Fall Home Decor and Recipes Gotta Have It List

Blog posts, like the spaces and places in the home, benefit from seasonal updating.  If you’re like me, all things fall home decor and recipes counts as a conversation worth having and a blog post worth reading.

fall home decor and recipes

Fall home decor and recipes suited for cozy days into evenings and scrumptious snacks and meals scripts a feels good to be home narrative.

As the dog days grow shorter and first signs of changing colors make their presence known,  thoughts of fall naturally come to mind.

Oh, what fall fun we decoristas have when we are:

fall-outdoor-tablescape

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Helen Norman

Setting seasonal tablescapes.

autumn-harvest-rice-for-fall

Autumn Harvest Rice Recipe

Developing, delighting in, and discovering recipes big on the flavors of the season.

wreath-for-fall-2020 (1)

Decorating the interiors and exteriors of house, heart, home, and hearth.

fall-trays-compotes-berries-nuts-fruit

Better Homes & Gardens

Great serving pieces, serving trays, compotes, set of table linens, throw pillows, lamps, wall accents, rugs- it doesn’t take a complete space overhaul or remodel to introduce texture, color, or pattern of the season to your interior or exterior home decor.

pewter-trays-fall-decorating

Don’t forget the menu.

fall-autumn-menu-template

Talk about one of the most delicious ways to welcome fall home decor and recipes to a new season!

Let’s take a look at this season’s Gotta Have It list.

gotta-have-it-image

fall-autumn-gotta-have-it-list

Brooks Brothers Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp

French Bulldog Teapot– just for fall fun!

Autumn Spice Toile Salad Plates

J&G Meakin “Romantic England” Gravy Boat

Better Homes & Gardens Sweater Knit Decorative Square Throw Pillow

Fall Acorn Shaped Pillow

Figural Pine Cone Wax Candle

White Leaf Table Decor

12.5in Wood Give Thanks Lazy Susan

Cozy is a delightful guest- one who never wears out its welcome. Designing a cozy setting is not an exercise in difficulty.

cozy

fireplace-winter-antique-chair-Stacy-Goldberg (1)

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Stacy Goldberg

Warm colors mingled among textured accents, collected finds, and antique pieces set against the backdrop of layers of soft and comfy candlelight or a crackling fire in the fireplace invite cozy to settle in and stay awhile.

Glass Figural Pumpkin Acorn Trails - Threshold™

Glass Figural Pumpkin Acorn Trails – Threshold™

Bring a little pumpkin of your favorite spice and scent to your fall soiree.

4pk Glass Votive Set Vanilla Pumpkin

4pk Glass Votive Set Vanilla Pumpkin

Getting into the fall of it all is fun, keeps things decoratively interesting, and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Fall Cream Berry & Wheat Wreath by Bloom Room

Fall Cream Berry & Wheat Wreath by Bloom Room

Hops Arrangement in Ceramic Pot

Hops Arrangement in Ceramic Pot

Mini Maple Leaf Wreath Red

Mini Maple Leaf Wreath Red

4pk Figural Votives Apples Candle Red

4pk Figural Votives Apples Candle Red

fall autumn kitchen soups

Southern Lady Magazine

Time spent in the kitchen at fall is time spent in the presence of the comfort of home.

Kitchen Towel 'Multi-Plaid'

Kitchen Towel ‘Multi-Plaid’

vintage-pewter-sugar-bowl-oak-acorn-motif (1)

Vintage Pewter Sugar Bowl with Oak Acorn Motif

white-fur-throw-pillow-on-accent-chair

Late summer into early fall sunsets casts shadows full of nuance ready to shadow dance with rich colors, patterns and textures that highlight the very best of the season.

fall-sun-over-mountains

If I didn’t know better, I would think wooden dough bowls strictly exist for housing a natural bounty of fall’s most gorgeous finds.

fall-arrangement-fruits-pinecones-leaves-gourds-photo-Edmund-Barr

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Edmund Barr

Rich warm colors perfectly accentuate indoor and outdoor spaces prime for feathering in seasonal splendor.

white-fall-pumpkins

Cinderella-pumpkins-local (1)

Fads & Frames

Rework a display you’ve enjoyed during the previous season with a simple addition to and subtraction of.

fall-wreath-materials-20222

When creating a fall -autumn inspired arrangement, I like to let the flora fall where they may.

Frankly, it plays up the natural aspect of the season which advances the uncomplicated yet beautiful effect you’re going for.

Red and yellow tropical Proteas as a stand alone or complementing accent add seasonal color, and look absolutely smashing with a bouquet of foliage.

fall-harvest-arrangement-ideas

Fall treasuring hunting has commenced focusing on new and vintage items for fall decorating.

ironstone-platter-blue-green-white-oval

Staying close to home and heart with home decor accessories selections in a vintage and antique theme comes naturally to my tastes.

hobnail-cake-plate (1)

Fall feasts reminds me of a neighbor friend who is known for a strict and steadfast entertaining rule she swears by.

Jadeite Footed Loop Design Cake Stand

Jadeite Footed Loop Design Cake Stand

She is of the belief it is in poor taste and the epitome of bad entertaining manners to have an empty cake stand or cake plate set out on the buffet or sideboard when having guests over.

apple-pecan-walnut-cake

Far be it from me to argue with that particular entertaining principle, so allow me to play the fall baking fairy furnishing y’all with my apple nut cake recipe complete with sprinkles of cinnadust.

This classic recipe is a c’est si bon fall favorite, and is cake stand or plate worthy.

recipe apple nut cake 1

Apple Nut Cake

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups granulated sugar

½  cup brown sugar

2 eggs

½  teaspoon nutmeg

½  teaspoon cinnamon

½  teaspoon ground cloves

½  teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ½  cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped pecans

½  cup applesauce

3 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced

Icing

½  cup firmly packed light brown sugar

¼  cup butter or margarine

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

½  cup chopped pecans

Directions

Peel and slice apples.  Add brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves and lemon juice to apples coating well; set aside.  Mix together sugar and oil.  Add the eggs and beat until creamy.  Add vanilla.  Combine salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour together.

Introduce dry ingredients in small amounts to sugar and oil mixture.  Next, add apples, applesauce and chopped pecans and mix by hand.

Bake in greased and floured Bundt pan in 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

For the icing:

In a medium saucepan bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring or whisking constantly.  Boil for one minute continuing to stir or whisk constantly.

Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Add powdered sugar and stir or whisk until smooth and continue until it begins to thicken slightly.  Immediately drizzle over cooled cake.  Top with walnuts or pecans.

As a tasty bonus, I’m adding my recipe for Great Northern Bean and Chicken Soup as a culinary accompaniment to the antique white pumpkin soup tureen on my Gotta Have It list.

Great-northern-bean-and-chicken-soup-recipe-1

Great Northern Bean and Chicken Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon minced garlic

2 cans Great Northern beans

1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 32 ounce box chicken broth

1 chicken bouillon cube

2 cups water

Directions

Melt the butter in Dutch oven (or just toss the butter in with the veggies like I do).  Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery and chopped onion.  Sauté until onions become translucent.

Add shredded chicken, beans, bay leaf, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the flavor goodness together.  Add water, bouillon cube and chicken broth bringing to a boil.

Once a good bubbling boil is reached, reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer for 45-60 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf and serve with crackers or cheesy cornbread.

soup-and-crackers

Spicy sea salt and black pepper crackers add a touch of the all important c’est si bon.

While we’re on the subject of crackers, fall, cozy, snacks, and seasonal goodness, let’s pumpkin cheese ball this fall recipes thing up.

pumpkin cheese ball

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Jacob Fox

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Ingredients

2  8 ounces pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

¾ cup canned pumpkin

¼ cup butter, softened

2 tablespoons minced fresh sage

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Assorted crackers

Directions

Combine cream cheese, 1¼ cups cheddar cheese, the pumpkin, butter, sage, paprika, garlic powder, and ¼ tsp. each salt and black pepper.  Beat with a mixer on medium until fluffy.

Chill, covered, 4 to 24 hours.

Wrap in plastic wrap and shape into a ball.  Unwrap; roll ball in remaining  ¾ cup cheddar.  Serve with crackers.

Serves 24.

To shape into a pumpkin:

After rolling the cheese ball in the remaining cheddar cheese, rewrap the ball in plastic wrap.  Place a few rubber bands vertically around the cheese ball to form ridges.  Chill 30 minutes.

-Better Homes & Gardens

Is there a hint of fall in your part of the world?

Embrace the beauty and the taste of fall and give it a welcome home, old friend shout out from me.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome To Tailgating Season

Football and tailgating season is here, and we’re a nation of football enthusiasts who live for this time of year when fans gather together with the common interests of good times, great eats, and victorious scores.

brown-football

Photo by Dave Adamson 

Saturday, September 2, 2023 is National Tailgating Day.

Tailgating is the pass a good time prelude to the game where tablescape ideas and tasty recipes run the field of creativity.

mums-tailgating

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

Can’t make it to the stadium?

running-the-football

Homegating works too!

tailgating-homegating

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Brian Woodcock

There’s no way to eloquently put it- the Deep South is one hot bowl of summer heat and humidity until it decides it’s not.

The 12 seasons of Louisiana:

Winter
Fool’s Spring
Second winter
Spring of deception
Third winter
The pollening
Actual spring
Summer
Hell’s front porch
False fall
Second summer
Actual fall

Currently we’re between hell’s front porch and false fall, but we don’t let it discourage we the football faithful; we simply dress cool, decorate even cooler, and forge on.

game-day-night-clothes

Bringing a festive tailgating-homegating event together requires thought and time to plan, and everyone has a method to their tailgating madness.

Successful tailgating times is defined in may ways, but festive camaraderie in late summer, cozy days of fall, and chill of early winter is the common ground game goal of all.

equipment-graphic

Better Homes & Gardens Wood-Burning Copper Chiminea Fire Pit 1

Better Homes & Gardens Wood-Burning Copper Chiminea Fire Pit

Magellan Outdoors Cool Comfort Mesh Chair

Magellan Outdoors Cool Comfort Mesh Chair

Great get together tools come in pairs- a fire pit and a pit of fire to get things good and toasty and good and tasty.

Wood-Pellet-Smoker-Grill-BBQ-with-Auto-Temperature-Controls

Wood Pellet Smoker Grill BBQ with Auto Temperature Controls

Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox 45 qt Hard Cooler

Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox 45 qt Hard Cooler

Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt. Wheeled Cooler, Gray

Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt. Wheeled Cooler, Gray

football-shaped-glass-tumblers

Mainstays 23 oz. Clear Football Cooler Drinkware, Set of 6

Pack and cart wagons and trash plastic college buckets come in handy.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Folding Sports Wagon with Removable Bed

Academy Sports + Outdoors Folding Sports Wagon with Removable Bed

LSU-5-gallon-bucket

Carved Wooden Cookie Mold

Carved Wooden Cookie Mold

touchdown-football-serving-tray

Touchdown! Serving Tray

LSU-geaux-cups-white

Fall holidays and celebrations can be the inspiration to guide your tailgating-homegating theme of the week.

melamine-plates-orange

Repeat after me: affordable and reusable.

Bronze-finish-Bulldog-Sculpture

Go Dawgs! Sitting Bulldog Figurine

Initial costs ding the wallet at first, but grant bang for your party buck satisfaction for tailgating seasons to come.

Natural Burlap by The Yard

Burlap fabric remains a great option of neutral and inexpensive for table covering needs. It comes in a good selection of colors allowing you to go with team colors game to game.

autumn-vegetables-fresh-mums-pumpkins

In season local fruits and vegetables make excellent table and centerpiece decorations.

crates-risers

Stack on risers and in crates.

Crates turned upside down or stacked on top of each other make great display options while adding height to your tablescape presentation.

dried-fall-flowers-in-basket

Place in baskets.

twig-baskets

Mainstays Round Maize Decorative Storage Basket, Dark Brown

Stems and branches denoting regional and seasonal beauty in varying heights and colors gathered together in vases or free form vignettes achieve the look of effortless style and casual elegance.

festive-fall-woven-vase (1)

Handwoven Seagrass Vase

Vintage or in the style of vintage football items such as a letter sweater, trademark fashions, programs, books, and figurines become super cute centerpieces.

Simply embellish in team colors to tie it all together.

1950s Retro Long Sleeve Letterman Cardigan Sweater

1950s Retro Long Sleeve Letterman Cardigan Sweater

in-the-style-of-Bear-Bryant-houndstooth-hat

Houndstooth Design Throw Blanket Black

Pick up inexpensive throws in team colors, patterns, and textures to use as spot accents.

October 29, 1938 the Union Gridron Official Football Program Williams vs Union Football GameOctober 29, 1938 the Union Gridiron Official Football Program Williams vs Union

Vintage Tennessee Tech Football Program

Vintage Tennessee Tech Football Program

kick-off-thomas-baldwin

vintage-football-helmet-cleats

Bronze Quarterback

Crown Sporting Goods Vintage Leather Football Helmet

Vintage Football Cleats

Aluminum-Handcrafted-Champagne-Cooler-by-Christopher-Knight-Home (1)

Homecoming turns into a true tailgating extravaganza in true seize the moment to gussy up fashion.

Buff Concrete Planter-1

Urns make the trip from patio to tabletop becoming an elegant beverage bucket, a holder packed with LED pillar candles and/or a stunning silverware caddy.

Tailgating treasures tip:

End of season clearance sales result in some mighty fine finds with price points to match. Don’t overlook the aisles and the shelves of big box and resale-vintage-thrift stores.

Home improvement stores hit the nail on the head as sources of complementing pieces such as ceiling medallions, decorative ceiling and floor tiles, and floor model fixtures.

Antique shops come in as hubs of history where unique and eclectic pieces come to live another life as tailgating decor must haves.  Flea markets, estate, and garage sales source vintage dinnerware perfect for mix and match presentation, cast iron cookware, copper kitchen wares, cake stands, Tupperware, table linens, cutlery, holiday decorations and the like.

urn-planter-as-beverage-tub

Fall Olive Leaf Garland by Bloom Room

Introduce real or faux garlands, stems, branches, etc… to the tailgating table as fabulous fillers and display accents.

fall-arrangement-Oak-and-Sweetgum-branches

Martha Stewart

Centerpiece ideas center around grocery store floral departments and my forever go-to, nature’s floral department. It’s always open, and the prices can’t be beat.

sunflower

sunflowers-5-stems

Regional and seasonal come together to make a scenes from home tailgating centerpiece statement.

magnolia-leaves-centerpiece

mature-cotton-boll

decorative-pheasant-feathers-bundle

velvet-ribbon

Tailgaters bring their A-game ready to impress.

Tiger Set of 4 Napkins

Tiger Set of 4 Napkins

Traditions impress, menus rival five star restaurants, and the drinks flow like the Mississippi River.

nickel-metal-serving-trays

Tennessee Vols Go Big Orange Styrofoam Cups

Stylish Styros

Take the look to next level style with wreaths.

seasonal-wreath-greenery-magnolia-leaves

Mixed Leaves Wreath

Uses include flanking table ends, candle rings, stunning base for a beverage dispenser(s), and placed on tabletops to complement nickel plated iron serving trays from Dollar Tree.

Homestead Textured Glass Jug Beverage Dispenser with Spigot

Nearly Natural 26" Fall Sorghum Harvest Autumn Artificial Wreath

Nearly Natural 26″ Fall Sorghum Harvest Autumn Artificial Wreath

Preserved Magnolia Wreath - Threshold™

Preserved Magnolia Wreath – Threshold™

tailgating-treats-graphic

bourbon-apple-cider-thyme-punch

Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch Recipe

bloody-mary-garnishes (1)

Who wants a Bloody Mary?

Clamato-cajun-spice-beans

Game Time Bloody Mary

Ingredients

6 ounces of chilled Clamato

1 ounce vodka

generous sprinkle celery salt

Pickapeppa sauce

ice cubes

fresh lemon juice

Louisiana spicy beans

sauces-for-Bloody-Mary

Directions

Pour Clamato and vodka into glass.

Shake several splashes of Pickapeppa sauce, celery salt, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice into mixture.  Stir well. Garnish with a spicy bean garnish and it’s game time!

Speaking of sauces…

Louisiana hot sauces kick up the fun and the flavors- two things necessary at a Louisiana tailgating get together.

Pour up hot sauce (or any other type sauce or dressing) into clear  disposable plastic cups with lids for individual servings. The deals are better on large containers, and individual servings sizes ?

hot-sauce-in-individual-cups

Pickled Dilly Beans for the tailgating condiment win!

Spicy Pickled Dilly Beans

Spicy Pickled Dilly Beans Recipe

Easy tops the tailgating menu when you pickup items at your local grocery store that put simple and delicious on the table.

Mix it up, spoon it out, and spread it on thick in real-time before game time.

grocery-store-items-for-tailgating

Simple and delicious crowd pleasing appetizer solutions begin with several bricks of cream cheese placed on a lovely plate or platter.

fall-cheese-board

Next, top each brick with a favorite jelly, jam, preserves or spread.

Garnish with fruit, nuts, or fresh herbs.

jelly-jam-spicy-spreads

How deliciously easy is that?

super-bowl-charcuterie-board

Fit reminders of the season into the game plan.

Linden Street Harvest Wood Cheese Board

Harvest Wood Cheese Board

Linden Street Harvest Figural Pumpkin Wood Serving Board

Harvest Figural Pumpkin Wood Serving Board

Charcuterie boards score big points with the tailgating and/or homegating crowd.

tailgate-food-onion-dip (1)

Country Living – Photography by Brian Woodcock

Caramelized Onion Dip with Crispy Shallots

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil, divided

3 large sweet onions, chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 shallots, sliced into thin rings

1 (16-ounce) container sour cream

1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Pretzels and potato, beet, and sweet potato chips for serving

Directions

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are a deep golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon; cool completely.

Combine sour cream and onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Top with crispy shallots and chives. Serve with pretzels and chips.

-Country Living

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball Recipe

sloppy-cola-Joe-slaw-dogs

Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs Recipe

Gourmet Beef Sliders Recipe

Gourmet Beef Sliders Recipe

chicken and biscuit sliders

Chicken ‘n Biscuit Sliders Recipe

fried-chicken

gumbo-bowl

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo 

Ingredients

8 cups water

traditional roux; see recipe below (or 8 ounces of instant roux from jar)

3 chicken bouillon cubes

4 boneless skinless chicken breast, shredded
**Substitution: deli rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 lb. package smoked sausage, sliced

1  12 ounce bag frozen chopped onions

1  12 ounce bag frozen chopped bell peppers

½ cup celery, chopped

1 Tablespoon celery seed

3 bay leaves

2 Tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fine black pepper, or to taste*
**Substitution: 1 teaspoon Créole seasoning for salt and pepper

½ cup white wine or to taste

4 green onions, chopped

Roux

Ingredients

1 cup flour

1 cup vegetable oil

Directions

Heat oil in a black skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add flour in gradually, stirring well. Reduce heat to low.  Stir/whisk the mixture constantly until it reaches a rich brown color, approximately 30-40 minutes. You must stir/whisk constantly to prevent the roux from burning.

Gumbo Directions

Slice sausage into ½ inch pieces. Using a seasoned skillet for optimum taste results, cook the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Transfer cooked sausage to plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess grease to drain.  Set aside.

Place chicken breasts in Dutch oven or stock pot, add water, and bring to a boil.  Add celery seed, ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. black pepper.

Stir and reduce heat to medium low, cooking chicken breasts until done, about 1 hour.  Transfer chicken breasts from pot to large mixing bowl.  Shred chicken breasts and return to broth.

Turn heat back to high and bring to boil.  Add roux to broth and chicken mixture, whisking until roux dissolves.  Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, chopped onions, bell pepper and celery, bay leaves, chicken bouillon cubes, remaining salt and black pepper (or Créole seasoning).

Carefully pour in white wine. Stir to blend and incorporate.

Reduce heat to simmer. Simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours, allowing all flavors to marry. Remove bay leaves and skim any grease that has formed off top of gumbo.

Add chopped green onions and continue to simmer for additional 5 minutes.

Serve gumbo over cooked rice.  Top with a sprinkle of filé, more green onions, and hot sauce to taste, if desired.

Tiger-Bait-Cookbook (2)

red-kidney-beans-rice

To the trusty Tiger Bait Recipes we go for Cajun Red Beans and Rice-

red-beans-and-rice-recipe-Tiger-Bait-cookbook

sweet-treats-graphic

Pecan-Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Pecan-Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Coffee Shortbread

Coffee Shortbread Recipe

Make mine Louisiana strong.

LSU-blend-Community-Dark-Roast-Coffee

Visit the local grocery store bakery department for fresh treats ready for the tailgating dessert table.

Remember, easy is always the star of the tailgating menu.

brulee-pumpkin-pie

Brulée  Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Tiger fans making the trek down to Death Valley cross over the Mighty Mississippi River making Mississippi Mud Cake an appropriate sweet treat for tailgating times.

Giving a glance to the recipe below it, I must admit I am intrigued by this recipe for Sausage Cake.  It reads like a c’est si bon classic and new fall favorite to include in the recipe box.

sausage-cake-Mississippi-mud-cake-recipes

Themed tailgating tablescapes along with the perfect decor accessories ensures entertaining success from parking to parting.

Here’s wishing the football faithful a winning and happy tailgating season!

Darleen-signature-love

Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

The first weekend in May means it is Kentucky Derby time, and that my friends means Kentucky Derby party ideas.

jockey-horse-racing-Churchill-Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs

Horse racing enthusiasts, socialites and celebrities will flock to Churchill Downs this Saturday to view the Run for the Roses.

Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby as well as Churchill Downs is grand in history where tradition and excitement run first place.

finish-line-Churchill-Downs

Kentucky Derby on Facebook

For those of us not making the jaunt, an excellent opportunity to get down and get derby is just a jaunt to the dollar and hobby store away.

morning-race-Churchill-Downs

Churchill Downs

In other words, you can create your own Kentucky Derby extravaganza with a little imagination and one or more of these Kentucky Derby party ideas.

fresh-red-rose-bouquet

Begin with the basics- decorating ideas revolving around traditions, red roses, mint juleps and fascinating fashions.

Mint Julep Cup

Dress the Derby fashions have long been as much of the win, place or show festivities as the actual race(s).

For her

kentucky-derby-fashions-women-dress

Bow Strap Oblique Slit Shift Dress in White
Linear Pearl Drop Earrings
LC Lauren Conrad Camden Clamshell Bag
Iridescent Geometry Mosaic of White Mother of Pearl Bangle Bracelet
Anne Klein Raquel Pump

Part garden party, part afternoon wedding, part pretty is back in style.

Pearl Strap Cold-Shoulder Shift Dress in Pink

Pearl Strap Cold-Shoulder Shift Dress in Pink

Derby today, Mother’s Day brunch next week.

pastel-white-pearl-accessories

J Reneé Karuny Heels

Red Golden Rose Embroidered Mesh Midi Skirt

Red Golden Rose Embroidered Mesh Midi Skirt

For him

mens-horse-racing-Kentucky-Derby-accessories

Ray-Ban RB3447N Round Flat Lenses
Stripe Bow Tie & Julep Pocket Square Set
Men’s Cheshire Classic Floral Tie
Men’s Horse-Bit Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Cuff Links

Derby dazzling accessories in gold and silver for Kentucky Derby Day and beyond.

Derby-horse-jewelry

Derby Day Racehorses cuff bracelet

Gold-Tone Silver Horse Head Earrings
Horseshoe Bangle Bracelet with Black Spinel Accents 
Horse And Carriage Stud Earrings
Women’s Silver-Tone Horseshow Barrette
14K Gold-Tone Dipped Clear Crystal and Horse Accent Hinge Bracelet
Horse Bit Dangle Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver & 14k Gold-Plate
Bead Horse Shoe Charm Bracelet in Silver Plate
Derby Day Race Horses Cuff Bracelet

Now let’s switch gears and show and tell Kentucky Derby party ideas.

And they’re off!

brown horse head wall accent

Hobby Lobby

Working with a theme makes coming up with ideas an easy exercise in Derby decorating.

faux-grass-table-runner

Grass Table Runner 59in

Horse races are run on dirt courses and turf races.

Dirt is not something I recommend dressing out a lovely party food table in. I mean come on, who wants to decorate a party food table with dirt?

Anywho…

green-reindeer-Spanish-moss

Emulate the look of a turf race with a faux grass table runner.  Spanish and/or reindeer moss pairs well or as stand alone centerpiece additions.

horse-bit-stirrup-fabric

Gallop on down to the local fabric store or shopping site of choice and pick up a yard or two of horse-racing-equestrian-jockey-rose themed fabric and proceed to create tablecloth, runner, and cocktail napkins keepers.

roses-red-pink-cotton-fabric copy

Rose Fabric, By the yard

I can’t sew to save my life, but I am a whiz with a roll of hem tape. Mark your hemlines, heat up the iron, roll out the desired amount of tape, and voilà, table linen magic is made.

roses-Kroger

Red roses rule the Run for the Roses and make a strong show the next day as an introduction to Mother’s Day week.

See where this getting a lot of bang for your buck decorating logic is going?

Design Toscano The Six Stallions of the Hippodrome Sculptural Vessel

Design Toscano The Six Stallions of the Hippodrome Sculptural Vessel

Marilyn Hageman 'Ritzy Light' Canvas Art

Marilyn Hageman ‘Ritzy Light’ Canvas Art

Good things come in pairs and give good decor accent beauty past party day.

Horse Portrait

Horse Portraits

Polystone Horse Head Sculpture

Polystone Horse Head Sculpture

Centerpiece equation solved with one horse head sculpture/statue sitting in the middle of a red rose floral wreath is Kentucky Derby divine.

Derby-centerpiece-roses-horse-statue-idea

Several faux stems of roses will work to fill in bare areas.

Simply dismantle the centerpiece after your Derby party and use the wreath for your Mother’s Day brunch-lunch-dinner centerpiece.

red-tulle

Look at you, you decorating smarty designing and decorating a smashing Derby party.

DIY-run-for-the-roses-table-runner

Over on the Kentucky Derby website is this tutorial for making a DIY Garland of Roses Table Runner.

Horse Racing Roses Kentucky Derby Table Runner

Horse Racing Roses Kentucky Derby Table Runner

Over on Amazon is this horse racing/Kentucky Derby themed table runner.

Churchill Downs Race Coming down the homestretch

Coming Down the Homestretch 

For extra Run for the Roses Derby flair, I clip several roses from my flower bed, clip the stems short, and float blooms in clear bowls.

knockout rose bush

Clip stems at an angle to promote optimum water absorption.

Decorative Clear Glass Bowls

Warm water works best, and I drop a low dose aspirin into the water to prolong the life of the roses.

No real roses?

Artificial Flowers Silk Rose Flowers

No real problem.

roses-in-trophy-cups-Kentucky-Derby-party-ideas-photo-Michael-Partenio

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Michael Partenio

Faux rose bouquets placed in inexpensive vases, champagne buckets, on trays, or in trophy cups works beautifully as well.

clear-square-vase-with-roses

red-rose-trim-ribbon

Gather stems together tight and wrap with decorative ribbon.

Basics Hammered Champagne Bucket

Basics Hammered Champagne Bucket

Nickel Etched Trophy

Nickel Etched Trophy with Handles

Super stylish option.

Light Brown Magazine Leather Basket

Light Brown Magazine Leather Basket

Incorporating the traditional aspects of horse racing into my Kentucky Derby party ideas such as riding boots, horseshoes, and a riding helmet or two is not as difficult as one would think.

Riding Boots Stacked Heel

Women’s Riding Boots

brown-black-ladies-riding-boots

Macy’s

ladies-black-riding-boots

Belk

Spring is a great time of the year in retail sales to locate a pair of riding boots on sale or clearance. Riding boots will work perfect in my Kentucky Derby party ideas scheme.

Saturday’s centerpiece will become my new fall fashion boots.

Now that’s getting your money’s worth.

Charlotte-Moss-blue-and-white-accents-roses-in-vase

Charlotte Moss – Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Several small arrangements of cut roses set on tabletops continues the Run for the Roses theme.

roses-house-and-garden

House & Garden

A combination arrangement of red and white roses perfectly fits in with the Run for the Roses motif.

rosesHGTV

Silver Mercury Glass Vase

Silver Mercury Glass Vases

Party decorating goes with a clever DIY project, and my list of Kentucky Derby party ideas includes one that is relatively simple to execute.

Traditional Polystone Horse Pedestal Table

Traditional Polystone Horse Pedestal Table

Horse Resin Table Lamp

Horse Resin Table Lamp

Classic-Bronze-Horse-Accent-Lamp-with-Tweed-Shade

Classic Bronze Horse Accent Lamp with Tweed Shade

Oliver Gal Artist Co. White Stallion Canvas Wall Art

Oliver Gal ‘Jockey Still Life’ Sports and Teams Wall Art Canvas Print

Fully sanded-ready to paint wood cutouts painted in your choice of color(s) carry out the horse racing theme.

horse-wood-cutouts

Growing Tree Gallery on Etsy

Scatter about tabletops, prop and position around serving trays, centerpiece embellishments, cake toppers, monogram with party attendees initials as take home favors- you get the idea.

mint-julep-silver-tray

Garden & Gun- Photography by Margaret Houston 

Horse racing reigns supreme in Louisville, and the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep.

Ingredients

½ oz. superfine sugar

1 oz. hot water

8 mint leaves, plus one mint sprig

2 oz. bourbon

Directions

Dissolve the sugar in the water in an old-fashioned glass or Mint Julep cup.

Add mint leaves and gently press with a spoon.

Add the bourbon of your choice, fill the glass with crushed ice, and stir.

Place mint sprig in the ice alongside a short straw, and serve.

-Garden & Gun

lavender lemonade mint julep

Lavender-Lemonade Mint Julep

For 1 cocktail

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon

1.5 ounces Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe follows)

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

Ice

Garnish: fresh lavender sprig, fresh mint sprig, lemon slice

Directions

In a glass, combine bourbon, Lavender Simple Syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice. Garnish with lavender, mint, and lemon, if desired.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds

1 ounce fresh mint sprigs

Directions

In a small pot, combine 1 cup water and sugar, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and add lavender and mint. Cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

-Southern Lady Magazine

mint-julep-cup-crushed-ice

Acopa Alchemy 16 oz. Stainless Steel Mint Julep Cup with Beaded Detailing

Mock Mint Julep (non-alcoholic julep)

Ingredients

2 cups cold water

2 cups granulated sugar

8 fresh mint sprigs (for syrup)

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

32 ounces Ginger Ale soda, chilled

8 cups crushed ice

8 fresh mint sprigs for garnish or more to desired taste

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring, water, sugar, lemon juice and mint leaves to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until sugar is completely dissolved.

Allow mixture to cool.

Strain cooled simple mint syrup and discard mint leaves.

Fill your mint julep cups with crushed ice, ½ cup Ginger Ale soda, and ½ cup mint syrup.  Stir to incorporate flavors.

Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Makes 8 servings.

Arthur-Court-horse-pitcher

Arthur Court Designs Horse Pitcher

Keep an eye out for vintage decanters and Derby glassware on resale sites and vintage shops.

Vintage Jim Beam Kentucky Derby Decanter

Vintage Jim Beam Kentucky Derby Decanter

Leather-Modern-Wine-Holder

The Novogratz Leather Ice Bucket with Lid

Thoroughbred Horse Themed bar glasses

Thoroughbred Horse Themed Cocktail Glasses

horse-racing-equestrian-barware

Derby Day Horse Racing Game

Derby Day Horse Racing Game

Horse Drink Stirrers

Horse Drink Stirrers

Here’s a fun serving idea for other beverages requiring ice cubes- rose petal and fresh mint ice cubes.

Gently remove rose petals and fresh mints leaves from stems and lightly wash to remove any debris.

freezing-rose-petals1

Place rose petals into each water filled compartment.

Enhance the flavor of mint ice cubes by also adding a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the water.

Better yet, use sweet iced tea infused with fresh lemon juice instead of water.

Freeze and enjoy.

fresh mint ice cubes

Pick up several nickel-plated serving trays from Dollar Tree in assorted shapes and sizes to use for servings mint juleps and appetizers.

nickel-metal-serving-trays

pimento-cheese-walnuts-silver-tray

Pimento cheese is a Derby delicacy.

Adding a dash of Creole seasoning or Louisiana hot sauce along with a handful or two of chopped walnuts to store bought pimento cheese brings the c’est si bon to the party.

Derby-appetizers-on-silver-trays

stirrup-hors-d'oeuvre-forks

Stirrup Hors d’oeuvre Forks

Faux Leather Decorative Charger

Faux Leather Decorative Charger

Spode-horse-plates

Spode Woodland Thoroughbred Horse Dinner Plate

Large Vintage Rose Platter

Vintage Rose Platter

Encore presentation worthy for sure, I feel confident in suggesting the use of vintage beauties such as this one for Kentucky Derby party pieces.

Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced sandwich

The Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, a Kentucky original recipe created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, is a perfect Derby Day menu choice.

This recipe from SheKnows plates turkey, bacon, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes and a heavy-handed dollop of bechamel sauce together in all its delicious, rich and Kentucky tradition glory.

Click HERE for recipe.

Butter Pecan Praline Cake

Heather of Sprinkle Bakes recipe fame comes in first place in the winner’s circle with her recipe for Butter Pecan Praline Cake.

Brown-Sugar-Praline-Cake-5

silver-horse-theme-cake-stand-dome

fresh-red-roses-cake-topper

If baking does not fit into your party schedule or itinerary, consider picking up your favorite cake at a local or grocery store bakery and adding embellishments of choice.

whipped-topping-on-pecan-delight-pie

Pecan Delight pie works, too.

Copycat-Piccadilly-Pecan-Delight-Pie (1)

Pecan Delight Pie

Add riding helmets and equestrian accents to your treasure hunting list when shopping antiques and resale shops.

Vintage Velvet Horse Show Riding Cap Helmet

Vintage Velvet Horse Show Riding Cap Helmet 

Perhaps a tip of the hat to a more formal affair prop.

Victorian-style-felt-top-hat

Throw Pillow Cover Painting Horse Race Competition

Racing Horse No Cord Throw Pillow

Racing Horse No Cord Throw Pillow

Avalon Solid Monogram Wool and Cashmere Throw Decor H Blanket

Beige Merino Wool, Cashmere Plaid Throws

Kentucky-Derby-party-ideas

Kentucky-Derby-Decor

Kentucky Derby Party Ideas Checklist:

Scrapbook paper in 12×12 sheets found at craft stores make perfect Derby party placemats

OFF TO HORSE RACES TRIPLE CROWN 2PCS SCRAPBOOK PAPER DOUBLE SIDED

red-roses-paper-single-sheets

Fresh or faux roses.

red knockout roses

red-rose-tulle

White & Multi Spiky Rose Trim

Rose Trim-Tulle

Mint julep cups – a Derby must.

mint julep cups set

copper-mint-julep-cups

Mint Julep Cups

Lovely!

rose-boutique-paper-cocktail-napkins

Derby-cocktail-cotton-napkins

Derby Cocktail Napkins 

Fresh mint clippings for mint juleps.

Simple and fragrant, float fresh mint sprigs in clear cut glass bowls slightly filled with warm water.

fresh-mint-in-clear-bowl

Dollar store trays with the look of silver and the ease of clean up deliver a big and beautiful return on your decorating investment.

nickel-metal-serving-trays

Tractor Supply meets the Derby need with nickel plated horse bits to use as napkin rings and horseshoes in packs of 4.

mouth bit for horse

Diamond Plain Bronco Horseshoe, Size 0, Pack of 4

Here’s to traditions and celebrating the Run for the Roses with win, place and show-stopping Kentucky Derby party ideas.

Darleen-signature-love

Mardi Gras Scenes from Home

Mardi Gras scenes from home capture the purple, gold and green goodness of this mid-winter fête Louisiana turns out for in grand laissez bon temps rouler fashion.

Mardi-Gras-decor-Louisiana

Celebratory jollification comes to call and we answer “throw me something, mister” with the accent mark placed over family and furry friends small town revelry to match our larger counterparts.

Mardi Gras Mambo - An Original Silkscreen by George Rodrigue

Mardi Gras Mambo – An Original Silkscreen by George Rodrigue

Parades O’plenty line streets and sidewalks, balls and beads fascinate and decorate, a neighborhood block party fais do-do invites new traditional to the party, and coiffed and costumed furry friends proudly parade in mutt strut second line regality.

Happy-Mardi-Gras-masked-dog

Homes adorned in colors of Carnival greet and treat revelers to a krewe of house floats exhibit.

Mardi-Gras-house-float-table-decoration

Crawfish boils give plenty of reasoning and seasoning for passing a good time.

decorative-crawfish-platter

crawfish boil supplies

boiled-Louisiana-crawfish

Mudbug in Blue by Dave the Builder garners Mardi Gras scenes from home attention.

crawfish on canvas print

the-tastes

Our version of a King Cake party looks something like a late afternoon tea party but with Community Coffee dark roast served black and strong.

King-Cake-2022 (1)

Considering how much we do love our King Cakes, I thought a spin on a classic a delicious deviation.

purple-green-gold-topped-fluff-pie

Fluff pies whip up super easy and delicious.

white-chocolate-Mardi- Gras-fluff-pie

Purple, gold and green sparkling sugars and a plastic King Cake plastic baby completes the decoration portion of this Mardi Gras dessert creation.

gold-purple-sugar

Giving thought to fluff flavor, the hands down choice was as obvious as the powdered sugar on your beignet.

whipped-topping-white-chocolate-instant-pudding

White chocolate it is!

mardi-gras-white-chocolate-fluff-pie

Mardi Gras White Chocolate Fluff Pie

Ingredients

1  9″ graham cracker crust

1  8 oz container whipped topping

1  3.5 oz box white chocolate instant pudding & pie filling

1-1½  cup cold milk

sparkling sugars in purple, gold and green

plastic King Cake baby

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add white chocolate pudding mix and milk.  Whisk until pudding reaches thick consistency.  Gently fold in the whipped topping to incorporate.

Spread fluff mixture into the graham cracker crust; cover with plastic wrap.

Chill covered pie for at least 4 hours to set.

Before serving, decorate by dusting top of pie with purple, gold and green sparkling sugars.  Garnish with a plastic King Cake baby and enjoy!

king-cake-baby-plastic

cest-si-bon

 

Holiday Treasures and Tastes

My holiday treasures and tastes snapshot asks the question, if you love this time of year like so many of us do, why wait until after Thanksgiving to holiday it up?

Decorating one season at a time traditions, like rules, are made to be broken in favor of a richer experience.

holiday-treasures-and-tastes

Mix, mingle, layer, and jingle the best of the Thanksgiving into Christmas holiday season with treasures and tastes of the ho ho home for the holidays kind.

the-treasures

Christmas-accents-for-home

Well deck the halls- I just heard the Hershey’s Kisses commercial with the bells ringing ♫We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

kisses-commercial-let-the-holidays-begin

It’s official- the holidays are here!

9 Inch Scalloped Pie Pan

Pumpkin-Coconut-whipped-topping-fluff-pie

Folks, this recipe for Pumpkin Coconut Fluff Pie is easy to make and impressive to serve.

the-tastes

Pumpkin Coconut Fluff Pie

Ingredients

1 9″ graham cracker crust

1  8 oz container whipped topping

1  3.5 oz box vanilla instant pudding & pie filling

1  15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin

½ cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add pure pumpkin, vanilla pudding mix, coconut, ground cloves, ground nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice.  Using a wooden spoon, stir ingredients until combined.

cloves-coconut-nutmeg

Next, add vanilla and whipped topping. Fold until incorporated.

Spread the pumpkin fluff mixture into the graham cracker crust; cover with plastic wrap.

pumpkin-fluff

Chill covered pie for at least 4 hours to set.

Pumpkin-Coconut-Fluff-Holiday-Pie

Before serving dust the top of the pie with additional pumpkin pie spice.

pumpkin-coconut-fluff-pie

Things are beginning to get busy as it does at the holidays.

Temperatures have dropped to baby, it’s cold outside numbers, family is on the holiday road heading home, and my kitchen cabinets and countertops runneth over with holiday dinner fixings to which I am most grateful.

saying-grace

Enjoy the process and the holiday treasures and tastes, dear friends.

Darleen-signature-love

Cozy Toasty Fall Happenings

October has arrived, and with it comes the excitement and joy of comfy cozy warm and toasty fall happenings.

houses-in-fall

Autumn Cozy

Creature comforts of the season go a long way in setting a cozy scene.

comfy-cozy-warm-toasty

Nestling in with a hot cup of cinnamon spice tea, a hint of pumpkin wood in the air, and this month’s Country Living is the best of fall.

wj-bk

Two darling nephews and one picturesque pumpkin patch delights little ones and this Auntie to no end.

pumpkin-cozy

Cooking remains my diversion of choice.

Honing in on the flavors best known to the season and putting your stamp on a recipe to make it your own is a delicious way to create a house favorite.

Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash

Photo by Vera De on Unsplash

Apples and spices, fresh lemon and rum extract, refrigerated pie crust (easy is the name of the game) and sprinkles of sugar mix and mingle in a flavor gala befitting a recipe you’ll label a must make.

three-red-apples

Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash

Apple Crostata

Ingredients

3 Gala apples; peeled, cored, sliced

1 Granny Smith apple; peeled, cored, sliced

1 refrigerated pie crust

1 lemon (for juice and zest)

½ cup sugar

coarse sugar

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. allspice

¼ tsp. nutmeg

1 egg

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F.

refrigerated-pie-crust

Pie crust will roll out better if allowed to be at room temperature for ten minutes. Roll pastry out onto parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

floured-pie-crust

floured-pie-crust (2)

In a large bowl combine apple slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, allspice, nutmeg, almond extract, granulated sugar and salt.

sliced-apples-fresh-lemon

flour-allspice-nutmeg

Lightly dust center of pie crust with flour mixed with allspice and nutmeg.

Pour filling into the center of the crust.

spice-apples-in-crust

Gently fold the border up over the edge of the apple filling.

Pleat crust with fingers to create a border design.

apples-sugared-in-crust

Brush border with egg.

Next, sprinkle border with coarse sugar.

coated-apples

crostata-apples-pastry

Bake for 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

apple-crostata-1

Tradition beckons the baking of the first Apple Nut Cake of the season.

recipe apple nut cake 1

apple-cake-batter

Trying out a new recipe or whipping up one tried and true celebrates the taste of the season and dishes cozy toasty fall happenings.

On a personal note, I would like to ask my dear readers to please be patient with me as I slow the frequency of postings at this time due to devastating health news received over the last two weeks. Prayers for comfort and strength are most appreciated.

love signature

Welcome Fall Home

Today makes it official, friends. I am so excited to greet the season with accents and accessories, tastes and scents that welcome fall home.

fall-sweet-fall-welcome-mat-Rae-Dunn

One would not know today is the first day of fall by the current weather in the Deep South.

fallsummoween

Hot and humid with temperatures rising lands us in full-on fallsummoween.

outdoor-temperature-first-day-fall

High heat and humidity zaps the feel of fall, but apples paired with pears, cloves, and cinnamon offers the taste of fall refreshment.

Fall Fruit Facts: 

Did you know there are 7500 varieties of apples grown throughout the world with 1oo varieties grown commercially here in the United States.

Cinnamon (also called quills) is the perfect spice compliment to sweet and salty drinks and dishes.

Pears are members of the rose family (no, not the Rose family of Schitt’s Creek fame). Origins of the pear date back to 1000 B.C.

apple-pear-cinnamon-infused-water

Autumn Apple Pear Cinnamon Water

Ingredients

6 cups water

2 Gala apples cut into thin slices

1 Granny Smith apple cut into thin slices

1 pear (I used Bartlett) cut into thin slices

2 cinnamon sticks

3 whole cloves

Directions

Fill pitcher with water.  Add apple and pear slices, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.  Give a quick stir to mix; cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend.

sliced-apples-pear-water

Why stop there?

Crisp mornings, afternoons, and evenings go splendidly with a warm beverage or warming cocktail.

Simple syrup or spiced concentrate added to your favorite fall hot or cold beverages amplifies the spice which in turn brings out the flavors so closely associated with fall.

fall-beverages

Vanilla Simple Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat bring all ingredients to a soft boil; cooking until sugar dissolves making sure to stir the entire time.

Remove from heat and allow to completely cool. Transfer syrup to a heat safe jar or container and store in refrigerator.

Autumn Spiced Concentrate

Ingredients

2 cups water

3 cinnamon sticks

3 whole cloves

Directions

In a medium saucepan bring water, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to a to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Your house will smell amazing during this part of the process!

Remove from heat and allow concentrate to cool before transferring to a heat safe jar or container.  Store in the refrigerator.

autumn-fall-dining-room-decorations

Seasonal touches here and neutrals there decorate the dining room.

dining-room-table-fall-centerpiece

faux-red-leaves

Faux stems and bushes usually don’t tickle my fall decorating fancy, but this Japanese Maple bush from JOANN is absolutely lovely.

pheasant-planter-new-fall-accent1

Never underestimate the visual impact of the simple yet elegant seasonal décor accessory.

tureens-on-sideboard

DIY wreath project success means I like the way it turned out and find it too pretty to hang on the front door just yet, so it calls the foyer welcome fall home for now.

fall-2022-wreath-foyer-chair

Several posts ago I shared with you all my purchase and impending delivery of this Negative Oranges Framed Art Print from Kirkland’s Home.

oranges-print-kitchen-wall-art

Don’t you love when an item you’re sure will work does just that.

negative-oranges-print-on-wall (1)

Our welcome fall home 2022 wishlist is almost complete.

welcome-fall-home

Vintage or in the style of vintage prints never fail to catch my eye.

Tennessee has really been on my mind and heart of late.

I purchased my first Anton Pieck print from an antiques shop in East Tennessee thirteen years ago, and last week I purchased this vintage Anton Pieck 3D Paper Art print of “The Ship” to add to the collection.

Hunting dog prints hung throughout my grandparent’s house, and the vintage porcelain figurine immediately took me back so in the cart it went.

Pheasant-canvas-flat-copy

Pheasant Canvas Flat

Wishing my fellow fall fans a happy first day of fall is a Places In The Home tradition.

How do you welcome fall home?

Darleen-signature-love

Sweet Summer Trends

Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, and the kickoff to outdoor living, pool and patio times-sweet summer trends starts in 3-2-1…

pink-porch-swing

The Cottage Journal

Between lawn and garden this and whipping up holiday eats and treats that I found I spent a hunk, a hunk of burning love of the holiday watching movie trailers and sneak peeks from the soon to be released Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.

Note to self: Add Burning Love by Elvis Presley to your Spotify summer grooves and tunes playlist.

al-fresco-dining-table-dinner

Terrain Events

Like a really good movie trailer, drops of liquid sunshine, warm breezes and summer trends build home decor and entertaining anticipation.

Bravo, summer movie and summer trends blockbusters!

You’ve succeeded in guaranteeing I will be buying a ticket to the best outdoor show in town better known as summer.

Elvis-2022-movie-poster

Here’s a selection to get the beach ball rolling.

Sunburst Beach Ball

Sunburst Beach Ball

Chic Summer Retreats 

backyard-pool-furniture-poolside-summer-Photography by Staci Marengo1

Rue Magazine

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I will be flattering the heck out of chic and cozy in my summer space styling suggestions.

Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage 2 Piece All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Canopy Chair and Ottoman Set, Beige

Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage 2 Piece All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Canopy Chair and Ottoman Set, Beige

Ollie the Magnificent loves to spend time of the patio with his mama and papa, and for summer trends 2022 he’ll have his own patio pad.

Indoor Outdoor Rattan Pet Bed (2)

Indoor Outdoor Rattan Pet Bed

Rockin’ in the U.S.A.

Simply can’t get away from the vintage inspired grandmillineal-coastal grandmama style, and more importantly, why would you want to?

International Caravan Chelsea Resin Wicker Porch Rocker

Summer fresh.

Squeeze the Day Decorative Pillow

Squeeze the Day Decorative Pillow

Color kissed and pattern pleasing outdoor throw pillows prove both a preached and practiced way to update for the season.

International Caravan Chelsea Resin Wicker Porch Rocker white

International Caravan Chelsea Resin Wicker Porch Rocker

Natural fiber throw pillows naturally accentuate this undeniable summer fabric favorite.

rattan-outdoor-throw-pillows

Natural Fiber Outdoor Pillows

Light up those summer nights with the elegance of copper.

Tabletop Glass Torch Outdoor Lighting

H. Potter Tabletop Glass Torch Outdoor Lighting

Walkways.

Tabletops.

Just hanging around.

Glam in gold candleholders housing classic pillars or LED flameless options light the way to lighting options that enhance summer ambiance.

gold-glass-outdoor-lanterns-summer

Gold Hurricane Candle Holder
Bazaar 16 Inch Gold Hurricane

In the style of days gone by, this Candle by the Hour beeswax candle comes with presence and provenance.

From the details:

In 17th century America, coiled beeswax candles became a popular way for parents to monitor the time a gentleman spent courting their daughter.

Candle by the Hour Horizontal Candle

Candle by the Hour Horizontal Candle

Once the candle was lit, it burned at a measured rate. When the flame met the clip and went out, time was up! Candle by the Hour™ brings back this novel concept as a worry-free way to illuminate and decorate your home.

To use, just feed up to 3″ of the pliable eco-friendly beeswax coil through the clip and light the wick. The natural beeswax will melt at approximately 20 minutes per inch, providing up to an hour of light at a time.

Barbara King Illuminated Sandstone Seashell Collection summer

Barbara King Illuminated Sandstone Seashell Collection

Seashell style is summer style, and I love the offerings from the Barbara King Illuminated Seashell Collection.

Illuminating seashell sculpture

Barbara King Illuminated Sandstone Seashell Collection

Tablescape Escapes

coastal-tablescape-Interio-designer-Carolyn-Kendall-photo-Kip-Dawkins

Southern Home Magazine- Alcott Interiors -Photography by Emily Followill

As is the case of this summer perfect tablescape by Alcott Interiors  inspiration is everywhere.

blue-white-mismatched-china-patterns

Sunny Cottage Joy

Simple elegance makes a powerful style statement, and is rather simple to execute.

Clippings, stems, and blooms fresh from nature’s arts & crafts store (your yard) placed in a vase and allowed to fall and set in an organic way.

Serveware in vintage mismatched patterns rich in charm and character.

Garden statue pairings that capture the essence of the summer season.

Hungry Cranes Set of 2

Hungry Cranes Set of 2

Seasonal & Seasoning Lagniappe

Elderflower Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Elderflower Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Food is love, food is art, food is summer trends.

Rose Ice Cream

Rose Ice Cream from Salt & Lavender

clear tulip ice cream dish

Tulip Ice Cream Dish

Corn on the cob is a summer sides staple.

Corn Holders, Set of 4

Corn Holders, Set of 4

Dress up this summer delicacy with a set of these silver plate corn pick set.

1950s-ladies-picnic-cocktails

Pinterest

A great summer soiree is only as good as the refreshing summertime beverages served.

non-alcoholic-sangria

Non-Alcoholic Sangria Recipe from The Kitchn

Acrylic and melamine tableware gives good style at a great price point.

outdoor drinkware

Bee & Willow™ Textured Highball Glass in Pink
Studio 3B™ Textured Highball Glass in Green
Destination Summer Vintage Embossed Highball Glass in Pink

4pk Acrylic Drinkware Set - Opalhouse™ designed with Jungalow™

4pk Acrylic Drinkware Set – Opalhouse™ designed with Jungalow™

Assorted Kelly Ventura Floral Insulated 16-Oz. Tumbler Cup - Set of Four

Assorted Kelly Ventura Floral Insulated 16-Oz. Tumbler Cup – Set of Four

pretty-pink-porch-white-wicker (1)

The Cottage Journal – Photography by Mark Lohman

Pink Kimono leaves pattern Melamine plates and green Tiki glasses invite stylish fun to the pretty in pink on the patio party.

outdoor-melamine-plates-tiki-tumblers (1)

Kimona Leaves Outdoor Dinner Plates and Bowls Set of 8
Tiki Glasses- Set of 4

Summer trends toward ’tis the season for seasonal fare.

August Wren Oyster Platter

August Wren Oyster Platter

Casual defines the theme of the summer entertaining season just as casual means a host of ways to set a casual summer scene to many a host and hostess.

“It’s important how we feel in our homes,
because feeling good makes us more gracious.
And that makes it easier to welcome others
not only into our homes but into our lives.”

—Nate Berkus

Where one prefers to zhoosh up the look with the good stuff place settings and serveware, another prefers to lay down newspapers, set out paper goods, and let the good times lobster roll.

August Wren Dinner Plate

August Wren Dinner Plates

Summer is the season of beautiful settings, simple activities, and lovely thoughts.

oak-swing-just-think-lovely-thoughts (1)

Marnie Moyle Hand Crafted Swing

What summer trends are coming in as favorites in your game of I Spy Summer?

Love your style!

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