Autumn Nesting: Preparing Your Home and Nursery

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As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable excitement for all things fall! The aroma of pumpkin spice, the comfort of chunky knit blankets, and the anticipation of festive gatherings mark the beginning of a truly special season. For many of us, fall signals a busier time of year, packed with holidays, family visits, and cherished traditions like apple picking or pumpkin patch adventures. To truly savor every moment and minimize stress, proactive preparation is key. I’m a firm believer in getting organized while the pace is still manageable, ensuring our homes and nurseries are warm, welcoming, and ready for whatever the season brings. Below, you’ll discover comprehensive tips on how to effortlessly prepare your home and nursery for the delightful autumn season.

Fall home decor featuring throw pillows and a cozy blanket

Creating a Cozy Autumn Sanctuary: Home & Nursery Prep Guide

Transforming your living space into an inviting fall haven doesn’t have to be a monumental task. With a few thoughtful touches, you can infuse warmth and comfort into every corner, making your home feel like a true autumn sanctuary. Let’s start with simple yet impactful decor changes that signal the shift in seasons.

Embracing Autumnal Ambiance: Decor & Comfort

  • Pillow Power: Instant Room Makeover
    One of the quickest and most effective ways to update any room for fall is by swapping out throw pillows. Opt for rich, inviting fall colors like deep burgundy, warm mustard yellow, burnt orange, forest green, or earthy browns. Don’t just focus on color; incorporate varied textures such as chunky knits, soft velvet, or faux fur to add depth and tactile comfort. These elements instantly elevate the coziness factor and visually warm up your space. Consider patterns like plaids or subtle botanicals for an extra touch of seasonal charm.
  • The Art of the Cozy Throw Blanket
    Nothing says “cozy” quite like a warm throw blanket. Strategically place a neatly folded, plush blanket on each sofa and armchair, and even at the foot of beds. Choose blankets made from soft fleece, wool blends, or faux shearling in complementary fall colors. Not only do they add a layer of inviting texture to your decor, but they also offer practical comfort for chilly evenings spent reading or cuddling with loved ones. Having these readily accessible encourages relaxation and a sense of warmth throughout your home.
  • Cozy throw blanket draped over a chair
  • Warm Feet, Warm Heart: Fuzzy Socks Station
    For ultimate comfort, especially when entertaining guests, create a “fuzzy sock station.” Keep a charming basket filled with new, plush fuzzy socks near your sofa or by the entryway. This thoughtful gesture allows everyone, including last-minute visitors, to kick off their shoes and truly relax in warmth. Choose a variety of sizes and colors to suit different preferences. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on the overall feeling of hospitality and coziness in your home.
  • Scent-sational Autumn: Candles and Diffusers
    Engage all your senses by introducing fall-inspired scents into your home. Scented candles with notes of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, apple cider, or wood smoke can instantly evoke the spirit of autumn. Place them safely on coffee tables, mantels, and bedside tables. For a flameless option, essential oil diffusers with blends of orange, clove, and cedarwood create a continuous, subtle fragrance that enhances the cozy atmosphere without any fire hazard.
  • Lighting the Way: Warm Illumination
    As the days grow shorter, adjust your lighting to create a softer, warmer glow. Replace cool-toned light bulbs with warmer ones, or add accent lighting like fairy lights, string lights, or dimmable lamps. These can cast a gentle, inviting light that transforms the ambiance, making rooms feel more intimate and comfortable as evening approaches.

Nursery Nurturing: Preparing for Cooler Weather & Busy Schedules

The nursery is a sanctuary for your little one, and preparing it for fall means prioritizing comfort, warmth, and practicality. With busy schedules on the horizon, having everything in its place will be a lifesaver.

  • Layering for Little Ones & Parents: Chilly Feedings
    Cooler temperatures mean thinking about layers for both baby and parent during those frequent feedings. Keep a soft, light sweater or shawl handy in the nursery, perhaps draped over the nursing chair. Not only will it keep you warm during late-night or early-morning feedings, but it also provides an extra layer of warmth and a snug embrace for your baby. I’ve often found myself gently tucking my baby under my sweater for extra closeness and warmth during a cuddle. Consider adding a humidifier to the nursery as well, as dry fall air can be tough on little respiratory systems.
  • Maintaining Freshness: The Playtex® Diaper Genie®
    A fresh-smelling home is a happy home, and this is especially true in the nursery. With increased indoor time during fall and potentially more visitors, keeping diaper odors contained is crucial. The Playtex® Diaper Genie® is an absolute essential for this. Its advanced odor-locking system ensures that unpleasant smells are sealed away, keeping your nursery consistently fresh. This makes a huge difference in overall home comfort, particularly when preparing for guests. It’s a convenient solution that truly simplifies diaper disposal.
    **Special Offer: Buy One Playtex® Diaper Genie® Pail and Receive a $5 Target GiftCard™ when shopping at Target’s Baby Sale from 9/10-9/15.
  • Playtex Diaper Genie in a nursery setting
  • Stocking Up on Feeding Essentials: Playtex Baby™ VentAire® Bottles
    Beyond a fresh nursery, being fully prepared for feeding times is paramount, especially as your autumn schedule fills up. I always recommend having an extra set of Playtex Baby™ VentAire® Advanced Wide 9oz – 3pk bottles readily available. These bottles were a game-changer for my baby, Lauren, particularly in helping manage her acid reflux (you can read more about our experience here and here). The unique angled design and bottom vent system are specifically engineered to reduce air ingestion, which in turn minimizes colic and reflux. This means happier feedings and a more settled baby – a blessing during the busy and fun fall festivities! Having these baby must-haves fully stocked ensures you’re ready for anything, from unexpected trips to simply needing a clean bottle in a pinch.
  • Playtex Baby VentAire bottles and accessories
  • Thoughtful Hospitality: Bottles for Baby Guests
    Going above and beyond for guests with little ones shows true hospitality. I make it a point to purchase extra Playtex Baby™ VentAire® BPA-free baby bottles specifically for visiting babies. These bottles are celebrated for their thoughtful design, catering to a baby’s unique feeding needs. Parents of both breastfed and bottle-fed infants will appreciate the Naturalatch Nipple, which mimics the breast to promote a natural latch, making transitions smoother. Many parents forget essential items when traveling, or simply need an extra clean bottle during their visit. Having these high-quality, universally-loved bottles on hand ensures your guests feel supported and comfortable, easing their travel stress and making their stay more enjoyable. It’s a small touch that leaves a lasting impression.
  • ***Promotional Alert: Playtex Baby™ VentAire®, 9oz and the Playtex Baby™ Nurser with Drop-Ins® Liners, 4oz 3-pack are currently only $10.49, and all other Playtex Baby™ bottles are 20% off. This fantastic offer is valid at Target from 9/10-9/15.

Streamlining for Success: Organization & Entertainment

A well-organized home functions more smoothly, especially when life gets hectic. These tips help keep clutter at bay and ensure you’re always ready for impromptu gatherings.

  • The Mighty Toy Basket: Quick Clean-Up Solution
    An oversized, stylish basket in the living room is an absolute lifesaver for quickly tidying up toys. This has been a game-changer for me, allowing for a swift and effortless straighten-up when unexpected guests arrive. Choose a basket that complements your decor – perhaps one made of natural woven materials or a soft fabric. It makes clean-up less daunting and keeps your main living areas presentable without much fuss.
  • New Mugs for Fall Classics: A Warm Welcome
    Elevate your autumn beverage experience by investing in a new set of mugs. Picture serving steaming hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a comforting pumpkin latte in beautiful, new stoneware or ceramic mugs. This small detail adds a touch of festivity to your daily routine and makes serving warm drinks to guests feel extra special. Choose mugs in fall colors or with subtle seasonal motifs to enhance the theme.
  • A collection of fall-themed mugs
  • Guest-Ready Everything: Beyond the Living Room
    When preparing for overnight guests, extend your fall-inspired hospitality to their temporary living spaces. Ensure guest rooms are stocked with fresh, seasonally appropriate linens, extra blankets, and a few essentials like cozy slippers or a small welcome basket with toiletries. A little extra effort in these areas makes guests feel truly cherished and comfortable during their stay.
  • Pantry & Kitchen Prep: Baking & Meal Essentials
    Fall is synonymous with baking and hearty meals. Take some time to stock your pantry with baking essentials like pumpkin puree, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), flour, and sugar. Having these on hand makes spontaneous baking sessions a breeze. Additionally, consider stocking up on non-perishable ingredients for quick, comforting fall meals to make busy weeknights easier.

Share Your Fall Favorites!

Prepping your home and nursery for fall is all about creating a warm, comfortable, and stress-free environment for your family and guests. I’d love to hear your creative ideas! How do you prepare your home for the autumn season? Do you have special traditions or unique tips for getting your nursery fall-ready?

Pin This Guide for Future Reference!

Don’t forget to save these helpful tips! Pin this image to your fall decor or baby preparation boards on Pinterest so you can easily revisit it year after year.

Pinterest graphic: How To Prep Your Home & Nursery For Fall

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Fall decor and Playtex baby products display