fall decorations

Front Porch Decor for Fall: 

Your front porch is one of the best ways to show off your personal style! It is often the first thing that people see when they arrive at your home, and even if you don’t have a huge porch, you can add small touches that will liven up your door. 

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Source: Pexels.com


-Buffalo print doormat: The layered doormat look is a way to add depth and texture to your entryway. They are really affordable on Amazon, and can be found at most large retailers like Target for under $30. Layer it under a regular doormat, and it can stay there all the way through the holidays with a different mat on top! 


-Lanterns: No matter your budget, you can find a gorgeous lantern for fall everywhere from West Elm to Home Goods. Look for a quality, well-made lantern that has a heavy weight and is easy to lift. Well made lanterns feature sturdy seams and real wood or metal frames, and the glass will be well-secured inside the panels. If you want to add some light without actual flames, you can find really realistic LED candles at most retailers to place inside. 

-Wreath: We love the Magnolia leaf wreath for a classic, timeless style that never will look dated. If you want something more seasonal, look for burlap details, rust and orange tones and greenery without a lot of extra fluff. Avoid bargain stores for wreaths, and look for good quality greenery so it doesn’t look cheapy. Avoid large bows or sheer ribbons if you can, because these wear out quickly, and don’t last longer than a season or two. 


-Plants: You can go with real or faux plants, and they will add a ton to your entry area. I love the look of potted mums, which are easy to take care of, and inexpensive. You can group them together in large quantities to create an impressive fall display, and even add pumpkins in for a more polished look. Costco often has them for about $15 each year, starting in late August. 

Preparing for Fall Weather

Although we have entered a wildfire season here in Southern Oregon, I am still looking forward to the beautiful and crisp fall weather that lies ahead. Getting the house ready for fall is something special that I anticipate each year. It is important to me that my family and loved ones always feel welcome in our haven, and fall lends itself perfectly to being cozy and welcoming! Here are a few ways I am getting ready to welcome the new season:

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

-With the unknowns that lie ahead and the uncertainty of living in a pandemic, our homes have become more important than ever! Knowing we can feel peaceful in them is something special! I start with the entry way. It’s a great time to clear dead leaves, dirt, or scuffs off your doorway/door, so you can start with a clean slate. Since it’s often one of the first things that your guests will see, it’s great to make a good impression. I usually hang a pretty wreath of greenery, and replace any worn-out doormats. Adding touches like a lantern or sign make it feel more put together.

-I then move into the inside. Like I’ve mentioned, a good deep clean really is a great idea when the seasons change, and dusting, vacuuming, and making a nice clean space is always the start of feeling inspired. I get rid of clutter, trash, or things that need to go to Goodwill, and clean before I decide on adding new decor. I also put away anything from the last season that aren’t seasonally appropriate (like spring colored pastels, or candles that aren’t fall scented), and begin rotating in new textures and items. That doesn’t always mean we have to buy new things! I think storing neutral, off season items and rotate them back in when the season changes.

-Lastly, I decide if I need or want to add anything new to my decor. Things like mirrors, candles, and throws can warm up a space without breaking the bank, and a pretty scent is very welcoming. I love the Fireside and Leaves scents from Bath and Body Works for an affordable option, but if you’re wanting something more upscale, try a brand like Voluspa or Anthropologie, and the crackling sound of Woodwick Candles.

Happy Fall!


Cozy Time Saving Recipes for Fall

The temperatures are just starting to fall here in Southern Oregon, and after a tough season of wildfires, I am craving plenty of comfort foods. Comfort foods are something that typically take a bit more time than traditional cooking, but I’ve learned there are plenty of awesome recipes that still work on the busiest of evenings. As a mom, I find some nights, I am just too tired to spend several hours cooking something that won’t be done at dinner time. At the same time, I’ve found my slow cooker to be a bit ambiguous when it comes to flavors, and some of the meat comes out lacking the delicious color or textures by the end of the cooking time. So, I’ve been putting together some great recipes for comfort food that my family loves, AND that saves me a little bit of meal planning, too.

Source: Picjumbo via Pexels.com

Source: Picjumbo via Pexels.com

Zuppa Toscana in the crock pot: This is one of the best, simple recipes for nights when our family is out right until dinnertime, or when we have a busy day. I can throw everything in the crock pot in the morning, and by later afternoon, my house smells amazing, and I add a nice loaf of crusty bread and a big salad to make it a filling and comforting meal. I like this recipe from The Chunky Chef: HERE. It has tons of flavor and doesn’t dissolve into mushy soup by the time you serve it. Be sure to watch it closely after you add the kale, and serve when it’s soft but still bright green.

Stuffed Pasta Bolognese: This flavor packed recipes is a bit more time consuming than a crock pot meal, but it’s made my list because it can be prepped ahead of time and popped in the fridge until it’s time to bake it. Try to do this the night before or the morning of, and undercook your pasta just slightly, so it will be perfectly al dente after simmering during the baking time. Add breadsticks and a nice veggie on the side for a dinner everyone will gobble up. Recipe HERE.

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese: This is a family favorite for a reason: everyone loves macaroni and cheese, and it’s even better when I can use the quick miracle that’s the Instant Pot. For a healthier twist, add pureed butternut squash to the macaroni and cheese, and stir it in until it’s smooth and combined. It adds a nice fall flavor, and of course, gets more veggies in. You can bake it real quick to get it nice and browned on top once you pull it out of the instant pot, but it’s delicious by itself! Recipe HERE

Malaysian Chicken Noodles: This is an asian dish, but is spicy and can be just as comforting. This recipe that we love from Jamie Oliver has plenty of spice, a smooth and delicious sauce, and chicken for added protein. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, and you could even cook the chicken ahead of time. It’s inexpensive, delicious, and you can adjust the spice level if your little ones aren’t into the heat from Sambal. Check out the recipe HERE.

Another time saving dinner idea that doesn’t involve a recipe is to buy pre-made quiche at the grocery store, and add slices of fresh tomato and shredded cheese on top, broil briefly and warm through, add a huge salad, and voila! Easy, filling dinner that is on the table in minutes (We like the quiche that you can find at Costco in the cold section). Hopefully, these ideas will help you save time on the nights when you just need something warm and cozy!

Fall Color Schemes and Mood Boards

Have you ever made a mood board? They are an amazing tool, especially if you are decorating for a new season, or re-doing a room in your home. I really like using them when remodeling, or to help me get a more cohesive look for a tablescape or shelf display. Here’s a few tips on making a mood board that you can truly use:

Source: Pottery Barn

Source: Pottery Barn

-Decide what you’ll use your mood board for: There are several types of mood boards, and some are just for aesthetics. An aesthetic mood board would be something that you’d want to look at for inspiration, but may not use practically, or that would include actual items or colors. For example, an aesthetic mood board for a home might include examples of a farmhouse home, textures and colors that the homeowner likes, and a few pieces of hardware that could work with the look. While it may not have tangible products on it that you want to include on your home, it will keep the look foremost in your mind. A practical mood board could include links to products you’ve already chosen or bought, or photos of things you already own. It also works well with paint colors. 

-Decide what you want to accomplish with it: Do you want to use your mood board to guide purchasing, to help a client, to keep you on budget, or to stay inspired? These are all great options for using one, and they can truly help every purpose. I have used them for all of these reasons, and when it comes to decorating for a new season, I often let them help guide my purchasing when I’m out scouting for a few new pieces. This season, I am creating some as I decorate for the fall and harvest season, and heading into the holidays. Some of my favorite colors this season are the pretty shades of Terra Cotta, pretty dusty blues, and copper tones, so they have all made their way into my most recent mood boards:

Copper and Mango Wood Bowl: This Pottery Barn find is pricy, but will last for years and years. It will also move through the seasons, depending on how you style it, and I am already dreaming up ways to style some florals inside of it.

This beautiful rug: This stunning rug is also from Pottery Barn, and comes in a gorgeous hue of Terra Cotta, as well as a medium blue/grey. It is thick, substantial, and will really warm up a room with tile or hardwood, making it seem softer and more cozy. Not only that, but it will keep your toes physically warm, too!

This set of beautiful blue vases: Another investment piece, this set of vases is just beautiful. You can buy them separately or together, but we love them when they’re filled with simple eucalyptus or wooden stems. They also look amazing with olive branches.

Looking for something a bit more affordable? This terra cotta pot is under $30, and will bring the look of fall to your porch or backyard. It’s one of our favorite items from Magnolia lately, and it looks just right with a potted mum plant inside of it. 

If you’re looking for paint inspiration, look no further than these mood boards from Jolie Paint. The Aussie color scheme is a bit brighter than most of my autumn decor, but they are gorgeous and can help you shape what you want to accomplish in your own home. And, don’t forget that Allure with Decor is a retailer of these stunning paints!

Five Things We Love About Fall

When you think about making a list of things to love about Autumn, well, that list can get pretty long! It’s one of my favorite seasons, mostly because it feels so…cozy! Everything from blanket scarves to lattes, to the changing leaves and the tones of red and orange that are around, make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. They inspire me to make my home a place of comfort, and of physical and emotional warmth. Here are five things I just love about this season, especially in gorgeous Southern Oregon!

-The colors: Decor often echoes nature, and fall decor is no exception. I love the golden pumpkins, cranberries, and sparkle of gold as I prepare for fall. And although you know I love neutrals with a passion, I also love the fun and happy hues that arrive with the changing leaves. For another take on things, try a cream and sage green theme for something a little different, that also looks beautiful in the farmhouse aesthetic if warm tones aren’t your thing.

Source: Finding Silver Pennies

Source: Finding Silver Pennies

-The Clothes: Who doesn’t love fall fashion? I especially love dressing in blanket scarves and boots, because it does get chilly here in our part of the country, and I love being able to be outside without worrying about being cold. If you’re looking to add to your fall wardrobe, check out the new collection from Anthropologie! It is on the pricier side, but their fall items are so beautiful and can become classic pieces if you take care of them. While you’re at it, you can always peruse the house items…we won’t tell!

-The Scents: As time creeps closer to the holidays, something I love are all the fall scented candles. I love a good, spicy cinnamon and clove type scent, and burning candles always makes it feel like home, no matter where I am. Try the Bath and Body Works scent called “Leaves”, which is a perfect candle for anywhere in your house…it will really put you in the mood for the season. If candles aren’t for you, consider diffusing an essential oil like Thieves from Young Living to give your house a holiday-esque scent while also killing germs.

Source: Genius Kitchen

Source: Genius Kitchen

-The Food: Ohhhh, you know I love to cook! Spending time with my family around the kitchen is one of my favorite pastimes, and baking pumpkin or cinnamon flavored baked goods is another way to make your home smell delightful! Not to mention, you’ll be ready anytime guests come by. Try this recipe for pumpkin bread that will rival Starbucks, or check out a simple Snickerdoodle cookie for an even easier dessert.

-The decorating: Swapping out my summer items for fall decor may not sound like the most fun to you, but I love it! It reminds me to clean and purge out certain pieces, and it keeps me inspired to change up little areas and nooks and crannies in my house. To make it very cozy and welcoming, I plan around things that guests will love, as well as my family…big throw blankets laid across couches and oversized pillows make things picture-perfect for a movie night. A pretty tablescape with pumpkins and candles invites guests into our home for a dinner party with a warm soup and bread buffet. Cookies baking in the oven invite my children to plop down at our counter and share with me about their day!

These are just some of the reasons we love this special season!

Love your Home this fall | Trend Watch and Inspiration

Pillow from Etsy

We love our summer whites around here, and the breezy, bohemian feel of the warmer months. But, Autumn is calling, and it’s time to get our homes ready! We are swapping out lightweight linens, crisp whites and citrus scents for the rich textures of fall, spicy candles, and rustic tones like oatmeal, pewter and burnt orange. Here’s our ideas to get your home ready for the crisper, cooler weather... just add a pumpkin latte and a good book!

Photos: Left & Right-Betsy Blue Photography | Middle: Pottery Barn

These richly toned pumpkin pillows will add a quick burst of fall colors to a neutral room without a ton of expense. The intricate panel on each pillow is velvet, and you know I am all about the mix of textures! You can find them right here at Pottery Barn. We also like this pumpkin pillow and it’s watercolor look (it would look great on a grey or taupe couch, or a big cozy chair. 

Nothing says “fall” like a big, woven basket. While Pottery Barn shows it filled with pinecones, we think this basket would be adorable filled with cozy throws! We love this cable-knit throw from Target (and it’s under $50) in the marigold color. Try pairing it up with a faux fur throw for a welcoming look.  Don’t forget your table decor...after all, that’s where you’ll be serving up fabulous treats for Thanksgiving and all your holiday parties this fall. We really love the terra cotta pumpkins from Ballard Designs...they’re unexpected and elegant in their own way, and they look stunning with mercury pumpkin accents for a nice contrast. Add in taupe linens and rustic pieces for the perfect centerpiece that will leave your guests raving! 

Photos:  Left-Restoration Hardware | Right-Pottery Barn