Winter Blues

Winter blues is prime for reinterpretation when warming up your home decor for winter.

winter-blues-sky-snow-covered-trees

Tomas Tuma

If winter was a dance imagine it a December to March waltz keeping 3/4 time in a slow and graceful step.

Wintertime weather coupled with shorter days often leads to extended periods of time spent indoors hibernating, if you will.

This exact time of the year and season naturally slows the pace of our day to day presenting an opportune time to recharge and refresh self and home.

Home-in-blue

Time spent in the company, cozy comfort, and beauty of our home is time well spent.

fireplace tile

Better Homes & Gardens

Feathering one’s nest in this time between the end of the holiday hustle and bustle and spring’s arrival in winter blues offsets the harshness of the actual winter blues.

Small touches in seasonal splendor will do the trick.

blue-Delft-tile-estate-find

My winter blues estate sale find that made getting up at the crack of dawn on a cold dreary February morning worth it.

Delft-tile-wagon

Perhaps it’s time to add to the collection with this trio of framed Mosa Holland Delft blue tiles.

Delft-tile-framed-windmill

Trio of Mosa Holland Delft Blue Tiles Framed Bridal Couple Shoemaker Windmill

Delft-tile-working

blue-white-porcelain-vase-stems

Southern Home Magazine – Photography by Julie Soefer

Fresh or faux florals and/or stems placed in a blue and white porcelain vase or ginger jar brings in seasonal elements and elevates the tone and tenor of the space.

Blue & White Peony Temple Jar With Lion HandlesBlue & White Peony Temple Jar With Lion Handles

pink-camellias-on-bush

micheile dot com 

Mid-winter blooms of pink and white camellias floating in a blue and white porcelain bowl is a mid-winter tabletop centerpiece tradition in many Southern homes.

Porcelain-14-inch-Blue-and-White-Ladies-Bowl-China

Handmade 14″ Blue and White Ladies Porcelain Bowl

blue-and-white-and-other-stories-personal-journey-through-colour-William-Yeoward (1)

“In the winter she curls up around a
good book and dreams away the cold.”

— Ben Aaronovitch

vintage-classic-bound-books

CharmingTreasurFinds

mark-sikes-blue-white-dining-room-Amy Neunsinger

Veranda – Mark D. Sikes – Photography by Amy Neunsinger

classic-blue-table-setting

Real Simple – Photography by Addie Juell

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winter-blues-home-decor

Blue Chinoiserie Toile PIllar Candle
SAFAVIEH Lighting Blue and White Color Swirls Glass Table Lamp (Set of 2)
Persian Pouf
Roses Still Life Painting Printable
Blue Hydrangea Wreath
Ceramic Chinoiserie Decorative Jar
Devon Cottage Dinner Plate
Lauren Ralph Lauren Handmade Olivier Floral Wool Rug
Sutton Tufted Robbins Egg Blue Arm Chair
Mainstays 300 Thread Count Easy Care Percale Pillowcase Set of 2

settee-blue-white-pillows

Chinois Complete Stencil Set

So many of us who enjoy interior (and exterior) decorating know it to be an absolute labor of love.

Decorating home and hearth in a manner which best reflects the current season focuses on warming up your decor with an item or two depicting nature inspired colors, patterns and textures visually aligned with this time of year and pieces that simply speak settle in to the senses.

bedroom-winter-blue-white-lamps

Gracious Farmhouse

Softer lighting options.

Scents of the season.

Layering with fabrics of cozy and comfort.

Warm spot accents in shades of calming winter blues.

Chatelet Blue Chest

Chatelet Blue Chest

winter-blues-home-accents-2

Katerina Floor Clock
Jesse Printed Jute Rug
Isla Block Print Pleated Chandelier Shade
Leighton Pleated Chandelier Shade
Limited Edition Riverbed Drum Lamp Shade
Foo Dogs – Set of 2
Piedmont 4-Light Lantern

linens-blue-white

Sometimes it does seem we are settling in for a long winter’s nap.

Warm to winter blues with spot additions such as a new set of pillowcases, throw or duvet.

Jacquard Chenille Throw

As the thaw of winter initiates the need for lighter weight linens sherpa gives way to chenille for evening air perfectly balanced between crisp and cool.

Printed-Design-Cotton-Collection-400-Thread-Count-Light-Blue-Toile-Duvet-Set

Printed Design Cotton Collection 400 Thread Count Light Blue Toile Duvet Set

January treats include these late winter into spring blue and white pillowcases and a pretty in pink chenille tufted throw from Walmart.

blue-white-cotton-percale-pillowcases

300 Thread Count Easy Care Percale Pillowcase Set of 2,  Blue Floral

All in for a little under $25.00, and let me just say they are quite lovely and a perfect preview of spring things to come.

pink-tufted-chenille-throw

Madison Park Off-White Chenille Tufted Throw

Curb appeal discovered with this distressed blue embossed tin mailbox sure to put a hint of spring in your step out to porch or street on a winter day to get the mail routine.

Distressed Blue Embossed Mail Box

Creative Co-Op Distressed Blue Embossed Mailbox

Addition and subtraction; the decorating formula for seasonal decorating.

Warm additions welcome comfort at fall into winter.

Rich.

Cozy.

Xenial.

winter-blues-paint-colors

Before you know it spring days turn to oh, those summer nights where pastels, prints, and pretty naturally lighten the aesthetic and the ambiance.

Spaces and places in the home welcome style home year round when character and charm enter the equation.

Darleen-signature-love

Getting Ready Fall Décor Preview

For my fall can’t get here soon enough decorista friends, this it’s only August but I’m getting ready fall décor preview has got your name on it.

its-August-time-to-get-out-your-fall-decor

Pinterest

Many of us are still in full summertime mode and loving every minute of it. Skipping the best of one season to leapfrog to another runs the risk of taking all the fun out of seasonal updating and decorating, and we certainly don’t want that to happen.

Small touches make a big impact to your dominant décor style accomplishing the intended purpose of seasonal decorating- to create standout statement vignettes, spots, and corners ready to capture the eye and the essence of the current season.

fall-décor-preview

Vintage Arch Antique Gold Ornate Metal Framed Accent Wall Mirror

Velvet Ribbon

Mixed Eucalyptus Bouquet

Red & Yellow Tropical Repens Protea

Handmade Stoneware Flower Vase

Gold Plush Velvet Pumpkin

Wooden Planter Bowl

Harvest Still Life Framed Canvas Brown – Threshold™
(Currently out of stock, but if you like it sign up for
an email notice of when it is back in stock)

Dark Brown Pumpkin Wood Dish

Copper Hammered Metal Salt & Pepper Shakers

Pine Cone Wooden Cookie Mold

Rockland Hand Knotted Persian Style Rug- Threshold™ with Studio McGee

Shipping delays, supply chain snafus, Halloween candy shortages (say it ain’t so, Hershey’s), and price increases all around breeds an earlier than normal buy it now while it’s available and affordable retail response.

Granted it’s seasonal updating and decorating we’re talking about and not meat and potatoes (and fuel) concerns, but we decoristas do find so much joy in the time honored tradition of seasonal updating house and home and porch and patio for each new season.

fall-at-home-preview

Here’s my it’s only August but I’m getting ready fall décor preview complete with first impressions, must have classics, and the splendor of the season plan to bring it home.

fall-lake-cabin-house

Pinterest

fall-décor-preview-colors

Faux Fur Embossed Textured Throw Blanket

Warm colors, natural elements, cozy textures, classic patterns, and the scents of the season lend a hand to create quite the cozy ambiance.

fall-décor-preview-fireplace-accents

Boon Knitted Tweed Couch Throw

Vintage Fireplace Bellows

Sculptural Pumpkin Mug

hello-fall-jar-candle

Sweet Water Décor Hello Fall Soy Candle Amber Jar Candle

Developing, baking, cooking, and tasting new recipes spotlighting seasonal spices and seasonings rich in flavor and fragrance is one of the very best parts of the fall festival.

spices-fall-baking-cooking

Photo by Christina Rumpf on Unsplash

Taken with the form, I ordered a pine cone wooden cookie mold to experiment with.

pinecone-cookie-mold

Pine Cone Wooden Cookie Mold

Springerle Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

½ cup granulated sugar

3 teaspoons light brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 large egg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon rum extract

Directions

Beat butter, sugars, and salt together until light and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.  Fold in the flour.

Divide the dough in half, shape both halves into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.   Grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.

Flour the work surface.  Working with one disc of chilled dough at the time, roll it out to approximately  ¼” thick.

Lightly brush a coating of flour onto both the dough and the springerle mold. Press mold firmly into the dough making a deep impression.  Remove dough filled mold and cut around the design with a knife.  Place each cut cookie on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow baked cookies to cool either on cookie sheet or wire racks.

Store cookies in an air-tight container.  Cookies will keep for 1 week.

fall-décor-preview-kitchen-accents

Handcarved Wooden Spoon

Sweet Water Décor Hello Fall Soy Candle Amber Jar Candle

Copper Hammered Metal Pitcher

Dark Brown Pumpkin Wood Dish

Antique Ironstone Brown Floral Transferware Pitcher

6 Royal USA Colonial Homestead 5.5″ Fruit Dessert Bowls 

southern-cookbooks-for-fall

Feast your eyes on two recent additions to my cookbook collection purchased in anticipation of fall’s arrival and the recipes it will bring to the table.

Alana Lawson Accent Arm Chair Metal Casters

Under consideration for a big ticket purchase is the gorgeous Alana Lawson Accent Arm Chair Metal Casters in orange velvet.

cinnamon-water

Several fall seasons ago I shared with you all a simple recipe for cinnamon water.  Click on the link for the recipe.

Pumpkin perfect best describes the Cindy Pumpkin Decanter- a fall finds list contender for the pumpkin perfect beverage server.

pumpkin-decanter

Cindy Pumpkin Decanter 

There’s nothing like a fall décor preview to get the decorating wheels turning towards the next season of seasonal updating house and home.

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Fetching Friday: December Wonderland

Today’s Fetching Friday finds us in the holiday spirit scrolling in a December Wonderland.

fetching-definiton

The twelfth month of the calendar year ushers in season’s greetings, snow dusted scenes, and visions of seasonal beauty dancing in a December wonderland.

snow-falling-December

Sleigh Bells and Jolly Tumblr

rachel parcell front doors

Rachel Parcell – Pinterest

Christmas-tree-French-toast

French Toast Christmas Tree

holiday-foyer-tree-garland-banister-Paul-Massey (1)

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

December wonderland

“Kindness is like snow.
It beautifies everything it covers.”

—Kahlil Gibran

Christmas-Barn

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

amaryllis-berries-Sybil-Sylvester

Southern Home Magazine

winter-fire-pit-outdoors-snow (1)

it's-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-wallpaper

Wallpaper Cave

Yes, Virginia, it is the most wonderful time of the year in a December wonderland.

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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 is a conversation worth having and a blog post worth reading.

We’ve had a subtle preview of fall between hurricanes thanks to cooler mornings and noticeably shorter days here in the deep South.

I makes no excuses or apologies for my gush for what I’m convinced is the absolute best time of the year on all points weather, decorating, entertaining, baking, cooking and tailgating.

That’s the great thing about favorite things- they compel us to share the excitement.

Many of the new seasonal activities we normally take part in will be a celebration of fall fun and feast at home.

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.

pumpkins-fall-arrangement

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

Setting seasonal tablescapes.

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

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

fall-trays-compotes-berries-nuts-fruit

Better Homes & Gardens

A great serving piece, serving tray, compote, set of table linens, throw pillows, lamp, wall accent, rug-  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

Oh, and don’t forget the menu.

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.

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stuff-fall-blog

Elios Pumpkin Tureen, Large

Birch 6-Inch Real-Flame Effect Pillar Candle in Brown

Vintage English Victorian Gravy Boat

Stoneware Reactive Glaze Cereal Bowl – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

Feast Platter

Home Decorators Collection Antiqued Wood Candle Hanging or Tabletop Lantern with Beaded Trim (Set of 2)

Home Decorators Collection Antiqued Wood Candle Lanterns with Beaded Trim

Designing a cozy setting is not an exercise in difficulty.

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

Cozy is a delightful guest- one who never wears out its welcome.

Luminara® Birch 6-Inch Real-Flame Effect Pillar Candle in Brown

Luminara® Birch 6-Inch Real-Flame Effect Pillar Candle in Brown

There’s something about a pillar candle wrapped in the style of birch that says the texture of fall.

Don’t stop there.

Bring a little pumpkin shortbread or your favorite spice scent to the fall  soiree.

M. Baker pumpkin shortbread candle

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

faux fall wreaths set

Fall Faux Wreaths

Call this a good prices and great looks combo of farmhouse fabulous with a hint of French country ooh la la.

mainstays-plaid-pattern-throw-pillow

Mainstays Plaid Pillow

I’m considering ordering two of these pillows to pair with the faux fur throw pillows currently adorning the accents chairs I use as captain’s chairs in the dining room.

Notice the shadow on the lower part of the pillow.

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

A late summer into early fall sun 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

Fads & Frames

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

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.

fall-harvest-arrangement-ideas

The thrill is in the hunt, and hunt I’ve done over the last two weeks for new and vintage items for fall decorating.

I can’t wait to share with you the fantastic piece I bought off eBay over the weekend.

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

I like to add a splash of brandy to a hearty fall into winter soup.

When we set a fall themed tablescape, I turn a vintage gravy boat into a brandy boat, and the dining crowd goes wild over the presentation.

English Victorian gravy boat

English Victorian Gravy Boat

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

The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty 10-Inch Mint Green Cake Stand with Glass Cover

The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Mint Green Cake Stand with Glass Cover

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Touches and Hints of Fall At Home Preview

The intention of this touches and hints of fall at home preview is to bring about that cozy-colorful-bountiful-nature inspired-pumpkin spiced-apple appealing feeling of fall at home.

fall-at-home-preview

Those of us who absolutely love the fall-autumn season revel in the fall at home preview planning and prepping.

fall-velvet-pumpkin-in-basket-Werner-Straube

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Werner Straube

Seasonal décor pretties.

Rich warm colors and hues on parade.

Crisp days into evening.

Pumpkin everything.

Cozy times.

fall-sweet-fall-throw-pillow

Actual signs of fall may not be obvious in your neck of the woods (or skipped you all together i.e. 101°F in Denver one day, 33°F the next), but the excitement of a fall-autumn arrival is building.

Fall at home preview posts on the pages of food and shelter magazines, recipe and home decor blogs, and the social media platforms of choice confirm the anticipation.

pumpkins-sign

“Fall has always been my favorite season.
The time when everything bursts with
its last beauty, as if nature had been saving
up all year for the grand finale.”

—Lauren DeStefano

They say good things come to those who wait.

On that logic I liken fall’s tease and eventual arrival to the pot of harvest gold at the end of summer’s scorching rainbow.

A sure sign the beauty of fall is upon us.

free-printable-landscape-with-plaid-print

Ella Claire & Co. gifts this lovely free printable vintage landscape for fall framing and decorating.

Sending a big thank you to creative friends and blogs bearing gifts.

I have a bronze gold frame picked out to frame the print in, and am leaning toward placing it on a small decorative easel.

Click on the link to visit this wonderful blog and print your copy- Ella Clair & Co. 

Wrensted Interiors LLC

Wrensted Interiors LLC

Natural touches such as seasonal foliage picked from your yard or garden and housed in rustic crocks, vintage silver pieces, or basic glass jars bring the beauty of fall to a tabletop or vignette near you.

Modern Brown Ceramic VaseModern Brown Ceramic Vase – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

fall-vase-brown

console-table-fall-decor

Pinterest

Inspiration, imagination, creativity, and a keen eye are responsible for many a stunning decorative display.

Antique Large German Brown Glazed Stoneware Pottery Double Handle Crock Vase

Antique Large German Brown Glazed Stoneware Pottery Double Handle Crock

As one who always includes setting and staying within budget when selecting, suggesting, and sourcing home décor accents and accessories for clients as well as myself, I love the endless possibilities afforded by decorating with items found at home, in nature (the best arts & crafts store going!), farmers markets, and the flower and produce departments of local grocery stores.

cabbage-dishes-in-hutch-photo-John-Granen

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by John Granen

“Autumn is the season to find contentment at home
by paying attention to what we already have.”

—Unknown

bag-Gala-apples

There’s no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money in order to achieve a striking result.

Fall Harvest Wooden Decorative BowlFall Harvest Wooden Decorative Bowl

An arrangement of fresh seasonal fruits placed in a wooden bowl or on a plate or platter sets a simple yet elegant display.

Loropetalum

I’m convinced the five senses dance a delightful waltz to an autumnal melody.

bella notte linens

Bella Notte Linens

Layers of warm and cozy linens wrapped in your favorite fall color, texture, pattern, and scent invite a fall into comfort feeling.

Functionality has never looked, felt or smelled so inviting.

Fall Scented Linen Spray

Ingredients

½ cup water

½ cup vodka

8-10 drops fall scented essential oil(s)

Directions

Mix water and vodka together in a clean spray bottle.

Add essential oil or combination of oils to mixture, swirling to blend.

Essential oil scents and combinations to consider:

Sweet orange, clove bud and cinnamon bark.

Pumpkin pie.

Brown sugar, apple pie and nutmeg.

Wood spice.

Sweet tangerine.

Cedarwood.

foodiesfeed.com_woman-holding-fresh-apples

Foodiesfeed

When apples and cinnamon enter the mix or the mixing bowl, the scent and the taste of fall follows.

Brown Wood Look Plate Brown Wood Look Plate

This brown wood plate offers the look of wood with the ease of melamine.

Design details include a realistic faux wood grain pattern paired with the extra bonus of being safe for food use.

apples-leaves-acorns-candle-Sköna hem

Sköna hem -Pinterest

Southerners take fall any way we can get it since we really don’t get much of it in the first place.

butcher block

D Magazine – Photography by Nathan Schroder

It’s a fact of life in Louisiana when the temps fall below 70°F you can hear the collective clang of gumbo pots making their way from cupboard to stove top in true c’est si bon fashion.

copper bowls stacked

Overstock

When fall rolls around you can find me spending most late afternoons into evening sitting on the porch taking it all in.

I love spending time in the kitchen developing fall recipes, but you can’t be in two places at once.

Playing to that logic, simple seasonal dishes such as mustard greens and buttermilk cornbread top the dinner menu on crisp fall nights.

mustard-greens-in-pot

Dave the Builder’s mother held firm the taste of a Louisiana sweet potato is not at its flavor zenith until after the first frost.

Louisiana-sweet-potatoes-dry-pinto-beans

The first frost of fall is a ways off yet, however, we cook, bake, and candied sweet potatoes on.

Leaf Wooden Spoon

Leaf Wooden Spoon

Isn’t it funny how you assign a season to particular foods and flavors?

Gumbo.

Cinnamon roll candied yams.

Pecan pie made with Louisiana pecans and pure cane syrup.

Apple nut cake.

apple-pecan-walnut-cake

We’ll cook it, bake it, and eat it any time of year, but it taste so much better in the fall.

faux-apples-pears-moss-wreath-fall

Fall ushers in thoughts of DIY projects for door, porch, mantel, and seal.

DIY pumpkin lanterns

Shine a light on fall with these DIY Pumpkin Lanterns from designlovefest.

fall-is-my-favorite-color-blog

When the Canadian snowbird was in school, yours truly pulled room mother duty every year kindergarten-8th grade.

Loved it!fall-bouquet-ribbon

I was in my element decorating for the teachers appreciation gala, fall festival and Halloween carnival extravaganza.

Included in my bag of decorating tricks was the idea of using faux fall flower bouquets for everything from tabletop decorations to gift favors.

fall bouquet 1

Wrapping each bouquet in inexpensive craft or tissue paper tied with ribbon and raffia in assorted seasonal colors and textures took the presentation from faux to fabulous.

For extra fall scented goodness tuck a couple of cinnamon sticks in with the bouquet.

It’s all in the details.

fall-colors-throw-pillows

Embellishing an inexpensive throw pillow(s) rich in fall color with decorative trim(s) creates a custom decor piece.

fall trim

autumn-decor-Virginia-based designer Janie Molster Elle Decor

Elle Decor 

I saw this idea of draping faux fur throws over the back of dining chairs in a fall decorating feature in Elle Decor, and quickly filed it under F for faux fur for fall at home preview.

Fall At Home Preview

A seasonal accent here and a seasonal accessory there layers house and home with touches and hints of the season.

Add a decorative throw or pillow to an existing piece and you instantly create a seasonal update though color, texture, and/or pattern.

‘Tis the season for feathering one’s nest with touches and hints of the season through décor additions and updates inspired by the best features of the season.

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Fall Decorating Inspiration 2018

This week finds me tuned into fall decorating inspiration 2018.

Warming home and hearth with seasonal updates for fall in this the season of cozy colors, textures, and patterns appeals to my penchant for gifting the home, eye and heart with the much anticipated unveiling of the best the third season has to offer.

fall-leaves-colors

Fall In Love

Transitioning the spaces and places in your home to mark summer’s exit and fall’s arrival is easily achieved through welcoming rich warm colors and engaging layers to create and convey a cozy mix.

Let’s take a look at what’s in home motivated by fall decorating inspiration 2018.

reading-chair

Domino – Photography by Carter Berg

Curling up with a good book in a cozy spot is always in season, especially on a crisp fall afternoon or evening.

whiskey-in-a-teacup-reese-witherspoon

Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits 

dive-into-fall

Family Circle – October 2018 Issue

The October  issue of Family Circle plants a pumpkin seed of fall decorating inspiration 2018.

Nicollete-top-grain-waxed-leather-persimmon-chair

Nicollete Top Grain Waxed Leather Chair

A comfortable chair and a good book or magazine pairs well with a fall afternoon or evening.

The cozy reading corner essential check list includes a table lamp, swing arm lamp, floor lamp, or small reading lamp producing optimum light.

Add to that a spot table, a spot of tea, and a plush throw and you have the elements of comfort to ambiance.

Hiend Accents Cable Knit 50"x60" Throw

Seasonal tabletop accents enhance a fall-autumn-Thanksgiving table is set to gathering together.

Vintage-French-Pewter-Hunting-Dog-plate

Vintage French Pewter Hunting Dog Wall Plate

antique-silver-sentiment-charger

transferware-sterling-silver-Victoria-Magazine

Victoria Magazine

Fall Decorating Inspiration 2018

Velvet fabric in vibrant colors will make the table runners I could not source to suit.

velvet-fabric-fall

standing-ringneck

Standing Ring-necked Pheasant

The needlepoint fabric in pheasant detail I wanted was just a bit too pricey for my taste- $2000.00+ too much.

One enhanced search and source session later and this P Kaufmann Game Birds Heritage Ducks Pheasants over paisley fabric is on its way to Places In The Home.

P KAUFMANN GAME BIRDS HERITAGE DUCKS PHEASANTS OVER PAISLEY

pumpkin-cream

Frosted Eucalyptus Garland

Frosted Eucalyptus Garland

seeded_eucalyptus_bunch

Seeded Eucalyptus Bunch

faux-wood-plate-charger

 

fall-vegetables

harvest chicken casserole

 Harvest Chicken Casserole

Fall tastings generate a fair amount of dirty dishes.  I’m sure the sentiment of the below images echoes a majority opinion.

dishes-board

If you’re like me, placing a positive spin on the task at hand cuts through the dread and the dirt.

Enter Mrs. Meyer’s Apple Cider scent dish soap.

mrs-meyers-apple-cider-scent-dish-soap

This stuff is fall in a bottle.

The staying power of both scent and suds justifies the price, adding a bit of aroma therapy to an otherwise unremarkable household duty.

ornamental-cabbages

Ornamental Cabbages

Autumnal bouquets in harvest tones, pumpkins, gourds, acorns, pecans, cotton bolls, persimmons, apples, pears, ornamental cabbage, pansies-  nature absolutely is the best arts and crafts store.

When nature is in the house the simple yet elegant essence of fall-autumn is present and accounted for.

pansies

A touch of autumn through new to me art, accessories, scents and taste.

fruit-lamp

Pastels pair beautifully with deep rich tones of copper, mahogany, and ebony creating seasonal color contrast for fall through winter decorating.

throw-pillows-fall

A mix of traditional and modern pieces creates visual interest and curated contrast.

Sadik 2 Door Accent CabinetSadik 2 Door Accent Cabinet

Simeon Pumpkin-shaped Glass Base Table Lamp

Simeon Pumpkin-shaped Glass Base Table Lamp

 

Scents of the season~

brown-sugar-chestnut-soy-wax-candle

2-Wick Candle Brown Sugar Chestnut Soy Wax Blend Candle

I can personally attest to the scentsational aroma of the Hot Buns and Apple Cinnamon Vanilla scented candles from Our Own Candle Company.

The entire house smells so delicious when I burn one of these candles.

hot-buns-cinnamon-candle

Fall is here, and what better way to announce its arrival than to welcome style home through fall decorating inspiration 2018.

Simple enhancements in seasonal colors, textures, patterns, tastes, and scents reflect a warm feel and cozy character.

Happy first weekend of fall, y’all!

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Thoughts on Fall and What I Associate Autumn With

I associate autumn with checking the how many days until autumn (or fall) countdown timer every day from the first day of August until the official first day of fall.

associate autumn

I’ve broaden my when will fall get here consults to include the SmokyMountains.com fall foliage prediction map.

fall-foliage-map-South

Louisiana and the deep South is estimated to experience the peak color for fall on November 19.

Until the real color deal arrives, nandina leaves color my world with a hint of autumnal color.

fall-nandina

Our sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch is naturally heightened by autumn’s splendor.

autumn-association

My East Tennessee roots run as deep as the fall foliage colors in full peak season, naturally leading me to check hotel availability in the Pigeon Forge area and the happenings at a Gatlinburg jewel, the Buckhorn Inn.

transferware-bowl

The above image is of the Transferware vegetable bowl I bought last year on one of my late October treasure hunts.

When I spotted the A Welcome Inn sign in the pattern, my mind immediately engaged in a lightening round of I associate autumn with.

brown-white-bowlCovet Antiques on Etsy

I associate autumn with a Transferware vegetable bowl placed upon the Thanksgiving table.

saying-graceA framed print of Grace by Eric Enstrom hung on wall of my grandparent’s dining room and never fails to take me home. 

Thanksgiving holidays spent in East Tennessee at my paternal grandparents house included aunts, uncles, and cousins from Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, and surrounding Tennessee towns gathered together in Fountain City to break cornbread together.

We lovingly referred to it as hillbilly old home week.

Buckhorn Inn Gatlinburg

Buckhorn Inn

I associate autumn, East Tennessee and family with crisp colorful fall afternoons spent in the Smoky Mountains and special times at the Buckhorn Inn.

fallen-leavesFallen Leaves

Natural beauty.

Robust colors of amber, magenta, crimson, tobacco, sage, aubergine, arugulamarigold, brick, moss, forest, caramel, and paprika.

Trees of ginkgo, maple, apple, persimmon and magnolia.

Sitting on the front porch with a cup of hot chocolate in hand listening to the sounds of the local high school bands.

Delicious seasonal dishes, sweets, and warm beverages.

hello-fall-jar-candle

Scents of cinnamon, pumpkin, amber, fig, spice and cedar wood.

Warmth of fabrics woven and woolen.

Cozy spaces, simple pleasures, and the warmth of an inviting home.

What do you associate autumn with?

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Let the Official Fall Colors Flaunt Begin!

I admit to checking the fall countdown clock several times this afternoon. An obvious love of the fall/autumn season drives my thoughts, naturally inspiring me to get with the decorating in full fall colors flaunt program.

fall-countdown-clock

This collage features scenes of seasonal interest, inspiration for future fall themed blog posts, color, pattern and texture of the season, and a late fall/early winter photo of the newlywed couple.

fall colors flaunt

I can’t wait to share the photos from their wedding.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous!

Spoken, or as in this case typed, like the proud mother of the groom.

nantucket-New-England-Home

New England Home

Fall’s traditional color palette is unequivocally breathtaking, but when married with shades of blues and jaw-dropping antiques the result is exceptional.

squirrel-fall-leaves

El Capitan-fall

El Capitan at Fall

fall-Apples-red-green

Obsessed best describes my fall fascination with the portrait of William I, Prince of Orange.

Fall colors flaunt divine.

William I, Prince of OrangeWilliam I, Prince of Orange

faux-pumpkins-pottery-barnPottery Barn

fall-Ralph-Lauren-HomeRalph Lauren Home

jade-jackson-engagement-picture

Friday, September 22 at 3:02 pm marks the fall starts spot.

The clock is ticking and the fall colors flaunt excitement is building.

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