5 Ways to Ring in Spring

It may not feel like it outside, but the first official day of Spring is just a few weeks away on March 20th. Celebrate the first glorious days of the season with these classic activities. Until then, feast on these comforting winter meals.

1) Air Out Your Linens

Give those linens and bedspreads you've had tucked away in storage all winter a breath of fresh air, too-on your backyard clothesline. No laundering is needed; the wonderful combination of sunshine and a light spring breeze imparts its own heavenly scent.

2) Splurge on a Fresh Bouquet

Invite spring to the table with a lovely bouquet of cut flowers. A few stems of hyacinth, with its small trumpet-shaped florets, heady aroma, and deep blue- purple color, make a charming and easy arrangement. If you don't have gorgeous blooms growing in your backyard, buy them! Pick up these beautiful while flowers for under $25.

3) Start an Outdoor Herb Garden

There's nothing like seeing that first new growth poke out of the earth to signal that spring is on its way. But you can recreate that feeling even if the ground is still frozen by planting an indoor herb garden and watching it grow. Pot some cuttings of rosemary, basil, thyme, and other favorite herbs and put them in a kitchen window. When the ground thaws, transplant your little garden outdoors into one of these revamped window boxes.

Related: Learn to Cook with Fresh Herbs

4) Spring Clean Your Closet

Say goodbye to winter with a changing-of-the-closet ceremony. Now is the perfect time to pack away heavy woolens in favor of pretty blouses, and replace those old wire hangers with cushioned or wooden ones. Organize clothing by color and then sort by type (tops, pants, dresses) within each color category to help you find your favorites with ease. See the chic styles our editor's are craving this season.

5) Add Pastels to Your Palette

What better time than spring to update your decor? Even a few small changes can have a big impact. Switch up your mix of decorative items on display, or introduce a collectible in a new color. Purple is a popular home trend this season, but if you're not ready to commit to such a bold shade, try it out temporarily with a handful of plum-colored tulips.

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.