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Home For The Weekend: Savoring Fall Before The Holidays

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty 179530

ENJOYING A PRE-HOLIDAY FALL WEEKEND AT HOME

20 IDEAS FOR A PERFECT PRE-HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT HOME

 

 

The holiday season is almost here and with it will come all kinds of activities that will leave most of us breathless. A late-fall weekend just before Thanksgiving is perfect for leaning into cozy vibes and preparing for the holiday season.

 

If you'd like to savor your home these last two weekends before Thanksgiving and before the holiday rush arrives here are 20 ideas for a perfect pre-holiday fall weekend:

  1. Bake Seasonal Treats: bake an apple pie, pumpkin muffins, or cinnamon rolls.

  2. Homemade Cider: Brew spiced apple cider or try your hand at mulled wine.

  3. Fall-Themed Charcuterie Board: Include cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, and fall flavors like fig or apple butter.

  4. Cooking Challenge: Choose a fall ingredient (such as butternut squash or cranberries) and create dishes around it.

  5. Movie Marathon: Watch fall-themed or cozy movies with blankets and popcorn.

  6. Read By Candlelight: Pick a mystery or classic novel and enjoy with tea or cider.

  7. Board Games Or Puzzles: Spend time with classics or try a fall themed puzzle.

  8. Home Spa Day: Use autumn-scented bath products and relax with face masks.

  9. Indoor Picnic: Set up a picnic-style meal in the living room with fall snacks.

  10. Cookie Decorating Contest: Use fall shapes and icing to decorate cookies.

  11. Make A Gratitude Jar: Have everyone write things they’re thankful for and read them at Thanksgiving dinner.

  12. Create A Thankful Video Message: Film short clips of family members sharing what they’re grateful for, then play it at Thanksgiving dinner.

  13. Recipe Testing: Try out new Thanksgiving recipes (like a side dish or pie) to perfect them before the big day.

  14. DIY Thanksgiving Decorations: Make centerpieces with leaves, pinecones, or mini pumpkins. Get 60 decorating ideas.

  15. Make A Gratitude Tree: Create a paper tree and have everyone write things they’re thankful for on paper leaves to hang.

  16. Create A Holiday Playlist: Curate a mix of Thanksgiving, fall, and Christmas songs.

  17. Plan Your Holiday Cards: Get a head start by designing or crafting holiday or Thanksgiving cards.

  18. Prepare A Holiday Gift List: that way you won't miss anyone on your list and you'll be able to shop efficiently... no last minute over-priced purchases.

  19. Cook For Neighbors: Share fall treats or soups with friends or neighbors as a Thanksgiving warm-up.

  20. Enjoy A Candlelit Dinner: Cook a warm, hearty meal and enjoy it by candlelight for an extra cozy atmosphere.

 

 

These 20 ideas for a perfect pre-holiday fall weekend are provided by  Nina Hollander, Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte area residential real estate expert serving Charlotte area home sellers (and buyers) since 1999.

 

If you're considering selling or purchasing a home in the Charlotte region this fall or in the coming new year, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:

 "The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."

 

 

Posted by

 

 Nina Hollander, RE/MAX Broker, Realtor

 

 

 

Broker, Realtor, MBA, GRI, ABR, SRES, CDPE, SFR, SPS, CMRS
Carolinas Realty Partners with Coldwell Banker Realty
Direct: 704-779-0813
Website: www.GreatHomesInCharlotte.com
Blog: News You Can Use From The Greater Charlotte Area
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Disclaimer:  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice.  For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Nina - in busy times as well as occasions that may be less hectic, staycations can play an important role in everyday life.  And the topic of real estate can certainly help make that happen.  

Nov 16, 2024 06:29 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Michael Jacobs hi Michael... a nice relaxing weekend at home can do wonders for one's energy and psyche.

Nov 16, 2024 07:38 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I got down to 62 degrees this morning with word that we might get a morning next week that barely hits 50!  Winter weather!!

Nov 16, 2024 06:53 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty hi Jeff... I love temperatures in the 60's. It's still in low 70's here, but drops to high 40's at night.

Nov 16, 2024 07:39 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Nina,

All great ideas to savor for the pre-holiday week-ends! A good time to test some recipes for sure!

Nov 16, 2024 07:05 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Dorie Dillard Austin TX hi Dorie... a nice, fun weekend at home can be like a mini-vacation.

Nov 16, 2024 07:40 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

What a fun list! We actually do indulge in many of those suggestions between November - March each year. And we do get Fall-Colors inland San Diego, it's very much country out there; where I live the Palm Trees are evergreen and the bougainvillea remains in bloom, so we lose the sense of season, but the water views and worth it!

Nov 16, 2024 07:12 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO hi Thomas, so delighted you liked my list. And a lot of these tips can be converted to different seasons.

Nov 16, 2024 07:56 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Nina,
#13 reminded me that after Max and I were married I would try out a new recipe each year for our Thanksgiving dinner with the family. I figured there was enough other food that it didn't matter if it was good or not. I added a lot of new family favorites over the years doing that.

Nov 16, 2024 07:13 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Carol Williams what a great idea, Carol! Did you create some winner dishes?

Nov 16, 2024 07:50 AM
Carol Williams

Nina Hollander, Broker 
I can't say I "created" them, but I made some winners from some interesting looking recipes. Somewhere along the way, I've misplaced the pistachio pudding recipe. I'm sad about that.

Nov 16, 2024 08:05 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Carol Williams love pistachio "anything."

Nov 16, 2024 08:07 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

These are timely suggestions to share.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Nov 16, 2024 09:11 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Thanks, Roy, and thanks for stopping by. Trust your weekend has been stellar thus far.

Nov 16, 2024 02:42 PM
Tracy Lee Parker
RE/MAX DFW Associates - Royse City, TX
Buy*Sell*Rent

Great ideas for Fall! I did #19 last night. Have a great rest of your Fall 🍁

Nov 16, 2024 09:37 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Tracy Lee Parker hi Tracy... one down, 19 more to go! Just kidding! Happy weekend to you.

Nov 16, 2024 02:43 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Nina, I will start baking up at the mountain over Thanksgiving and then start baking the first week in December for clients.

 

Nov 16, 2024 10:11 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Will Hamm hi Will... I don't bake for family so you know I definitely would not be baking for clients. I think if I did they would be falling down in shock.

Nov 16, 2024 02:44 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Nina- I love this list!!!   We were gifted a food themed box one Christmas. Larry and I had a picnic in the family room and ate the goodies in the box. I also like the idea of testing a recipe or using a dish with a fall ingredient. 

Nov 16, 2024 11:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Kathy Streib thanks, Kathy. This list goes to prove that one can have a wonderful weekend without running all over the place!

Nov 16, 2024 02:45 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Those ALL look great Nina, getting ready to head into the holidays. Just as long as it does involve "peeling the potatoes", I may be hiding in the back yard. Jeff 

Nov 16, 2024 11:33 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI hi Jeff... so what's your deal with peeling potatoes?

Nov 16, 2024 02:45 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Nina Hollander, Broker  During the Thanksgiving weekend is when we start my Holiday Cards for my clients, friends and family:)Endre

Nov 16, 2024 01:06 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Endre Barath, Jr. hi Endre... I decorate my house for Christmas the days right after Thanksgiving. Holiday cards get done the first week of December (first I need to be in the holiday spirit in a decorated home).

Nov 16, 2024 02:46 PM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

We love the Fall season out here.  Breakfast every day on the back patio. Thanks for sharing, make it a great Saturday and enjoy your weekend!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Nov 16, 2024 01:13 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Bill Salvatore - East Valley hi Bill... thanks for popping by. At this time of year fall mornings are a tad too cool to breakfast outside at my end. I bet you can do it most of the winter at your end.

Nov 16, 2024 02:47 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Nina Hollander, Broker, for this wonderfully cozy guide to savoring fall at home! Your 20 ideas are sure to inspire warm moments that make the pre-holiday season truly special!

Nov 16, 2024 01:16 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Lew Corcoran hi Lew... for some reason, I always love being at home in the late fall season just before the holidays. Hope you've had a good weekend thus far and that your Sunday will be a good day, as well.

Nov 16, 2024 02:49 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Nina I like most of the suggestions, especially the first one!   ☺️

Nov 16, 2024 01:39 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

George Souto hi George... I won't disagree with you. Just wish I had someone to bake for me as I don't bake! :)

Nov 16, 2024 02:49 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Nina, we have 50's and 60's now, maybe a flake or two on Tuesday, but back up again.  Fall is back! 

Nov 16, 2024 03:24 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Joan Cox no flakes of any kind in Charlotte right now (unless you are thinking about human flakes!).

Nov 17, 2024 05:22 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Nine:

These are great ideas for a cozy weekend at home, and good year-round with some seasonal adjustments. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away.

Jeff

Nov 16, 2024 04:10 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Jeff Dowler, CRS good morning, Jeff... hard to believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, that Christmas is just five weeks away, and that a new year is almost upon us, as well!

Nov 17, 2024 05:23 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Nina Hollander, Broker  That is a great list of ideas to enjoy a fall weekend, Maybe some day I'll get the time.

Nov 16, 2024 05:46 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 good morning, Ed... if I've learned anything, it's that at some point we don't ever get time... we make time to do things we like.

Nov 17, 2024 05:23 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Nina, A nice list of ideas to help bring in the cooler weather and the holidays. Hopefully you will get to do a few on that list.  Happy Autumn!

Nov 16, 2024 06:28 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Gloria Todor good Sunday morning, Gloria. Thanks for popping by. Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving season.

Nov 17, 2024 05:24 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Those are great ideas and I am sure that many people around the world are doing some of those things right now, haha.

Nov 17, 2024 02:42 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Brian England good morning, Brian... since there's nothing original in that list, I'm sure all of those 20 suggestions are being done somewhere.

Nov 17, 2024 05:25 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Nina Hollander, Broker - I have enjoyed the taste of pumpkin bread, pumpkin latte, and so many other flavors of fall. You provided a very comprehensive list of ways to enjoy the season. It should be mirrored after the Advent Calendar to get people energized and exciting about positive change in the air. 

Thank you! Your post was, as always, very enjoyable and thought-provoking. 

Nov 17, 2024 10:29 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP thank you ever so much, Patricia, for that very lovely comment. I grew up with Advent Calendars and my mother gave me one every single year through 1997. She passed away in September 1998 and I miss receiving that calendar to this day.

Nov 17, 2024 10:59 AM
Patricia Feager

Nina Hollander, Broker - holidays and family traditions are relived even when the loved one is gone from earth or family members too far away. I miss holiday traditions mostly because I never have anyone to share it with and on the rare occasions I do, it's never long enough. 

Nov 17, 2024 12:13 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP I know whereof you speak, Patricia. I still miss celebrating Christmas and my birthday with my mother and it's been 26 years. I still miss my Christmas celebrations and gifting traditions with a close friend who's been gone since 2015. This year we are flying to Colorado for Christmas week to spend it with our daughter, our grands and our two great-grands. I know the week will fly by and not feel long enough. I miss our Thanksgiving get-togethers with very close friends both of whom passed away in the past two years. You know, when we're in Charlotte at Christmas you are always welcome here.

Nov 17, 2024 12:19 PM