I Love When Autumn Comes Indoors

For me it is an understatement to say, "I love the fall season". If only one season could exist, I would choose autumn. This year I was late in getting the seasonal decorations displayed in our home. The task was on my "to do" list for many weeks but other projects took precedence. Finally, one Saturday I put the decorations at the top of the list and took action. 

I started in the living room. My goal was not to have to buy any new decor this year using the items I have in a different way. The fireplace and mantle tend to be the place that I always begin. Last year, I used the swag of leaves in a basket outdoors with artificial gourds. This year I brought it indoors and wrapped it on the iron scroll work that hangs above the mantle. Usually I would scatter the wooden pumpkins through the house but I saw on Pinterest how one person filled their fireplace with pumpkins, so I did my own version of that by placing the pumpkins in front of the fireplace opening. I love the look of candles glowing this time of year so I placed a few of my lantern/candle holders on the mantle. To say I am pleased with the outcome is an understatement.

To the left of the fireplace, we have a CD cabinet. Usually I would do a flower arrangement for the dining room table but chose to make one and place it here in this "alcove". In the vase covering the artificial flowers stems, is Spanish moss, a small artificial pumpkin and some mini pine cones. Surrounding the base of the vase, are some artificial gourds. There is a funny story about this arrangement. When I finished it and was walking it through the living room toward the cabinet Matt was following me and said very seriously, "Is that your best idea?" I have to say I was a little taken back by his comment. I asked him what he meant by that to which he replied again, "Is that your best idea?" I guess my kids have come to expect more from me when it comes to my creations. Even with Matt's unexplained comment, I'm so pleased with how this looks.

I do have a few other fall themed vignettes on tables in the living room but did not photograph them. What I love is how the whole look makes the room have that fall warmth I love!

In the dining room, I used a "vased" candle for the table centerpiece. Surrounding the candle is Spanish moss topped with artificial acorns and pine cones. On top of the computer cabinet, I places 3 different sized artificial pumpkins.  I kept the decorations very simple in here as we utilize this room not only for meals but homework and some craft projects that "spill out" of my craft room. 

The only other area that I had left to decorate was the window sill of the the dining room picture window. I purchased a long metal tray several years ago which fits perfectly on the sill. I filled it using 3 wooden pumpkins and laid some acrylic fall colored leaves in the tray.

As for the outdoor fall decor (which I don't have pictures of), last year Dave and the kids carved artificial pumpkins so we don't have to carve new ones each year. I did take the kids to get real pumpkins, Emily and I placed ours outside but Matt chose to keep his in his room. The only other decor are autumn themed flags, and two metal corn cob stakes.....oh and of course, the front and back doors both have wreaths.

One thing I love about the fall decor is that it stays out for not only October but the majority of November (we put up our Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving). Now the smell of my Yankee Candle apple cider candle and the taste of warm apple cider make the whole fall ambiance come together. Ahhh...yummy autumn, so glad you are here!

Leaves of Thanks

We started a tradition with Emily & Matt that on the days leading up to Thanksgiving starting with the first day of November they write down one thing they are thankful for. Last year, I cut leaves from cardstock they wrote their "thanks" on which were displayed on the cabinetry in our dining room. Prior to that we did a pennant banner. 

This year I wanted to do something "different".

While perusing Pinterest, I got inspired.  A pinner had taken a canvas and used lighted imitation vines and twigs to make a wall art piece. 

Working with my friend Debbie, we each made these wall pieces to display our family's "leaves of thanks" for this year.  You can see a picture of her's on her blog: Deleitate

The materials used were an 18 x 24 artist's canvas we painted spring pasture green and haze blue and twigs that were adhered with hot glue. We gave the twigs a little extra security by tying them down with twine.  The twine was covered by the moss which was also adhered with hot glue.  

The leaves were cut with my Cricut from card-stock in hues representing the colors of fall.  A hole punch was used to be able to thread the leaves onto the twigs.

Each night I ask a person in the family (we are on a Matt, Emily, Dave, Kathy rotation) to choose something they are thankful which I write on a leaf and place on a twig.  So far a few are God, friends, school, Miss Brown (Matt's teacher), power......we try to keep it light hearted but real.  

It is so important to Dave and me that we have the kids recognize just how blessed we are, how God has and continues to provide for our family. This is just a small way to do that. 

A plus is that not only are we keeping our tradition of "thanks" but we are creating a piece of art.  For winter, I think snowflakes may find there way onto the branches.  You'll have to wait and see.

A Touch of Fall

I was trying to wait until Saturday and the first day of Autumn to start my fall decorating but I just couldn't wait.  

Pinterest has been an excellent source for finding new centerpiece arrangements.  

I purchased this footed pedestal "vase" (one I can use over and over again for other arrangements) and a wide pedestal candle. The candle wasn't the height I was looking for so I did a little "tweaking". Under the candle, I placed two small Styrofoam wreaths bringing it to my preferred height. I then poured in corn kernels which encircled the Styrofoam and also filled the middle of the wreaths just to give the candle more stability.  I placed the candle on top of the corn and then added the acorns (a Hobby Lobby birthday purchase) around it. The candle is from Walmart and it is scented "apple cider" and smells very yummy.

For the sideboard, I used the fall colored hydrangeas I had from last year. I did add the new "falling" orange flowers. In the base of the vase, I used coffee beans to secure the stems in their place.

Right now my dining room smells like coffee and apple cider.  Yummy!