September Days -- It's Fall!

By all these lovely tokens

September days are here.

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer.

-Helen Hunt Jackson

Yay--it's fall!! At least to me it is...must have something to do with years of starting school at this time...seems like a new beginning...a season of change. I LOVE FALL!!!

Join me over the next few weeks as we gear up for the fall season :). I plan to share decorating ideas, recipes, and other special things as we continue making our homes and hearts "welcoming"!

Now, my favorite time of year is fall-Christmas. Just love it! But as much as I like it, I'm not quite ready for the full-blown she-bang yet :) -- this is the HOT south, and as much as I'm willing the seasons to change, it's just not ready to down here. But I CAN plan and start the decorating and project process going. That way I can enjoy what I love to do longer! If I get it all done today, then what will my little creative side DO for the next 2 1/2 months!

Let's get started by looking at our homes color scheme. Mine happens to be: white, cream, chocolate, black, sagey-mossy green & pale grey-blue. All of them neutrals in a way. Love me some neutral colors! Why? Cause then you can put seasonal pops of color in!

Whatever your home's "colors" are, you can find 1-2 seasonal "pops" to throw in there. (Or if you think your home clashes with fall colors, use some neutral decorations to bring in the season. There are beautiful creamy-white pumpkins, tan/brown branches, faded leaves, dried flowers from the garden...all could complement your decor.) I personally chose to use oranges as my "pop" color this year.

Since I'm planning to start slowly--well, as slowly as I can anyway!--I decided to get some lovely roses (from Wal-Mart, no less!) to bring in a touch of fall color (above pics), and to dry some hydrangea blooms from my garden to use in fall/Christmas decorating (below on my mantel).

Next, let's take a look around the house to see what you ALREADY HAVE that would work for fall decorating. I collect brown transferware....(detail of plate below)

....and these candles in antique oil lamp holders could use some fall "bling"!...
...my display on top of the china cabinet brings in fall neutrals and pop of orange in dishes stacked on a cake plate. A creamy frame dressed with an old skeleton key and brown satin ribbon. Pheasant feathers from me & dad's hunting day last fall are in a silver pitcher found at the thrift store. I will polish them later on...for now I love the silvery-blackness of the tarnish! As fall progresses I'll add fall leaves to the rusty chip clip stand. Fun, and I already had everything!

Look what else I already had...Carnival glass that belonged to my Grammy! This will mix well....

Now, it's time to mix your household finds with the fall decorating items you might have in storage. Spread it all out on table or floor and mix & match items till you have some that speak to you. Below are items going together on a table display. Don't get it yet?

You'll have to see in a few days!
Had this scrapbook paper & ribbon...pulled out some in my "colors", and we'll see what happens! A frame...banner...???
This birdcage belonged to my sister...now it's mine, all mine! Wait till you see this transformation!


More goodies to decorate with! I may not use it all, but at least I see what there is to work with!



Yay! The first steps are done...hope this inspired you to get started with your fall decor! The rest of the week we'll go over decorating and putting creative displays together! Don't worry though, crisper air will be with us soon, and then pumpkins and corn stalks from the farmer's market we'll see!

Check out some other great Fall Nesting Ideas with Melissa over at The Inspired Room!

Blessings,

Stacey