I know some people will think this is nuts, but one of my ways to mentally escape hot weather is to think about how I'm going to decorate for fall this year. (My other favorite strategy is watching Christmas movies in the middle of summer.)

I've blogged about fall decorating before - in 2010, when I was stumped. Those days are gone.

I'm hoping that this year, my fall decor is going to be based in plaid. Maybe it's the inspiration of my special tartan Thermos or just the idea that cozy clothes come in that pattern.

Whatever it is, Pinterest is proving that there are tons of cute ways to decorate from fall using plaid. Here are some of my favorites.

This one is actually a desktop background from my favorite cookbook company, Gooseberry Patch, but I love the idea of using my plaid thermos in fall decorating. Not sure I'm brave enough to leave it on my doorstep, though:

Loving this plaid tablecloth:

And oh, holy moly, plaid painted pumpkins. Wouldn't these be cute paired with some polka-dotted pumpkins using the same colors?:

Never underestimate the fall coziness of a plaid throw:

And I'm thinking I'll have to try making a fall-colored wreath like this soon, so I can make sure it's on my door by Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day: