Bright colors, mixed with neutrals say, “I see you Autumn, but I’m squeezing out every last ounce of summer’s brightness before we go!”
Centerpieces don’t have to be elaborate. Needing something fast and that didn’t require leaving the house, I pilfered the shrubs for plant life. Stemless wine glasses made for quick casual vases and also kept the arrangement low, to promote conversation.
Living items add a dynamic element to any display. Repetition creates movement, and a metal tray grounds the arrangement.
A simple napkin pocket is a nice way to gather flatware when place mats are narrow.
Case in point: Framed family pictures (professional or not) are reasonable for most people but apparently not for me.
Our last professional family photo was 10 years ago, and those didn’t even make it to frames. Shameful, I know.
I’ve tried! But somehow, even my “Oh, we’re finally all here, decently clothed, and almost all-smiling-in-the-same-shot” candids still have never made it to our hallway gallery. And, if I’m honest, this is not going to be something I pull off anytime soon, either.
But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pictures (like I was the photo “Historian” for a group in high school and made scrapbooks long before they were vogue). So, I finally accepted these two competing realities and compromised with this:
Hallway Bulletin Board
This bulletin board hangs in my hallway where our large framed professional (out-of-date–like, added another family member since then) prints used to hang. Now, I can add candid shots whenever I want, including those of my adorable niece and nephews (who happen to have moms more diligent with family photos). A few ribbon flower embellishments and rhinestone push pins dress it up. A sign declaring my fan girl love for these people helps make the collection a focal point.
And who knows, one day I’ll probably put back the beautifully carved and coordinated frames holding lovely, professional pictures of my family. Until then, this display supports my desire to have those I love ever before me–without all the expectations of a “Most people have . . . ” or the shameful, “It shouldn’t be that hard . . . “.
What “wish you could” or “ought to” do you need to let go of today?
Ask yourself: what about the “wish you could” is most appealing? Does it accomplish order? Make a statement? Link you to something or someone you care about?
Abandon any justifications for why it isn’t your reality and put that energy into achieving what’s possible. Once you decipher the value at stake–the essence of what you’re really trying to accomplish– you’re on your way!
But I used to hate it. When I was younger, the only thing I associated with Autumn was ORANGE. And friends, I do not do orange. I’ve seen it used well, and I appreciate it as a color . . . I just didn’t want it on my birthday month calendar page, my party decorations, or smeared over EVERYthing standing still from September to November . . . (Yes, young problems were enviably lighter.)
My orange-hate has cooled considerably, but it still does not play nice with my yellow and gray living room. I’ve discovered, that while it’s hard to avoid orange completely when decorating for Fall, it is possible to keep it to a dull roar. If you’re not a fan of orange either, focus on the other Autumn colors that do coordinate with your decor or stick with neutrals.
Entry Niche: cream, slate, and hazelnut
coordinate with any color scheme
Front Door Wreath (in the non-orange variety)
Pitcher (pulled from the cupboards) with cotton sprigs (Walmart) and Fall sprigs and mini pumpkin (both from the Dollar Tree)
Fall themed stems tied with tulle
And a shout-out to my friend Amy S. who taught me to love Fall. Her front patio is always covered in pumpkins–more sizes and colors than I used to know existed. Happy chrysanthemums shout, “Welcome!” and inside, yummy smelling candles flicker all around. Add some other seasonal staples: a pumpkin latte, a refreshing breeze, and a cozy blanket and . . .
What’s not to love?
Dried split peas, acorn pits, mini-pumpkins, artificial acorns (from The Dollar Store), painted pine cones (DIY)
Photo Credit: Lisa Runnels; Colorful trees in driveway; publicdomainpictures.net
Bright colors, mixed with neutrals say, “I see you Autumn, but I’m squeezing out every last ounce of summer’s brightness before we go!”
Centerpieces don’t have to be elaborate. Needing something fast and that didn’t require leaving the house, I pilfered the shrubs for plant life. Stemless wine glasses made for quick casual vases and also kept the arrangement low, to promote conversation.
And a shout-out to my friend Amy S. who taught me to love Fall. Her front patio is always covered in pumpkins–more sizes and colors than I used to know existed. Happy chrysanthemums shout, “Welcome!” and inside, yummy smelling candles flicker all around. Add some other seasonal staples: a pumpkin latte, a refreshing breeze, and a cozy blanket and . . .