Wednesday, September 15, 2010

5 ways to update your home for fall

There is nothing I love more than fall. It offers cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and a happy state of mind. Everyone seems to drink the kool-aid of fall magic. Wouldn't you agree? People in general seem to be happiest in the fall. I think the idea of big meals, family gatherings and good things to come (like a New Year) bring everyone's spirits around. One thing I love to do in the fall is update a few things in my home to "winterize it." 

1) Custom Wreaths- Wreaths are super easy to make and most craft stores carry wreath forms. Get creative and use unexpected items. Below (from country living) this herb wreath is the perfect introduction into your home for the holidays. Fill your wreath with sage, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves. The aroma is amazing, and it's an entertaining delight for the upcoming festivities!




2) Maps-Maps are great little treasures with so much potential. They are inexpensive (some even free) and super easy to find. Here are some awesome things I like to do with maps! 
a) Buy a large map and cut it up. Frame the pieces and hang it up in a family room. This creates instant, inexpensive art that is interesting and fun. b) Buy cardstock and cut out a favorite shape. Outline the shape with trace paper and place it on the map for a template. These can be used for labels, gift tags, or wall art, like below.


c) gift wrap your presents with old maps. It creates a homemade feel, and makes gift giving extra special. 


d) cover ugly books with old maps. 

3) Decorative Bowls- One of my favorite things to do is put a large decorative platter on my cocktail table and fill it with old family photos. We see the most of our guests this time of year and they just LOVE sifting through them. This is a great way to reminisce, laugh and remember previous holidays gone by.





4) Fruit- Fruit can add a lovely touch to the holidays, and make wonderful gifts. Also overlooked, fruit can be hung from the tree, placed down a dining table, or delicately wrapped (like the pears below) as a centerpiece or gift.

Country Living

Adorning fruit with simple ribbon dresses it up, making it perfect for a gift and adds a little sweetness.


5) Creamers, Pitchers and Serving dishes- The fall is a time to celebrate and be festive. It is also a time we sit down for family gatherings, and visit with friends. Add to your current collection of serving dishes by finding unique pieces that make it feel luxurious, and provide the comforts of home.



Earth Works via etsy

Ummm... hello how great is THIS pitcher?

Tandem Glass on etsy
How's about this creamer?? Can't tell me this won't liven up the party!

What types of things do you do to welcome in the holidays?
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14 comments:

  1. Amanda,
    I love having an herb wreath in my kitchen. The picture idea is perfect!
    Have a nice day.
    Teresa

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  2. I bet the herb wreath smells heavenly! I like the idea of old pictures placed out where everyone can look through them...will definitely have to do that this year!

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  3. i love the simplicity of the wreath. I heart fall, too!

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  4. I absolutely adore everything here - the wreaths and the old maps and the pitchers... Such a pitch-perfect seasonal post! I'm so ready for fall!

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  5. I am thinking that herb wreath would taste, erm smell lovely!

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  6. Great photos and ideas! Fall is my favorite season, so I can't wait to add those fun, seasonal touches to the house.

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  7. I need to fluff up my door basket, which I use in place of a wreath. Only because I want something different, but still narrow enough to fit between our storm door and main door. That's going up this weekend. We've had lovely cool temperatures all week so far ~ I could live with this weather all the time!

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  8. Covering books with maps! LOVE this idea!

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  9. These are all great! I've used ribbon on just about everything I can get my hands on...never thought of fruit! I see a project in my near future. That wreath is very cool too!

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  10. I love all the ideas w/ maps! It's always nice to have special/unique wrapping paper.

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  11. I like the map decorating idea, very creative and interesting idea. thanks :)

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  12. Never thought of it before,now I see a project in my near future.

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  13. It's always nice to have special/unique wrapping paper.Interested idea!

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