Naturally Striking Fall Arrangements

Naturally striking fall arrangements featuring the best of the season’s natural elements epitomize the true beauty and color of the season.

gourd-pinecone-table-centerpiece

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Edmund Barr

Visit your lawn and garden, local produce market, hobby store or better yet, drive out to areas of the local countryside flush with the season’s natural elements for fresh and/or faux items needed to create a foliage focal point or spot arrangement.

bittersweet

Bittersweet

Foraging for seasonal leaves and branches serves a dual purpose – autumn treasure hunt and picnic opportunity.

fall-picnic-table

Photo by Stephanie Klepacki

naturally-striking-fall-arrangement-in-urn

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Robbie Caponetto

Certain decorating circumstances and seasonal flower arrangements reflect  the more the merrier approach.

fall-arrangement-Indian-corn-with-berries

New England Home

Green Waffle Daisy Pattern Butter Crock

peeled-corns-fall

Photo by Bart Heird 

Still a favorite example of a simple yet elegant fall/autumn arrangement made possible by nature, a vintage waffle weave daisy pattern crock, small ears of Indian corn, branches of berries, and decor pieces most befitting theme and time of year.

autumnal-arrangement-leaves-vase

Better Homes and Gardens – Photography by Marty Baldwin

Holiday gatherings.

Weddings.

Corporate events.

There’s so much to be said for this lovely season, this fall of autumn spectacular where nature’s wonder beautifully serves as the principal decor accent and accessory.

vegetable fall arrangement

Midwest Living – Photography by Michael Partenio

In season veggies, fruits, and berries mixed and mingled among flowers of varied colors and types prove a fanciful focal point arrangement.

pheasant-feathers-in-silver-vase

S. B. Long Interiors

farmhouse-bedroom-ideas

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Ali Harper

Vintage pewter, silver, porcelain pitchers, sugar bowls, creamers, tole trays, and transferware bowls complement and add warmth to naturally striking fall arrangements.

berries-pewter-vases-centerpiece

Good Housekeeping

Various shades green, red, amber, and brown set fall’s color wheel into decorating motion.

acorns-Charlotte-Moss

Pinterest

Beauty abounds in simplicity, and practice and patience teaches me to never shy from taking the less is more route.

fall-pears-nuts-fall-leaves-wheat

Better Homes and Gardens

Some of the most striking seasonal arrangements are born out of simplicity “peared” with balance and placement.

Asian Pear Arrangement

Country Living

Clear cylinder vases filled with branch bouquets in their natural state or painted in tones of gold, silver, bronze, or copper become a simple yet elegant addition to your fall decor.

fall-flower-arrangements

Autumnal Berry Branches

Seasonal fruits, vegetables, foliage and nuts make wonderful ingredients for fall recipes, but boy, do they shine in fall arrangements and centerpieces.

fall fruit centerpiece

Country Living

fall-vegetables-centerpiece

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Robbie Caponetto

pumpkin-with-wreath-in-bowl-fall-decoration

Robyn’s French Nest

pumpkin centerpiece

Stunning sums up this DIY pumpkin centerpiece with roses, mums, and broom cob from Jenny Steffens.

fresh-flowers-in-pumpkin

Victoria Magazine

naturally striking fall arrangements

Martha Stewart

Pumpkins and apples make their debut in the beginning of fall, and these seasonal decorating essentials become quite the exquisite floral accompaniment to fresh seasonal flowers and cuttings.

autumn-centerpieces-apple-candleholdersCountry Living

Naturally striking fall arrangements rich in seasonal color(s) and texture(s) make an impressive addition to your fall decor.

Darleen-signature-love

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Decor Buzz and Buys

Let’s talk fall decor buzz and buys for house and home.

buzz-and-buys (1)

Too early for the fall of it all?

Looking forward to the next season to come naturally sparks our interest. Seasonal decorating ideas for fall take time to cultivate and harvest.

Why put off until tomorrow what you can hunt and gather today!

summers-end-into-fall

Emails arriving on a daily basis showcasing fall 2023 catalogs, lookbooks, and new for fall arrivals indicates the official fall decor buzz and buys season is indeed in full swing.

From my experiences decorating both home and shop to reflect the corresponding season, balance remains the principal objective to achieve.

fall-in-the-woods-cabin

Photo by Nathan Dumlao

Weighing in on the subject of overload, my opinion has and will always be your house, your taste.

Load up the tabletops in decorative pumpkins if decorative pumpkins bring you joy of season.

decorative-pumpkins-on-accent-chest

Southern Living Magazine- Photography by Helen Norman

Trends trend ephemeral.

If the trend du jour speaks to you, listen.

On the other hand, if classic seasonal decor accents convey timeless chic to you then you’ve found the decorating sweet spot.

Now, if a combination of mix and mingle checks the box then welcome fall fabulous home.

framed-pumpkin-print-muted

Printable Pumpkin Still Life Painting

Articles and posts from seasoned professionals and decoristas should only serve to inform and inspire, never discourage or dissuade.

Prairie Land Framed Canvas Board

Prairie Land Framed Canvas Board

Going with the if it ain’t broke don’t fix it rule, this year’s fall decorating around the house look is brought to you by the need and the want to showcase decorative items germane to individuality, simplicity, effortlessness, and nature’s beauty.

Fall Harvest Plate

Fall Harvest Plate

In high demand items run the risk of sorry out of stock replies dashing your add to cart dreams.

antique pottery fall

Kabinett & Kammer, Franklin, NY

Where pastel and bright colors rule the spring into summer color palette, the autumnal allure realized through the choices of darker tones and seasoned finishes resembles nature’s contribution to the rich and cozy fall color palette.

Antique Bennington Rockingham Style Pottery, Hunt Scene Large Pottery Pitcher

Antique Bennington Rockingham Style Pottery, Hunt Scene Large Pottery Pitcher

Autumnal overload by way of accents and accessories is easily avoided when color guides your seasonal decorating plan.

Glazed Pots Framed Art Print

Glazed Pots Framed Art Print

Antique Bennington Rockingham Stoneware Tulip Pitcher, Antique Bennington Rockingham Stoneware Tulip Pitcher

autumn-inspired-kitchen

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Emily J. Followill

antique-large-brown-salt-glaze-stoneware

Antique Large Brown Salt Glaze Stoneware Pitcher

Very nice antique pottery Pitcher Man drinking

Antique Pottery Pitcher 

spice-home-decorators-collection-area-rug

Mariah Spice Area Rug

Antiquity At506 Blue and Red 6' x 9' Area Rug

Antiquity At506 Blue and Red Area Rug

Aelmoor Ael1 8' x 10' Area Rug

Aelmoor Ael1 8′ x 10′ Area Rug

antiques-graphic

English Mahogany Scotch Chest c.1890's-1920's

English Mahogany Scotch Chest c.1890’s-1920’s

Recently, I’ve discovered a wonderful read, The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors by Michael Diaz-Griffith with photography by Brian W. Ferry.

The New Antiquarians At Home with Young Collectors by Michael Diaz-Griffith

The New Antiquarians At Home with Young Collectors by Michael Diaz-Griffith

Curiosity of history coupled with a devout fascination with collecting has once again found its footing with the forty and under crowd.

Welcome to my world, my fellow antiquarians.

Set of 5 Vintage Books Customizable by Color

Set of 5 Vintage Books Customizable by Color

Colors, textures, and patterns intrigue and inspire young collectors to seek and mix pieces from various periods and places in the pursuit of creating fresh curated schemes while expressing personal style.

George II Giltwood Lions

Klismos Gallery 

Striking copper and antique brass finishes integrate depth and warmth.

vintage-match-striker

Continental European Brass and Metal Repoussé Log Box, Late 19th Early 20th C.

Vintage Fireplace – Fire Pit Bellow Fire Pit

Antique Redware Red Riding Hood and Wolf Match Holder

Brass Andirons

Antique Brass Wall Mount Match Strike Holder

Vintage Brass Match Holder

Victorian Lady’s Boot Vintage Brass Vase

Vintage Brass Matchstick Holder

Continental European Brass and Metal Repoussé Log Box, Late 19th Early 20th C.

southern-cookbooks-for-fall

Simple subtractions pave the way for seasonal additions.

Pack away spring into summer favorites in favor of accents visually pleasing to the autumn soul.

Wood Bookend

Wood Bookend

fall-cookbooks-2022

Old terrine with hare head, Pillivuyt, France

Old terrine with hare head, Pillivuyt, France

Mimi Thorisson Italian Hours Cocotte

Mimi Thorisson Italian Hours Cocotte

Mimi Thorisson Italian Hours Baking Dish (1)

Mimi Thorisson Italian Hours Baking Dish

Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage Recipe

gray-and-blue-dining-room-fall

Country Living Magazine – Photography by David Tsay

Antique Alphabet Sampler Framed Wall Art

Antique Alphabet Sampler Framed Wall Art

pepper-mill-peppercorns

Cracked Pepper is Behr’s 2024 Color of the Year.

Cracked Pepper Behr’s 2024 Color of the Year

Would you call it a shade of black or a shade of dark gray?

It’s a workable accent- a color easily implemented into the fall/autumn decorating scheme.

Asiatic Pheasant Dinner Plates

Asiatic Pheasant Dinner Plates

Primitive Decor Bar Sign Art Pub Wall Sign The Fox Tavern & Inn Repro of original Art Pub Wall Sign “The Fox Tavern & Inn” Repro of Original

pumpkin-tray-pewter

Pewter Pumpkin Serving Tray, Large

Silver Pinecone Table Decor, 6″

Pewter Pumpkin Salt & Pepper Shaker Set

‘Tis the golden hour.

honey paint colors

Fall color forecasts include golden tones of honey that complement neutral shades and nature’s God-given palette.

Charlotta Gold Set of 4 Holiday Harvest Appetizer Plates

Charlotta Gold Set of 4 Holiday Harvest Appetizer Plates

Hand Tufted Hand Made 100% Wool Transitional Oriental Area Rug Slate

Hand Tufted Hand Made 100% Wool Transitional Oriental Area Rug Slate

Vintage French Colonial Toile Wallpaper, Metallic Gold

Vintage French Colonial Toile Wallpaper, Metallic Gold

Shine a little light on a cozy fall day into evening with this squirrel desk lamp in honey gold tones.

gold-squirrel-lamp

Squirrel Desk Lamp

Linden Street Leaf Embroidery Square Throw Pillow

Linden Street Leaf Embroidery Square Throw Pillow

pheasant-planter-new-fall-accent1

Last year I scouted and scooped up the pheasant vase in the above image early in the fall finds buying season. Learned it’s better to buy early than cry late.

Vintage Lefton Bird Pheasant

Vintage Lefton Bird Pheasant

Vintage George Good Small Hand Painted Porcelain Pheasant Figurine

Vintage George Good Small Hand Painted Porcelain Pheasant Figurine

Isn’t this just the picture of cozy at home?

Early-American-antiques-bedroom

Victoria Magazine

Transports thought and heart to the very best of fall; country inns and cottages furnished in traditional Colonial style, period antiques in rich deep patinas, and nooks and crannies replete with charming accents of the past.

bow-front-storage-chest

Bow Front Storage Chest

Stylish storage solutions is always in season.

I keep coming back to this Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers for a few reasons. The under $300 price point sits well, the finish offers a rustic charm, and the overall size makes this piece a versatile choice for most spaces.

Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers

Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers

Hardware enhancement elevates the detail and increases visual interest.

walnut-oak-pine-cabinet-knobs

Carved Wood Fruit and Nut Large Pull Reproductions

So I’m thinking two of these living room accent chairs serving as captains dining chairs a grand choice of fall furnishing.

Upholstered Wingback Chair

Best Master Furniture 615 Vogue King Living Room Accent Arm Chair

English in provenance, the Windsor chair is associated with American Colonial style.

Carolina Chair & Table Co. Reed Windsor Dining Chair - Espresso

Carolina Chair & Table Co. Reed Windsor Dining Chair – Espresso

Colonial craftsmen did away with the central splat detail known to the original design. Splats and legs were altered to enforce the sturdiness and form.

Vera Chair-English Pine

Vera Chair in English Pine

Elegant country is the term I assign to the Vera Chair in English Pine.

Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair

Kalloo Ladder Back Side Chair

accents-graphic

Fall flowers in vases in full fall color bloom.

decorative-fall-vases

Hobby Lobby

Seasonal fruits and vegetables sitting pretty in rich honey caramel shades and shapes.

chipwood-basket-fall

Large Chipwood Basket by Ashland

Natural elements housed in natural materials baskets.

twig-baskets

Mainstays Round Maize Decorative Storage Basket, Dark Brown

Color packed planters of chrysanthemums, marigolds, pansies or crotons.

Large-Terracotta-Red-Concrete-Planter-Pot

Large Terracotta Red Concrete Planter Pot

Lovely fall decor buzz and buys accents and accessories kick off the build up to seasonal interest and must have demand.

Darleen-signature-love

Warm Cozy Impressions

Sharing a few warm cozy impressions with you by design and delight is the theme of this week.

Upholstered-tweed-walls-fireplace

Veranda – Photography by Dylan Thomas

Fireplace days are here again, and I for one could not be more excited for an evening round the fire cozy at home.

warm cozy impressions

Gilded Leaf Acorn Ornament

Inspiration is everywhere as proven in this eye catching photo.

Accent and accessories used in expected ways and in unexpected placement have the ability to impress and add charm to the spaces and places in and around the home.

autumn-harvest-rice-dish

Autumn Harvest Rice hits the spot when you’ve got a craving for a delicious hearty and cozy.

Food cozy?

Absolutely!

Recipe here.

fall-autumn-flowers-fruits-on-table

Southern Living – Photography by Helen Norman

In my experiences with bouquets picked out and picked up in the grocery store floral department reduced for quick sale buckets, a next level look is super easy to obtain by simply tucking in stems, cuttings, and seasonal greenery from my at home lawn and garden department (the yard/garden).

Adding to never seems to take away from the finished result.

fall-hydrangeas-basket-antiques

Late fall hydrangea blooms thrive until the arrival of the first frost.

I knew I loved these flowers.

fireplace-kitchen-green-walls

House Beautiful – Photography by Susan Gilmore

Homey for the holidays or cozy fashioned in fall, creating a cozy ambiance will tick all the boxes of seasonal decorating success while leaving warm cozy impressions.

Darleen-signature-love

 

October Observations

October observations run the gamut from events to design to decor and just about everything else fallapalooza in-between.

Halloween is definitely October happening numero uno.  Man, has this
31st of October event become a celebration powerhouse.

October observations

Anticipated Halloween spending according to the National Retail Federation is estimated to reach $10.6 billion in 2022, breaking last year’s record of $10.1 billion. Approximately 68% of consumers plan to participate in some sort of Halloween celebration, up from 65% last year, 58% in 2020 and 69% in 2019.

That’s a lot of spirited spending, folks.

candy-corn-October-observations

Candy corn.

Like?

Hate?

What say you?

Psst! I like the stuff.

halloween-decorating-hack-domino

Domino

Artist Carlos Amorales exhibition at Salone del Mobile Milano,“The Accursed Hour,” is as striking as it is haunting. Copy the look by covering walls and ceilings with swarms of paper butterflies stickers found on Amazon or Etsy.

Instant Paper Butterflies Wall Decor Halloween

There is Halloween decorating, and then there is Halloween decorating.

Dewalt-saw

Fall fixer up time sees new wood molding atop the antique corbels on the front of the house, and a while we’re at it let’s touch up the colors paint session.

fall house paint colors 2022

Neighbors are precious friends-friends who come to call with skill saw, molding, primer and woodworking talent to save the day.

boxed-corbel

Recipes accenting the flavors associated with homey and hearty hit the spot on chilly fall night or game day afternoon.

sausage-and-wild-rice-stuffed-acorn-squash (1)

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe from Country Living

pumpkin-harvest-dinner-plate

Bee & Willow™ Harvest Motif Dinner Plate

Savings is a prime number.

deep-pumpkin-bowls

Sales on seasonal wares and accents have a way of inspiring cart fulfillment.

Ceramic Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Ceramic Pumpkin Serving Bowl

pumpkin-vase-fall

 Country Living

Vacation escapes and fall into holiday tablescapes pique my October observations interest.

Natural elements set a stunning table and the tone for a lovely drive.

GSMNP-travel

Visit Gatlinburg

Peak color season getaways feed the heart and soul while gifting the eye a colorama as only nature can do.

geese-Gatlinburg

It won’t be long before the honking sounds and sights of Canada geese heading south for the winter will be in our area.

Last year for about 8 nights in a row around 7:15 p.m. cst the show began much to my delight.

They fly so low you can really get a good visual, and of course, you hear them before you see them.

In honor of this October tradition, I’m purchasing a set of these Spode Snow Geese dinner plates.

Snow Goose Dinner Plate

Spode Snow Goose Dinner Plate

October in our little town is parish fair time, and that means my craving for a caramel apple is soon to be satisfied.

caramel-apple-at-the-fair

The Might Thomas Carnivals

Crisp days are coming into view, and with that brings the retail offerings, nature’s color parade, thrills, chills, tastes and trends that round out my October observations.

love signature

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.

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Brush border with egg.

Next, sprinkle border with coarse sugar.

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Bake for 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

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

recipe apple nut cake 1

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Seasonal touches here and neutrals there decorate the dining room.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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Our welcome fall home 2022 wishlist is almost complete.

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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.

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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

October Vibes Come Home

October vibes come home to a warm welcome, seasonal updates, creature comforts, and hearth and home enchantment.

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers

Friday officially brings October to the table, a perfect time and a perfect month as can be, autumnally speaking.

October vibes come home

Chilly sweater weather days and crisp fall evenings will eventually make it down to Louisiana.

Fleeting as it was, we did get a fall preview last week.  Colors on parade outside our dining room windows grabbed my attention inspiring me to grab the camera and snap the above photo.

Two days later the color treat was completely gone.

Nature not only showed up and showed out, it showed me the importance of enjoying every facet of the season I love while it’s here.

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Sweet Water Decor Homebody Mug

Cozy, comfortable, cool, and crisp amplifies the fall at home quotient.

Fall autumn days into evenings mark a prime time for a bit of personal downtime spent enjoying the creature comforts of the season we wait for all year long.

If you find the time.

When time affords.

Give yourself permission to give yourself the gift of me time.  Most of us realize it’s a labor of love to nurture, comfort and cozy hearth and home, family and friends.

But what about you?

What better way to recharge the battery we run down during our busy and hectic week than with a good book, a hot beverage and a few creatures of cozy comfort.

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Foodiesfeed

Comfort and cozy lives on through the generations.

Although the linen closet is packed with a slew of throws and blankets to choose from, invariably I go for the crocheted afghan my grandmother had made for my mother Christmas circa 1974.

It’s a familiar and familial source of comfort; a tactile touchstone accessory perfect for a fall settle in.

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Remember hot spiced tea from Tang?

Talk about bringing back precious and tasty memories.

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Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers mixed up gallons of this fall into winter spiced tea, serving it up on chilly afternoons to warm the bones and set the tone.

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Hot Spiced Tea

Ingredients

1  1/3 cups TANG

½  cup sugar

½  cup instant tea*

1  teaspoon cinnamon

½  teaspoon cloves

*Or use lemon-flavored unsweetened or sugar-sweetened instant tea

Directions 

Combine ingredients and store in tightly covered jar.  Makes approximately 24 servings.

For 1 individual serving, place 1 teaspoon of spice tea mix in a cup, fill with boiling water and stir until dissolved.

-Hot spice tea from Tang recipe from Recipe Curio.

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Domino – Photo by Jessie Cuts

Touches reflecting the season.

Fireside chats.

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Cozy Cardigan Candle

Scents of the season floating throughout the house.

Sweater-Knit Slippers

Enjoying the comfortable and warm styles of the season.

Fall is an extraordinary time of the year where we seem to embrace the places and spaces in the home a bit more than usual.

I came to realize the silver lining of time at home during the lockdown phase of virus life.

At home times seasoned, shared, and experienced in a haven of warmth and comfort, reassuring and familiar in the very best and coziest of ways, is time well spent.

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October vibes come home in comfortable spaces with a fall flavored beverage of choice and a good book.

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Finding Home: The Houses of Pursley Dixon 
The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook
A Well-Kept Home
2021 Christmas with Southern Living

I put this activity on respite and repeat.

October-breast-cancer-awareness-month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Annual mammograms can detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.

Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.  Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

Early detection through a routine mammogram is one of the attributing factors in my mother’s breast cancer being caught in the early stages which contributed to her survival.

It made a believer out of me, so every October a mammogram it is.

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Heartfelt Additions

October vibes come home in seasonal splendor on this gorgeous first day of the month.

Take it in, enjoy the bounty, and have a lovely weekend.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

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