Welcome September!
Late summer may present a challenge for your seasonal decorating. Even though it is now September, it is still a few weeks before the cool crisp temperatures are consistent and the leaves being to change.
Are you are like me?
I don’t want to put ‘fall’ out until the leaves begin to change and the pumpkins are showing up at our local farmer’s roadside stands and markets. (This photo is from last year.)
I want my home to reflect the outside!
Savoring the last days of summer is part of easing into the busy season of fall marked by pools closing and schools beginning.
Let’s face it. The pressure can be great to spend more and to add seasonal decor stored away. It can be difficult to resist and expensive. too
delaying the transition to fall decor
My goal this year for the in-between time before the fall season is to be more creative with what I have stored.
Though I do have plenty of fall decor stored in bins, I still wantto be creative and use what I have in fresh new ways.
I do support our local farm stands and buy pumpkins. Selecting which ones and which colors to buy is definitely more fun when any of my kids and grandkids join me.
toys and childhood treasures
I turn to late blooms from the yard and fresh vegetables from the garden or grocery store.
Scouting around the house for other items to use like these primary colored wooden pickup sticks in a bamboo container can yield wonderful often unexpected results.
This happy yellow platter with the petal shaped trim was a ‘tray’ for the pick up stocks.
There were 3 mini balls too but the younger grandkids were visiting and I only have found one. Not that I am exerting a lot of effort to find them!
How simple is this pretty vignette bursting with color and whimsy? Layers and interesting objects come together to create this charming vignette.
Vintage vases for A Charming touch
The umbrella is long gone. I still love this feminine Gibson girl vase from my childhood.
At an auction I was out bid for these lovely ladies by couple of shop owners. I thought it would be nice to have a couple more. I was astonished by how much high each winning bid was!
Hydrangeas are elegant all summer through the fall. This is deep purple complement this vase so well. The blooms surrounding my front porch are fading into beautiful soft faded colors. Almost time to cut them.
There are other toys and treasures in the game and toy cabinets that could be very nice to use. For example, dice and dominos are classic simple designs that will add more interest to your vignettes.
Easy to add Country Charm to my kitchen
The in between seasons may present a challenge for decorating. The sweet sweet tablecloth provided the base for this in between charming county table for the kitchen.
Though many of our garden blooms are faded, the brilliance of the vegetables doesn’t dim!
For this simple country charming kitchen table, I used the oblong tablecloth with petit floral pattern on the round table. You don’t always need a round one. It is reminiscent of ones we saw in Bavaria Germany years ago. The pretty blue border really shows off the small flowers and cheetahs. Yes, there are cheetahs too, a small whimsical touch.
Using a colorful floral cloth will give you loads of options for creating centerpieces. The vintage glass bowl was my grandmother’s.
Country charm doesn’t have to be fussy; it is actually pretty simple. Use natural items, vintage pieces or simple ones from your cabinets and storage spots.
It was instant country charm for our farmhouse kitchen. Honestly, it changed the entire feel of our kitchen.
No new painted walls. No new accessories or vases. No new furniture. Just a pretty floral printed table cloth with a pretty border and a bowl of vegetables!
five tips for finding Decorative Pieces
- Shop your house first! Pair formal china with old fashioned zinnias and checked tablecloth for a charming county look.
2. Placemats and napkins can change everything.
3. Scour local store and vintage, thrift and antique shops. Know your table measurements. Carry a small tape measure with you. Don’t count of thrift shops, flea markets or other places to know or label the measurements or to have a tape measure or ruler.
4. If buying vintage linens. check not only the size. Look at the piece to check the quality. Look for fraying, fading, stains and tears and holes.
5. Be bold! Mixing dishes, colors and patterns for a fresh look may surprise you with how wonderful it looks!
Have I got solutions for the in-between season!
Placing your vase of fresh or faux flowers on an elevated surface creates a visual interest for your furniture surfaces . Look to your dish storage and book shelves.
Using the pedestal cake plate not only adds interest, the height is elevated so the flowers are reflected in the mirror. No pedestal? Use books or one of your platters, trays or wooden cutting boards.
Classic pink with black. For this centerpiece I used faux flowers!
Gasp!
Selecting classic color combinations is always a winner! The black stripe napkin has proven to be so versatile for Christmas and other seasons.
This vase is a plain glass cylinder with a pink ribbon tied around it. I often use ribbons in my vignettes and decorations. Notice the dried beans that hold the stems in place.
Use faux flowers and storing them for future use is dollar wise practice. Look for a future post when Amy used the bin of pink faux flowers to complete arches she made for her friend’s bridal shower! Huge savings, huge.
Personally, I use both faux and fresh. Watch for sales at Micheal’s or your local arts and craft store. Buy then. And let’s not forget the local Dollar Stores.
Are you an educator or part of a military family? Register for that discount if available. Check out the website for current coupons and sales. to show the cashier.
Closing notes
We didn’t have many flowers this year. Knee surgery and recovery meant missing the planting season.
Flowers that I think are the best late summer are not only hydrangeas but also the old fashioned zinnias. Easy to grow too.
A favorite fall activity for me is pumpkin shopping! Choosing which ones and the colors to buy is definitely more fun when any of my kids and grandkids join me.
I hope this post helps stimulate your creative thinking about decorating for this in between season of late summer.
We certainly are enjoying our home and especially the back porch on these cooler morning during the in-between season.
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