As the summer heat fades and the leaves begin to change colors, it’s time to spruce up your home and create a new vibe for guests to fall in love with. As autumn gets into full swing, you may want to check out our tips for hosting a great gathering at home or our tips for planning the perfect dinner party, but before you invite the crew over use these tips to reinvent your home.

Refresh the mess

Everybody’s home gets a little messy from time to time and some people just let their home decor get dull — don’t be that person. I’m not saying schedule an appointment with an interior decorator, but put some effort into styling your home. Now that fall is approaching, give your home a feel that reflects the changing season. Take some time to redecorate your space to give it a new vibe that will surprise your friends next time they come over. And if all else fails, get some extra-boujee flowers and throw pillows so you can stunt on company when they come through to catch up. Pro tip: Adding a couple of drops of bleach to the water in a vase and putting your flowers in the fridge before bed can help them live longer.

Knock some scents into your home

Quick fact about fall — Pumpkin spice is everywhere and it’s annoying. Let your house be a reprieve from the same old pumpkin spice this and apple cinnamon that. Liven up your home with different scents that remind your friends of the season, but also give a different layer to their visit. I’m no candle connoisseur so I’d be hard pressed to recommend something over $30, but Bath & Body Works has some great scents perfect for the fall including Sweater Weather, Autumn, and Marshmallow Fireside. I’m sure they have pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon for days too, if you’re not ready to try new scents.

Clean up the bathroom

This room is the most utilized and often the most overlooked as well. If you really want to make your place feel welcoming, then upgrade your bathroom this fall. You know those candles I mentioned earlier? They can be extremely valuable in the bathroom for two reasons: First,  keeping the door shut maximizes the candles ability to fill the room — meaning your candle will last longer. Second, because you never know who is going to blow up the bathroom, and that’s negative energy you don’t need funkin up the vibe. Pro tip: Make sure your candle is a safe distance from flammable materials like shower curtains, towels, and toilet paper.

Get down and dirty

Yes, the fall colors are always beautiful, but a little extra effort goes a long way. If you have a backyard or patio, plant some bright and colorful flowers along the perimeter or try your hand at growing edible plants that look and taste great. These can make for unique conversation starters, especially if you’re using them in your culinary creations for the evening. Aside from the visual appeal, gardening can be an enjoyable activity year-round to help clear your mind and unplug or as a way to spend quality time with your children. If you don’t have a backyard or patio, then snag some fresh-cut flowers that compliment your living room and give them a new home one your table.

Keep it Comfy

If you enjoy entertaining outside then you should make sure it’s comfortable for everyone involved. Regardless of whether you’re debating the top five albums this year or diving into conspiracy theories, making sure everyone has a pleasant place to sit is key. If you have chairs already, consider those throw pillows from before or try your hand at making some colorful cushions that complement the vibe you’ve created inside. If you’re into outdoor evenings, you could also make a super simple fire pit that’s perfect for s’mores. It can be done without a bunch of tools and actually looks pretty cool.

How do you get ready for fall? Tell us in the comments!