How to update your home for fall!

Add a bouquet of fall colored flowers to a pewter pitcher to add a pop of color to your room.

Fall has definitely arrived, the leaves are turning brilliant shades of orange, crimson and golden yellow.  The temperature is finally starting to cool down after such a warm summer.   Much like changing our clothes to our winter wardrobe, it is time to make a few adjustmemts to our homes.  Here is a list of my top 7 things you can do to update your home for the Fall.

1. Pull out the warm throws for your sofas, and chairs.  As the cooler weather kicks in those warm blankets provide added warmth while you are relaxing, plus add another layer of texture to your room.

Mixing patterns like plaids and paisleys can add texture and interest to your table setting.

2. Update your pillow covers, remove the spring/summer colored pillow shams for some richer colored covers in a soft texture like velvet or chenille.  You might even swap out your white sheets for flannel, patterned, or different color to change up your bedding.

3. Fill up the firewood box and get a fresh lighter or box of long matches.  It is also a good time to get your chimney cleaned for the coming winter season.  Having these things ready to go will keep you well prepared for those stormy rainy or snowy days ahead.

4. Change out your front door decor.  I just took away my spring wreath and replaced it with a fall hanging basket of leaves. I also updated my potted plants to golden colored chrysanthemums and white and yellow cone flowers.  It is always fun to change out the flowers around you from season to season.

Tie a napkin ring to the each corner of a square or rectangular tablecloth to add a decorative detail to your table setting.

5. Set your table with fresh new linens in your favorite fall colors.  Not only will this bring warmth to your table setting, but you'll be ready to entertain guests when they stop by.  Don't forget about your coffee tables as well.  You might rotate these books with some new ones for seasonal reading.

Add a group of mini pumpkins and gourds to your favorite ceramic bowl for an instant fall table centerpiece.

6. Add your fall decorations to your mantles, hutches and table tops. This year I've added leaves, pumpkin colored candles and fresh mini pumpkins to bring Autumn indoors.  I've also used some fall pumpkin spice potpourri from Hobby Lobby in a few of my glass decanters.  This makes your home look and smell great.  In the past I've filled up baskets with the potpourri as added decoration.

7. Finally, make sure you take time to have family or friends over to enjoy all your hard work.  It is always nice to open our homes and share our time with the people that matter most in our lives.  

Take care,

Christina

Blue and White Summer Table Setting

Sometimes the best table settings are created by just using what you have around the house.    Simplicity often times really is the best and easy way to entertain.  This past weekend my son had a birthday, and he invited a couple friends over for dinner.  Now that my son is all grown up, I decided it would be nice to set a beautiful table for his dinner.  What are some of the elements I like to use to create a successful table setting for my guests?

Well like decorating a room you have to start with the layers.  We have an outdoor table that I covered in a lacy blue and white tablecloth.  I like to use this tablecloth a lot because it matches the cushions on my outdoor furniture and pillows. At the beginning of summer, I also went to Joanne's Fabrics and purchased some of the clear plastic vinyl to put over the top of the cloth to help keep it clean for summer use.

After the tablecloth was covered, I added a few lanterns that I use in my yard for decoration.  They have battery operated candles and add a little extra light for evening gatherings.  The shape of my table is rectangular so I placed two evenly spaced in the center of the table.  I grabbed my handy go to green glass vase and looked around my yard to see what was flowering.  As luck would have it, I had a couple giant white Annabelle Hydrangeas and into my vase, they went.  I put the Hydrangeas in between my lanterns. 

Next, I added some herringbone rattan chargers that I picked up on clearance at Pier 1 about a month ago for a design project.  I liked the color and texture of these chargers, and they just reminded me of summer.  On top of the chargers, I added my white dinner plates.  I pulled out the silverware and wine cups from the cupboard.  I also added some navy cotton napkins to finish the place setting.  The final touch was to add a couple extra votive candles and light them up.  As the sun set, we ate our dinner by candlelight.  Spending time with family and friends is always the best kind of summer fun!

Take care,

Christina