10 things to do in October

There's nothing like the crisp, clean and often slightly wood-smoke-tinged smell of fall. Combined with the feel of cool air and the splendour of the turning leaves, it makes you want to jump into a pile of fallen leaves -- and then curl up under a blanket with a steaming mug of hot apple cider. Make the most of the season, both indoors and out, with these 10 suggestions for your to-do list this month.

1 Plant spring bulbs
Think back to early spring, and how much you appreciated those first sights of flowers blooming -- and make that thought your inspiration as you buy your spring bulbs. Now is the time to plant them, before the first frost.

2 Make your living space cosier
Now's the time for quiet evenings at home on the couch with a page-turner. Make things more comfy by decorating your living room with warm, textured cushions and throws in your favourite fall palette -- wrap yourself in rich-coloured velvet, cashmere or faux fur for the ultimate in luxury. Get inspiration from this interview with Nate Berkus.

3 Enjoy some hot apple cider
Healthier than hot chocolate but just as soothing, apple cider is a delicious fall treat best enjoyed when locally made from fresh-picked fruit. Whether you're preparing it for guests or just for a quiet evening at home, now is the time to pick up some cider and spice it up.

4 Use your leaves
Rather than letting the city take away your fallen leaves, make good use of them. If you have a compost bin, keep bags of leaves nearby to add periodically throughout the winter. Another option is to make leaf compost -- fill a garbage bag with shredded leaves, a few handfuls of soil and some water, close the bag, and shake once a week. By spring you should have usable leaf mold.

5 Set the table for fall
As the seasons change, so does our appetite -- as salads cease to satisfy, we find ourselves preparing much more hearty fare.

Image courtesy of West Elm