changing leaves here in South Florida, the sea breezes do feel a bit cooler as we inch towards winter. The march towards the holidays commences amid the waning of the pandemic, and we are grateful to reconnect with family and friends this time of year. In the spirit of all the wonderful qualities that make up fall, no matter where in the country you live, we would like to share some of the things we are loving this season.
Orange You Glad?
photo via Better Homes & Gardens
Have you ever heard of a pomander? This spicy-and-sweet-scented creation is easy to make and smells divine. Although the modern-day version can easily be made with simple ingredients from the grocery store, the original Medieval pomander was a spherical ornament worn as jewelry that contained aromatic herbs and perfumes. This ball, made of precious metals and perforated to release the fragrances, was thought to ward off illness, especially during plagues. Though modern medicine now knows that enjoyable aromas don’t prevent one from getting sick, a nicely-scented environment is always welcome and can and conjure up the celebratory feelings we associate with fall.
To make your own pomander, stud an orange with whole cloves. Simple as that! The cloves are a natural preservative and can help the pomanders last for quite a while. For more tips on creating your own pomanders, check out this helpful article from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Nailed It
One of this year’s hot shades for nail polish is cranberry- a deep pinkish-red. We love it as seen on totalbeauty.com, where the rich color is painted on just the tips in sweeping asymmetrical curves, over a base of nude lacquer. Red is a classic hue for nails and this Thanksgiving-inspired mani will perfectly complement any outfits you wear this season.
Pleased As Punch
Speaking of cranberries (and oranges, too!) we can’t wait to try out this fruity holiday punch from Eating Well that is a cinch to make. This rose-colored sparkling drink is non-alcoholic, but you can add some of your favorite spirits if you prefer a merrier beverage.
Cranberry-Orange Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 (2 quart) bottles chilled cranberry juice (no-sugar-added but sweetened with fruit juice)
- 1 (1 liter) bottle chilled club soda
- 6 cups orange juice
- Oranges, thinly sliced for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Directions:
- Combine cranberry juice, soda, and orange juice in a large punch bowl. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, float orange slices and cranberries in the punch.
Home Sweet Home
The months before winter are a great time for nesting, and there is no better place to find inspiration for cultivating a cozy home than the shows on Magnolia Network. Curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper, this new network debuted some of its offerings on the streaming service discovery+ back in July. It will officially premiere as a cable TV network in January 2022, replacing the current DIY Network, but will still be available on discovery+ and the Magnolia app. Featuring almost 50 unique programs, this television channel is a welcome addition to the well-loved Magnolia brand empire that already boasts a magazine, a line of home goods, a series of workshops, vacation rental properties, and a brick-and-mortar market in Waco, Texas. With shows about home improvement and renovation, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, interior design, antique shopping, and more, this network is perfect for finding creative ideas to live your best life.
Wrapped in Luxury
Though not too cold by the rest of the country’s standards, it does get a little chilly here in Florida during autumn and we can find ourselves reaching for a lightweight cover-up. Enter the shawl. Ideal for adding a little pizazz to your look, a well-matched wrap is an asset to any outfit. A shawl is incredibly easy to store in your bag when you’re on the go and just as simple to throw on when you get a bit cold. Here at Anthony’s, we carry a range of wraps, ponchos, and shrugs to coordinate with virtually any ensemble or occasion, and we are especially excited about the latest styles by Top It Off. With variations that include sparkles, holiday themes, bold patterns, and asymmetrical hemlines, you can’t go wrong with a Top It Off wrap!
We hope your fall and is off to a good start and that your holiday season is spectacular! If you’ve enjoyed our list of autumn must-haves, or if you would like to share what is giving you joy this time of year, please leave a comment below!
