It’s getting colder here in Utah. The leaves are changing color and we’re feeling all the feels to make our homes fell more cozy. We’re in the mood to bake, light candles and snuggle up with a good throw.

On this episode of Dear Alice we are talking about layering our home for winter. We love making things heavy through accessories like pillows and mohair throws. Incorporating velvets and those deeper, rich layers will help get your home ready and feeling cozy for the cold months ahead.

Here are some areas that you can add that extra layer:

THE PORCH

Changing up your DOOR MAT always feels like a refresher. It’s a time of year where company comes so it’s always a nice way to beef up that porch scene. The pumpkins are out and the mums are in full bloom. Incorporate these garden items to add a touch of a deep velvety color. Incorporate a bit of potato vines and you’ve created a nice transition from summer to fall.

Pro tip: Get a lot of pumpkins! Fill up that shopping cart and create a generous and abundant scene. Purple mums and white pumpkins felt a bit a typical. But just be generous about it! Let them trickle down the steps. Mums do tend to get fried so try to keep them in a more shady area.

LANTERNS are a nice touch. There are fantastic flameless versions out there or use real flames - if you dare. These give you that big hocus-pocus feel.

In winter take away the pumpkins and mums and replace them with a wreath. There’s something nice and traditional about it. You can do an evergreen so it can stay up all winter to help out those dull winters. Topiaries or big bushes are a classic go-to. Seasonal items can be added to them to make them more seasonal.

2. ENTRY

If you have an entry table we like using our favorite ginger jar. Branches, blossoms or evergreens can be switched out for a particular season.

Suz loves to go foraging in the mountains near her home - and in her front yard! Clip up a few branches from the mountains and create an arrangement for any kitchen island or entry or kitchen table. It makes a mood and height and immediately transforms your home. Put the cuttings in water and they’ll be good for a few weeks.

Pro tip: Keep a pair of snips in your trunk! Live cutting will always be the most beautiful and sculptural will create a great moment.

3. ACCESSORIES

Engage all the senses. The smell of a candle, the visual of a good picture book and music helps us to be present and in the moment.

CANDLES: A good candle always sets the mood and kicks off the season. We like the heavier, cozier scents. Our favorite is the Trudon candle. The candles have been made since 1653 in France and the only candle that has been made for the royal family. The handblown glass has a beautiful gold crest on the front and all the scents are a rich, deep smell that creates a luxurious moment. We love them on our crystal candle dish. The small dish fits them beautifully. We also have our elevated clawfoot dish that fits another of our favorite, the Lola James candle, beautifully.

BOOKS: Don’t forget to mix up your books for the seasons. Coffee table books are a great way to update your seasonal decor - and can be a source of entertainment for your guests. Use a book cradle and display those beauties on a coffee table or in the entry. We love using our Lucite Galerie book cradle or our Wood Galerie book cradle.

MUSIC: Don’t forget the music! Jess loves incorporating a playlist to events she hosts. We all know music sets a mood and can turn a dull dinner party into a memorable and engaging one. Music is powerful and can remind us of traditions. It can bring us back to our roots when we were children or create new memories with friends and family.

TASTE: Jess’s favorite hostess trick is having a little candy dish easily accessible to her guests. Her favorite is the Italian Blown Dish. Add a peppermint, caramel, chocolate, or anything wrapped that relates to the season.

4. SOFAS, BEDS AND PILLOWS

The winter whites, the neutrals, pairing down your colors, it all becomes a good backdrop for any season. If you’re into the classic red and greens and jewel tones for the holidays they can really pop when your base layer is neutral. Our Mohair Throw is so amazing. It’s a throw for your sofa and is just stunning. We love using it on the back of sectionals. It covers the seam and brings the two together. It puddles on the floor and creates such a mood. Mohair is made from goat and a course thick velvet. It feels so lux but also sturdy - especially if you have kids. Incorporating faux furs and velvets is a favorite of ours to create an added layer for beds, sofas and pillows. One thing we always like to say: Go big and make it feel abundant and generous and you can’t go wrong.