Fall Inspirations (Nashua Telegraph Fall 2008 Special Edition)

Fall is now upon us!

The crisp smell of leaves, pumpkins and apples is filling the air and the cool mornings and evenings are urging us inside to enjoy our homes. Downtown Nashua is a great place to gather inspiration for easy, creative ways to spice things up at home! Come and visit the many shops and displays that are ripe for the taking!

On behalf of the Greater Nashua community, Cathy Kert Interiors and Ikebana Flower participated in the Boston Home Show from September 12-14 at the Bayside Expo.

The thousands of visitors at our booth were very excited about the wonderful offerings available right here in tax-free Southern New Hampshire! Many visitors did not realize what a huge offering of gifts, home décor, and fine dining were available in downtown Nashua.

Michael Payne, HGTV's host of "Designing for the Sexes" was at our booth and shared some terrific design tips. Michael enjoys using natural materials for home décor, especially at the holiday season. In New England, we have a vast array of natural materials at our fingertips: bittersweet, hydrangeas, cat tails, pumpkins, gourds, kale, berries...traditional arrangements in vases can be ma...garlands on sideboards, mantles or countertops...

Michael was very impressed by locally found decor available here in New Hampshire: a custom made wrought iron table by Robin Harris of Sylvester Iron Art in Manchester, NH...hand fabricated draperies and pillows...Japanese flower arrangements with the help of Antoinette Drouart at Ikebana Flower... Planning is in the works to have a home decorating weekend event next fall, featuring the expertise of Michael Payne and several other nationally known celebrities. Keep your eyes and ears open to learn more of this wonderful event that is now being planned!

When searching for some fresh new ideas this fall in sprucing up your home, here are some suggestions: look outside in your yard and garden. Bring some funky outside pieces in...use an outside rattan chair or two in the living room to lighten things up.

If you have cute outside accessories, such as birdhouses, pots, garden art, find some unexpected locations inside to keep that festive summer feeling alive. Bookcases, shelves, kitchen countertops are great places to display your favorites. Bring your garden bench in the garage and hang a wreath above it. Why not have something pretty to look at as you pull off your muddy boots?

Don't forget to stop in downtown Nashua this holiday season in addition to traveling to the mall.

There are incredible values and really special things in each and every shop. Who needs Starbucks when you can grab a great hot coffee and bump into old and new friends?

Don't forget to check out Sarah Buckley's incredible pots in front of Michael Timothy's Bistro and Surf Restaurant and then head home and try some of her great ideas at your own home!