jubilee.Nearbywoodssharetheircacheof
colorful leaves, fallen acorns, and prickly
pinecones—perfectforcreatinga wreathor
adorninga giftpackage.
Localcurbmarketsarebrimmingwith
harvestbounty,andit’seasytospendages
pondering the carving potential of this
pumpkinoverthatone,when,intheend,
a half-dozencomehome—alongwithcheck-
eredearsof Indiancorn,oddlyshapedgourds,
anda fewshocksofwheatforgoodmeasure.
Justpicturethesegleaningsliningthesteps
toa frontdoorornestledamongbunchesof
brightchrysanthemumsagainsta stonewall!
Rather than seeing the season as the
endofanotheryear,autumnpromptsusto
celebratethe uniqueexuberanceitoffers.
AsF.ScottFitzgeraldwrote,“Lifestartsall
overagainwhenit getscrispinthefall.”V
Visit victoriamag.com to download the alphabet
template used to create the elegantly carved
pumpkin showcased on page 61.
Opposite: Gleanings from the garden
become seasonal embellishments when
adhered to packages wrapped in brown
craft paper and tied with pretty, natural-
hued ribbons. This page: Stems of wheat,
slipped in twine tied around a napkin, add
fl ourish to an autumnal setting, left, while
an assortment of pinecones and berries
adorns a vine wreath, above.victoriamag.com 66