So its onward and upward…we’re on a march to cooler temperatures, warm cider, glow from a fireplace, and a general theme of cozy around our house. Comfort foods and a recipe or two will come in a later post.
I wanted to share some ideas for the little touches you can add to your home to embrace the season…if you’re more of a flip flops, warm weather loving person, that’s okay. I understand, sort of.
It doesn’t take much to create a feel of the season with just a bit of bounty from Mother Nature. Pumpkins come in so many colors these days, even my orange hating friends can find a pumpkin that works for them. But a throw draped over a chair, careful placement of a few candlesticks and/or votive candles and a few branches of turning leaves can create an inviting vignette for the season.
The pewter sugar bowl holds faux Pottery Barn acorns because there aren’t many oak trees in our neck of the woods and even if there were, the squirrels would beat me to the stash. {they look pretty real don’t they?}
During this time of year my nesting instincts take over. I want to add a few accessories to the mix. When spring/summer comes I’m always ready to shed the extra items that feel good from October to late February.
I placed a nest I found abandoned in our backyard in a pewter porridge bowl, the feathers were also found on a walk nearby, the quail eggs are real, but purchased from a store called Urban Gardener.
I love that so many creative people have taken the pumpkin way out of the box…this white pumpkin has been stamped with insects and other critters, appropriately creepy for Halloween.
Ralph Lauren (above) does fall better than most, love that man!
I don’t have a library like this and my dining room table wouldn’t fit in this space, but don’t you love the idea of dining in the library…especially for the cooler months.
Martha Stewart (above) always has some fantastic ideas for the season, no matter which season we’re talking about. {I wouldn’t want to eat each meal at a picnic table, would you, but the centerpiece and the picnic benches are attractive.}
RL with his bold bed linens, calico print and plaid. I’m probably too cautious to veer out of our solid sheet selection, but I admit, it looks inviting for a bed to crawl into after a blustery day.
{tumblr:That Inspirational Girl)
Fall and winter are nature’s way of urging us to relax, smell the cocoa and read a book. For me that equates to some serious time in a chair, feet up, throw over legs (if it’s cool enough).
~or~
You could pack a picnic and brave the cold…
{via} Don’t you love the inviting look of this outdoor table setting?
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor fireplace, what better time to use it?
So, are you with me {except my good friend in PA 🙂} ready to pick up a few pumpkins, throw on a turtleneck and enjoy the season at home?
I’m headed over to No Minimalist Here, she’s hosting another one of her Open House Parties.
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
Ha! Boo to winter. I do love Halloween though! My mother just loaded me up with mums and all kinds of funky pumpkins. Every year I tell her—do NOT buy me any mums! They’re pretty, but at this point in the season I am SO finished planting/watering anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. And every year she fails to heed my instructions. Mystery.
Random association… I read that article Martha’s faux bois table is featured in… She is apparently obsessed with vintage faux bois and had that massive table made by some guy who does nothing but replicas. It’s not something you or I would choose, but don’t forget that we only have one house to furnish. If I had, say? Four houses? I would so put Martha to shame. I would find someone to replicate Versailles for me.
Karen B. said:
Victoria,
lol…yeah, mom’s are hardwired to feel they “know what’s best” for their children, whether your 2 or 20 years of age. It never ends. But at least mums are something you can enjoy this time of year, whether you water them or not.
I really only need (want) 2 houses, a winter house and a summer house. They would be opposites in decor and mood. Oh, and I’d like the summerhouse to be within walking distance of the beach, okay?
The table is fabulous, as is most things Martha does.
Karen
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
Look Karen, if anyone offers you four houses, PLEASE do not pass them up. I will take the two you do not want.
Marlene said:
Just love all the autumn pictures! RL does wonderful looks…so talented and you are too! Thanks for sharing.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Marlene. There is something about Ralph Lauren’s style that is timeless and classic, yet always comfortable and inviting.
Karen
designchic said:
Love the addition of a few things to welcome fall. Your nest with feathers is amazing and I am obsessed with the arrangement on the table from Martha Stewart…stunning!
Karen B. said:
🙂 Nobody does it better, right. I love to borrow (read: copy) ideas from Martha!
Have a great week and thanks for the visit.
Karen
trouverlesoleil said:
Love the Ralph Lauren and Martha Stewart images!! Your home is very cozy and your fall touches are perfect! 🙂 I too do a bit of nesting at this time of year. Even with the kids grown, I still enjoy the moments where I get to twitter about and work in my home.
leslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie,
I know, even though our two sons are adults living with their wife (and fiance, respectively) I can’t imagine not tweaking a few things in honor of the season. 🙂 Ralph and Martha always inspire me.
Karen
debby said:
The acorns do look real! I keep trying to get to the farm stand to get some pumpkins but have been too busy. I’m shooting for Friday! I’m smiling because on of your photos was via my Tumblr blog (That Inspirational Girl)! xo
Karen B. said:
Debby,
Your tumblr site is one of my favorites. It’s so nice to meet you, thanks for stopping by.
Karen
Loi Thai said:
I think a lot of us are ready for fall, Karen. It was such a hot and dry summer. I feel so bad for the farmers affected. Love all your seasonal ideas. I thought those were real acorns, btw 🙂 And love that pewter sugar bowl.
xo
Loi
Karen B. said:
Loi,
I know, the climate change has to be especially tough on farmers that are used to certain weather patterns. Our weather from early August until last weekend was unusually humid and overly warm. Southern California usually experiences a few hot days with the relief of several comfortable days during the summer.
Thanks about the acorns, the little pewter sugar bowl was a find at a consignment store, along with the creamer, it was $12! Don’t you love finding a treasure? 😀
Karen
Loi Thai said:
PS – That image with the plaid blanket, twigs and pines cones on the table is divine!! So beautiful.
Karen B. said:
That image made me want to plan a picnic on a very cool day!
Amanda Box said:
I loved the image of the dining room within a library, would like to copy that in my new house if I can! Getting ready to move in about four weeks. Very excited as the house needs lots of work so I can get all my images out and plan. Ralph Lauren always gets it right whatever the season!
Karen B. said:
Amanda,
How exciting for you. Think of the possibilities! It would be fun to have a library where you could dine, right? I’ve often wished we had a room where we could install ceiling to floor book cases, maybe even a library ladder.
Thank you for stopping by. Good luck with your new home.
Karen
Gretchen said:
So many of my favorite things, especially Ralph Lauren. I also love the idea of dining in the library. It reminds me of Upstart and Crow (or was it Upstart Crow?) Do you remember that restaurant/bookstore?
Karen B. said:
Gretchen,
Lyn and I loved Upstart Crow. I wish it was still around, or something like it.
Karen