By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

October 2024

In October of 1492 Columbus “sailed the ocean blue” and discovered America. But it took until 1971 for Columbus Day to become a federal legal holiday, now celebrated on the second Monday of October. This is also the month of goblins and witches and all things Halloween and the month when we still hope for one more beach day before putting summer things away. Get a head start on the cool days ahead by organizing a “to do list” for when you’re ready.

         Feeling crafty? Create a Halloween display with a sophisticated spin.  Use spray Krylon to paint a group of pumpkins colonial blue, mustard, barn red, and cream and then coat them with a Walnut Wood Stain (Minwax) to get an antique look. It will last all fall and the deer won’t eat them. For a contemporary look, choose one of the pastel milk paint colors from Magnolia & Co. to spray on white miniature pumpkins (middle aisle to right of Main Entrance). Carve a hole in the top for inserting a votive candle and line them up down the middle of your table. Transition from summer to Autumn with placemats, napkins, candles, and centerpieces in fall colors. Reminder: order the Sferra Linens for your Thanksgiving table before it's too late. And while you’re in Housewares go through every aisle with a check list for all your cooking, baking, and serving needs, especially if you’ll be returning to your island home for the holidays.  Don’t get caught short without the right size turkey platter, and essentials like a turkey baster and a gravy boat. Housewares has all the little cooking gizmos you didn’t know you needed. It’s a fun browse for upgrading your basic tools.

        The change of seasons gets us thinking of comfort food. A few years ago, I invited a group of friends to dinner. However, I’m not creative in the kitchen and these friends are all gourmet cooks. So, I created a meal around the theme of a “Diner Dinner”. The menu included meatloaf (a recipe of Bill Blass’s), mashed potatoes, carrots and peas and chocolate pudding for dessert. The table was set with chunky plates, dishtowels for napkins (the green and white striped from Housewares – soft and fabulous!), basic diner salt and pepper shakers, etc. It started a trend and for several years thereafter, we gathered in January at alternating houses for the same diner dinner. The others made exotic versions!

        It's scallop season. Celebrate with a themed family dinner.  Fill a basket with scallop shells for the centerpiece and light them up with a strand of tiny battery lights. Use scallop shells as place cards. The kids can do this with Magic Marker. For candleholders: fill glass vases one third with sand, shells, dried peas, or tiny pebbles and place a fat candle on top. 

Instant Room Changers

1.     Home Furnishings has expanded the lamp display, offering an exceptional variety of styles and sizes for a fresh, clean Nantucket style. While you’re there, have a look at the latest window treatments from Hunter Douglas and Hartmann & Forbes. Marine will measure, design, and install your custom treatments. It’s a surprisingly easy way to dramatically refresh your home.

2.     Make a statement with one piece of furniture. For example: The gray sectional in Home Furnishings is comfortable, practical, and handsome. You can arrange sections to suit your needs and room. No waiting. Have it “white glove” delivered NOW! And there’s much more! 

Almost Free Ideas

1.     Brighten up your white kitchen island with a mixing bowl filled with polished green and red apples. For table décor: gourds, garlic bulbs, and artichokes.

2.     Mahogany-colored chestnuts are shiny little jewels. Gather and fill a basket or bowl.

Tip: There’s a tree in front of The Homestead at 115 Main St.

Please stop by Mitchell’s Book Corner on Sat. October 12 from 10:30-12:00 when I’ll be signing my book, “Christmas On Nantucket.” Love to see you and hear your ideas.