As the seasons transition here in Southern Arizona, it's time to get our homes ready for Fall. With Fall comes a myriad of entertaining opportunities - Wildcats Football, the World Series, costume parties, or even a family movie night. Here are some suggestions for making your home a welcoming place to gather family and friends this Fall:

• Fresh bouquets of flowers placed in your entry way set the tone for a welcoming home. A vase filled with several large sunflowers set on a table perks up a room.
  
  
• Light candles throughout your home in pleasant Fall scents like "Pumpkin Spice" and "Cranberry." In addition, as the evening fades, their soft light will create a warm glow. Make sure to blow the candles out before leaving the house or going to bed.
  
  
• Bake a pie! It doesn't matter if it's from scratch or the freezer section of your local grocery store; the smell of a pie fresh from the oven will keep family and friends close.

(Choose a pie that's full of spices, like apple or pumpkin. Don't forget the ice cream!)

• Not everyone loves sports, so provide some options to watching the big game. Scrapbooking is a great way to pass the time and preserve special pictures. Or, just sit and chat. Our world is often so fast-paced that we miss opportunities to just talk. Catch up on each other's lives or talk about "the good, old days."
  
  
• Will kids be coming over? Rather than having full access to your children's room (and the inevitable mess and "but I didn't do it!" argument), set out a basket of toys and games that can be played with. That way, at the end of the evening all the children can help put the toys and games back into one basket.
  
  
• Last minute guests? Pre-make cake layers to keep in your freezer. They can be pulled out and frosted at a moments notice and your guests will never know!
  
  
• We all lead busy lives, but taking a few minutes to clean-up after each meal means no dirty dishes in the sink or messy counters when unexpected guests show up at your door. The old saying, "Do it 'til it's done" is a great motto to help you stay motivated to keeping your house ready for you and others to enjoy.
  
  
• On a cool evening, light an outdoor fireplace for warm ambiance. While it's lit, trying roasting s'mores! All ages will enjoy roasting marshmallows and eating the yummy graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow concoction.
  
• Make clean-up easy - use paper products that can be tossed. That way you will have more time to spend with your guests and less clean-up after they've gone.

So whether it's Friday Night Pizza for a group of teens or a quiet evening with close friends, get ready to entertain.

Every entertaining opportunity can be meaningful by taking a few simple minutes to make your home a place that says, "Welcome!"

© 2008 Good News Tucson