Early this past Monday morning, I was driving to Paris to work on a photo shoot for the December/January issue of Kentucky Monthly, and I had a warm, fuzzy moment. I don`t know if it was the beautiful drive along Paris Pike, or the golden light filtering through the trees, or the smell in the air (because fall really does have a scent!), but Mother Nature was finally letting me and everyone else know, that YES, fall is here. If you haven`t driven along Paris Pike in a while, please do so now—it`s so beautiful!
I`m sure you all are good and tired of hearing about my love for fall again, but come on: You`ve gotta give me a few more weeks! 
I think all of us take notice when passing a massive tree full of beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange. It`s kind of magical! Well, beyond the science of it, it is magical. For a few weeks, the green glory that had surrounded us has decided to show its brightest colors as a surprise. But only for a small amount of time, and then it`s gone. At one point during the drive the other day, a good wind came through and blew all kinds of leaves off the trees surrounding the road, encircling me as I drove. Truly, it was something out of a movie—like a Technicolor snowstorm! I always think it`s funny that people are so interested in raking up fall leaves instead of enjoying their beauty. So this week, I thought I would talk about using those little bits of Technicolor wonder in our homes for the limited time we have them.
One of my favorite things to do for special events or weddings is to use something other than traditional flowers to create the feel desired for the party. The changing color of the leaves gave me that chance today. We were creating a tablescape for a client`s special event, and I wanted to provide something other than just pumpkins. Yes, pumpkins are beautiful in color, but I wanted something more. Fresh, real, gathered, unfussy … So, what`s wrong with cutting a few limbs here and there? Simply placing the branches in some vases of water created a great, towering effect that, when lit with the candles at night, would be nothing short of divine. Note this little trick: The branches I had access to had just started to change and the colors weren`t as bright as I would have liked them to be, so I used mums and sedum to pull out the fall tones in the leaves. It really was beautiful. And listen, people: If you can`t shove branches in a vase, just give up. No one can mess this up. When something gives you its natural beauty, there are no mistakes!
That arrangement featured leaves still on the branch, but what about those thousands of leaves that are in your yard? Well, I can take care of a few of them!
source: potterybarn.com
This is a perfect example of how a few leaves can take something boring, like a simple glass container, and make it fresh! This container has grapevine coiled in the bottom, and then a layer of acorns and a light sprinkling of leaves around the perimeter. So pretty! If you are inspired by this, please use common sense with natural, flammable materials and candles. We want your trees to look like they are on fire, but not your home actually to be on fire!
source: 5orangepotatoes.com
If you want to keep your leaves and fire separate, here`s another idea. Simply take a jar, several leaves and some Mod Podge, and go to town! Layer the leaves around the jar using Mod Podge to adhere and seal them to the jar, and you have created a stunning luminary. The light that comes through the leaves is unbelievable! So radiant! And again, please be smart when using fire. If something smells like it`s burning, chances are, that it is!
source: rmhouseofnoise.blogspot.com
Instead of cursing the pile of leaves, take the leaves and create something beautiful! By simply using a large needle and twine, you can string them together to make a fall leaf garland. SO pretty! And aside from the twine and your time, it`s free. What a great addition to your home for fall! This could even become a family tradition, because kids love going through piles of leaves and picking the perfect specimens.
source: bhg.com
Lastly, appreciate Mother Nature`s art by framing it. Here are two great, simple examples. By using a double-sided frame—one that has a pane of glass in front and in back—you`ve taken this gorgeous piece of nature and turned it into a modern piece of art! If you want something a little more traditional, take a collection of leaves and use it with a piece of matted burlap with the word `fall†painted on it. You don`t have to be Michelangelo to create art!
source: justsewsassy.com
I hope that from this, you are able to really be in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the season. Go to a pumpkin patch! Eat some pumpkin pie! Go on a hayride! Eat some pumpkin pie! Drink some cider! Eat some pumpkin pie! Decorate for fall! Eat some pumpkin pie! Geez … sounds like I`d better stop playing in the leaves and start baking!
Homegrown Design blogger Jeremy Rice, a native of Lexington, is an interior designer and co-owner of House by JSD in Lexington.
Jeremy, I suggest using those wonderful batter-operated wax candles you sell. You have the rather large “candle” in your store. It gives a nice reflective light and doesn’t burn the house down. PS thanks for giving me inspiration – instead of dread – about all those leaves falling on my lawn.
Susi,
I’m glad that my blog brought you some inspiration and joy! God knows my yard is covered in leaves and I have to do something about them! Guess I better get busy!
The LED candles are a great alternative! Especially for those with pets, or if you’re like me…sometimes forget to blow them out