The leaves have all but vanished from the trees and now decorate the ground, not yet hidden by forthcoming snowfalls. And with the temperatures frequently dipping well below freezing at night, the time has come to add simple but significant touches of the fall and winter holiday season to the home.

The Scents:

I was reminded of the comforting fragrance of simmering spices during my recent visit to my parents home in Wallowa County when I would awake each morning and the scent from the wood cook stove as my mother had warmed up in a cast-iron saucepan three simple, yet oh so lovely ingredients that connote fall and the winter holidays: oranges, cloves and cinnamon.

Upon enjoying a full and long weekend at home, yesterday I put on my stovetop a saucepan filled halfway with water (about 3-4 cups), two slices of an orange, three cinnamon sticks and about 7-10 whole cloves. Upon bringing it to a boil, I then reduced it to simmer for the next two hours, and the house began to smell like the holidays. To extend the duration, simply add more water as the water begins to evaporate (don’t forget to turn the stove off when finished – setting a timer is a good idea). Even upon opening the door to the yard, the scent would escape for a moment and fill my outdoor work area with the lovely scent as well.

~Follow along with me during my daily tasks and curiosity pursuits on Instagram! (@thesimplyluxuriouslife)

The Sights

Year-round I do my best to have a wreath on my door. Each of us has our own associations with why we choose the wreaths we choose, whether secular or religious, the warm welcome and aesthetic charm adds a signature touch to the front of our homes.

As luck would have it, if you are looking for a fresh wreath, a stunningly beautiful wreath whether for you or to be given as a gift (I must admit to receive such a gift would be a lovely gesture, especially if the meaning behind the type of wreath aligns with the message the giver would like to express and wish to the receiver), Williams-Sonoma is offering 20% off their wreaths of all types when you use the promo code FRIENDS. (the sale runs through November 13th and includes free shipping)

A list of few types of wreaths and what they symbolize:

• Holly = protection, victory and good luck.
• Pine and Pinecones = good health and protection
• Fir = Strength, friendship, connection, memory and immortality
• Bay leaves =  prosperity, honor, victory and fame

What I particularly appreciate about Williams-Sonoma’s fresh wreaths is that you can select the date you would like it delivered, which again makes a perfect gift to send at a particular time whether before Thanksgiving or during December, etc., but also for ourselves should we purchase one, to ensure the wreath looks its best during the holiday we would like it to adorn our doors or windows.

I have chosen a few that caught my eye, but be sure to check out all of W-S’s wreaths here.

~SHOP THE WREATHS (plus a few more not shown above) BELOW:

Wishing you a lovely start to the holiday season. May you stay warm (if it chilly where you call home), may you cultivate lovely memories to treasure and may each day be savored at its preferred pace and rhythm.

For more Seasonal Posts, check out TSLL’s Archives:

A Thanksgiving Post for You!

17 Things to Do, Savor and Experience in November

Why Not . . . Reduce Your Holiday Stress?

~For TSLL reader information:  Some of the links shared on the blog are affiliate links, earning TSLL a small commission at no cost to you. Please know, I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.