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    Decorating for Spring in My Kitchen

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    Now that we are well into spring, I have gotten around to showing you how I added a few old and new decorative items to my kitchen to infuse new springtime energy into the room.

    You know I like to decorate with white, not only because it is cheery and bright, but also so I can accent a room with seasonal pops of color and not worry that the colors won’t coordinate.

    For spring this is easy to do since spring is blooming with so many vibrant and happy colors. I chose to decorate using my favorite colors… blue, pink, purple and green in the kitchen.

    Bye-bye fall and winter accent colors. See ya again in the fall.

    Spring Decor for the Dining Table

    Let’s start with the dining table. My kitchen is small with the meal prep and dining areas separated by a peninsula counter.

    I have had this kitchen table for years. The original top was smaller. Since we don’t have a dining room in the house with a large table we needed a larger kitchen table.

    My husband and I made a larger round kitchen table top to replace the old one. We placed it on the original metal base. The larger wood plank top makes a huge difference on the amount of serving dishes and items we can place on the table and how many people can fit around it.

    After adding the new blue and white area rug in the living room last week I wanted to carry the blue color to the table. I found a blue and white cotton throw for $10!

    I love it not only for the price, but it is reversible so when I want to see a new color – presto-chango!

    I always like to have a throw blanket by the table since I work here most of the time on my computer and like to feel comfy cozy, even in the summer when the AC is on.

    Here is what the throw looks like up close. It is very nicely made and quite the deal.

    I created the centerpiece for the table by removing faux blossoms from their stems and placed them around a large candle in a wood bowl.

    Decorating the Open Shelves in the Kitchen

    Next up is how I styled the open shelves I created in the kitchen when we first moved into the house. When standing in front of the cabinet doors, they swung out too far which made you have to back up. Not good for the user experience and daily function, so I removed them.

    I have always kept the plates and bowls we use everyday on the lower shelves and part of my collection of white pitchers on the upper shelves.

    This spring, after cleaning out my kitchen cabinets and discarding items we no longer need or use, I had empty cabinets to fill so I moved the everyday dishes to the closed cabinets which left the open shelves empty.

    Now I am decorating the shelves as if they were a china hutch or cabinet where I display decorative items – no stacks of plates or bowls anymore. I used a few white ceramic pitchers and blue and white plates that I collect.

    I have gathered the collection of blue and white plates and pitchers over the last 30 years. The pieces are from Walmart, HomeGoods, TJMaxx and thrift stores.

    To add instant sunniness, I added a dash of yellow in the way of bunch of wildflowers.

    Open Kitchen Shelf Styling Tips

    Start with a blank slate. Set everything aside and clean the shelves.

    Leave space between items so the shelves don’t look cluttered.

    Instead of lining up all of your objects in a row, try creating depth. You can do this by placing some items deeper into the shelves and other closer to the front.

    If using cookbooks, stack them horizontally and vertically. Place items on the stacked books for added interest.

    After you have the items on the shelves, take a step back to make sure if you have distributed color throughout the shelves. For instance, make sure if you have a blue item on the upper right side top shelf, that there is another item on a lower shelf that is blue and on the left side. Doing this helps everything look cohesive.

    Stand back and edit and move as well as remove items as needed until you like what you see.

    Simple Spring Decorating Ideas for Kitchen Counters

    I like to add pink, purple, or yellow flowers to low vases on the counter. Seeing the vivid colors against the white makes me so happy.

    Even when I don’t have a big bunch of flowers, I often clip a smaller amount and use and place in a small glass under the window by the sink. They look especially nice in the morning when the sun shines into this side of the kitchen.

    When I don’t have flowers to place by the sink, a pot of herbs is my second choice.

    I bought my first waffle weave dishtowel a few years ago and will never use another type. Their texture adds interest which I like to see.

    I have found blue, green and yellow at HomeGoods. For other colors, check out the all the waffle weave dish towel colors Etsy sells.

    Display Spring Color in Unexpected Ways

    And lastly, adding spring color to any room doesn’t only mean it has to be a decorative item. I displayed the spring issue of my favorite decorating magazine on the step stool I keep handy in the kitchen.

    Why hide all the pretty spring colors on the cover when they can add to the springtime vibe I created in the kitchen.

    More Springtime Decorating Ideas

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      Decorating With Area Rugs in My Living Room

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      There is a new color underfoot at my house, not only in my living room, but also. in my kitchen.

      One good thing that came about while being sick last week was that I spent most of the week snuggled under a warm throw on one of the comfy recliners in my living room. In this state, I daily had my sights on the living room into the dining area.

      Not to be totally unproductive, I visually played around with a few ideas each day on how I could update the room decor for spring and the warmer weather months ahead.

      Living Room in 2019

      Of all the rooms in my house, the living room is the room that I have changed the decor multiple times over the years in both major and minor ways. I like everything I have done to the room.

      The only reason I have made so many changes is that I have too many ideas I want to try. The living room is the place where I do just that – try out and experiment with ideas.

      All through the dozens of changes to the room, the seagrass area rug has always stayed. It is such a durable “go with anything rug” that we brought with us from our previous home.

      The only change I had made to this rug is when I did a color tweak after I started using more blue in the room. The rug border used to be green, so I painted the area rug border beige.

      If you remember back in the fall I added a patterned area rug over the existing seagrass area rug in my living room to cozy up the space for the cold months of the year.

      After the holidays, I added blue accents and a new X side table. I liked this look very much.

      Back in 2019 after we had the hardwood floors refinished was the only time I removed the area rug. Since it was summer and the floors looked perfect, I liked the simplicity and enjoyed the floor for a while without the area rug.

      Fast forward to this past week. I wanted to lighten things up again since spring is here and summer soon behind. When I was finally feeling better, the first thing I did was to roll up and store the dark area rug until next fall.

      After some online shopping I found this very affordable Tommy Bahama Marlin Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Rug to layer over the seagrass for a Modern Coastal look.

      Normally when I am looking for a color change in a room, I do it with paint – but a gallon of paint these days is so darn expensive! I am finding area rugs can be a less expensive option depending on what the rug is made of and the size.

      My new blue rug (7′-10″ x 10′- 2″)is slightly smaller than the seagrass (9′ x 12′)so layering was easy.

      I unrolled it and centered it right over the seagrass. As you can see the rug hasn’t flattened completely yet, but this photo was taken right after I unrolled it. It has flattened since.

      The new rug is just what I was envisioning – a little coastal, a little modern.

      I have been leaning to using blues in the room and really like the mix patterns of the large pillows I covered the no-sew way with the blue texture print fabric. They give the sofa a modern coastal vibe.

      New Kitchen Mat

      While I was changing the area rug in the living room, I also wanted to replace the green GelPro mat I had in front of the kitchen sink with a blue one.

      I have been using anti-fatigue mats instead of a small decorative throw rug to stand on when I am in front of my kitchen sink for years. They are the best and worth every penny! I have had a few different brands.

      I like my GelPro ones the best. I have a green one for the fall/winter and bright blue check for the summer. Since I rotate them seasonally, they last for years.

      Now I have this Lucky Brand Anti-Fatigue Wellness Mat that I found at HomeGoods, (also sold on Amazon). It is thinner than the GelPro brand, but for $15.00 it was worth a try.

      Anti-fatigue mats make standing less tiring, promote better posture, circulation and muscle conditioning, plus they are skid resistant and so very easy to clean.

      Seeing new color around the house for spring is making me feel cheery and ready for the warmer weather.

      Over the last few years I have embraced the slow living method to life and that includes decorating. I love to decorate and make things look pretty and updated, but I do it now at a much slower pace. I still have a few more spring tweaks for both the kitchen and living room that I will share with you in my next few posts.

      Decor Resources

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      How to Decorate Bathroom Towels

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      Did you know that one of the most overlooked items when it comes to home decor are the towels hanging in a bathroom? When decorating a bathroom, shower curtains, bath mats, and other bath accessories get all the attention, but no more. It is time to give your plain bath towels a colorful and stylish detail.

      Table of Contents

      I will show you how to decorate plain bathroom towels that will easily add a punch of color and style where there was none before. All that you need is ribbon, scrap pieces of fabric and maybe even a pretty button or two to give your hand and bath towels the attention they deserve.

      Adding pretty ribbon or fabric trim to your bath towels and more is the one way to use unused ribbon and fabric scraps you may have stashed in a drawer in your home.

      When I started Spring cleaning the 3 bathrooms in my house last week, I took notice that the hand towels I have on the towel rings by the sinks were looking old and dingy. It was time to get a few new ones.

      I went in search for a few at HomeGoods, Target and Walmart. There wasn’t much of a selection at any of the stores so I came home empty handed.

      When this happens, I know it’s time to put on my “designer hat” to create what I envision myself using what I already own.

      With a few pieces of ribbon from my ribbon stash and leftover fabric from previous projects I was able to add some color and pattern to the hand towels I use in my home.

      Here is a plain bath towel I had with striped grosgrain ribbon added.

      I used both wired ribbon and grosgrain to embellish these two towels.

      I didn’t think the wired lavender check ribbon would work, but it worked great- even better than other ribbons I used on the bath towels.

      How to Decorate Bathroom Towels

      supplies needed:

      Ribbon or fabric – any style, even wired ribbon works. The length needed will be determined by how wide the towel is.

      Thread to match towel or ribbon/fabric

      Sewing machine or fabric glue

      Measuring tape

      Scissors

      Straight pins

      Before You Get Started

      Before beginning to embellish your bath towels with colorful ribbon and fabric make sure to wash and dry the fabric first. If the towel is new, then also wash it before proceeding. Doing this allows for shrinkage.

      What you don’t want to happen is to sew fabric onto a towel and then wash it in hot water. The fabric will shrink and look puckered. Better to wash the fabric and a new towel before adding to a towel.

      Should You Sew or Glue Fabric/Ribbon Onto Bath Towels

      There are a few options when it comes to attaching ribbon and fabric to bath towels.

      I found 6 yards of the vintage purple flower ribbon shown above at a thrift store for $1.00. At the time I didn’t know what I was going to do with it, but it was too cute to pass up. It looks perfect as a decorative springtime detail for a bath towel.

      Sewing the flower ribbon on to the hand towel would have been difficult, so I opted to attach it to the towel using fabric glue. If you are not familiar with fabric glue, it works very well and can even be laundered with no problems.

      If you own a sewing machine, you can pin and sew on the ribbon and fabric embellishments to a towel.

      Fabric Glue I Recommend

      No matter if you use glue or sew the embellishment on to your bath towels, you will need the same length of ribbon or fabric. If using fabric, you get to decide how wide you want the fabric to be.

      On this towel, I cut a scrap piece of fabric to 3-inches x the width of the towel.

      I turned the edges of the fabric under and pressed them with a steam iron. Once pressed, I centered and pinned the fabric on the towel 2″ above the bottom edge of the towel.

      When using towels that have the same color as the towel woven design near the bottom edges as many do, I attached the ribbon in the center of the woven section.

      How To Finish the Ends of the Ribbon or Fabric on a Bath Towel

      I finished the ends of the attached ribbon using two different methods.

      Hem Finish – The first method was to fold the end of the ribbon under the top ribbon on top of the towel to line up with the front edge of the towel and press it to hold the fold in place. Then sew a vertical seam down the length.

      Wrap Around – The second method was to wrap about an inch of ribbon around to the back of the towel, fold the raw end under, press and sew it down.

      As another ribbon/fabric end finished option, you could add the ribbon to the back as well as the front using one long piece of ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the entire front and back of the towel and bring the two ends of the ribbon to one back edge and sew a vertical line of stitches to finish the ends.

      What to Avoid Doing When Adding Ribbon to a Bath Towel

      Most of the ribbon and fabric I used were easy to attach to the towels. I did have a problem with this plaid ribbon though. It had a bit of stretch to it. When I sewed it on, the plaid pattern got skewed.

      The best way to avoid this from happening is to make sure to use heavier ribbon like grosgrain or even wired ribbon.

      I ended up ripping the skewed ribbon off. Since I really liked the ribbon, I decided to glue 3 lengths of it on to the white towel to add more design interest.

      5 More Bathroom Towel Decorating Ideas

      You can add the same style of detail I showed with my bath towels to other soft furnishings in your home.

      Bed pillowcase trimmed with ribbon.

      These ideas can be used on any towel, but also could be added to embellish pillows, drapery panels, a bed skirt, bed pillowcases and even to decorate your bookshelves.

      Below are 5 more embellishment ideas to inspire you that are made using ribbon and buttons.

      1. How to Make Decorative Ribbon Loop Trim

      This decorative ribbon trim is simply made by folding 4-inch or pieces of ribbon in half.

      Then pinning and sewing each loop onto a long length of ribbon to create decorative trim inexpensively. No hoity-toity passementerie needed.

      1.  Cut 4” lengths from ribbon. Fold each in half. Line them up on a long piece of ribbon that is cut to desired length needed for your project and pin the loops to the ribbon. You can stitch or use fabric glue to attach the loops to the length of ribbon.  Space evenly or overlap the loops for different looks.

      Use fabric glue or sew the looped ribbon to the edge of your project.

      Variation: Use cord and add buttons for a fun and whimsical style.

      2. How to Make Pleated Trim Using Ribbon

      This pleated ribbon trim works well on the bottom edge of a bath towel, a tablecloth, lampshade or pillow.

      1. Measure the length of trim you need for your project. Multiply that measurement by 3 and cut a piece of ribbon to that measurement.

      2. Using your hands, pleat and pin the ribbon as shown in the illustration above.  Once pinned, sew along the top edge of the ribbon on a sewing machine to hold pleats in place.

      3. Once you have the pleats sewn into place, sew or glue it to your project. You can leave the pleated trim plain or stitch or glue a little bead above each pleat. (see illustration above)

      3. How to Make Fabric Yo Yo Rosette Trim

      Fabric yo-yo rosettes add a touch of pretty when added to a length of ribbon or when sewn on separately.

      1. Cut a 3” diameter circle from fabric.

      2. Thread a needle with matching thread and knot the end. Sew around the outer edge of the circle as shown in the illustration above and then pull the thread tight. This will make the fabric bunch up and form the yo-yo. Secure the thread by making a few knots and cut the excess thread.

      3. Glue a button to the center of the gathered side of the yo-yo.

      4. Glue a yo-yo Rosette every few inches along a length of ribbon.

      5. Sew or glue the length of ribbon onto your project.

      Variation: Use wide ribbon instead of a circle of fabric to make a rosette instead of a yo-yo. Sew a line of stitches along bottom edge of ribbon. Pull taut and keep pulling until the rosette is formed. Knot thread to secure. Hot glue a button to the center.

      4. How to Make Stacked Button Tassel Trim

      You can thread a stack of buttons on thread with a knotted end at the bottom to hold the buttons on or use jewelry making endpins to create these cute little button and bead tassels.

      If using thread – leave enough thread at the top of each stack to sew onto the edge of your project.

      If using an jewelry making endpin. Create a loop with the excess wire on the top of the stack of buttons. Use thread to sew the tassel to your project.

      5. How to Make Button Ribbon Trim 

      1.  Hot glue a collection of buttons along a length of ribbon or sew each on individually spaced. Hot glue the trim to your project.

      How Would You Decorate Towels for Your Bathroom?

      The ideas in this post are only a few ways that I could think of to bring my plain bathroom towels back to life. I am sure you can think of a few other ways to easily and inexpensively decorate your bathroom towels. Let me know in the comments and I will add them to this post.

      More Bath Towel Decorating Ideas

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      Home Decorating Ideas Using Old Jewelry

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      Did you know that jewelry, especially old jewelry is not just meant to be worn, it can also be used to add a touch of your personality to your home décor. Crafting with old jewelry pieces hidden away in your jewelry box repurposed into pretty home decor accents is a great way to show off your decorating style.

      That’s what I am sharing with you today, creative ways to upcycle your old jewelry and breathe new life into your existing home decor. From statement pieces to accents, get ready to instantly transform plain items with these pretty and colorful home decorating ideas.

      My latest decorating DIY all started when I brought the yellow daffodils that are blooming in my yard inside my house. I didn’t want to miss out on the cheery Spring color so I clipped a few stems and placed them in a glass vase from the dollar store on a side table in my living room.

      Then I had an idea…

      I like to see new things around my house to enliven my senses, but I also like to save money and don’t want to buy new decor as I don’t need a thing. At the same time though, I enjoy seeing something fresh and new to look at.

      I am not fussy when it comes to flower arranging. I just want to see the colorful flowers in my house and one vase filled with them wasn’t enough.

      I had a few blooms that still looked nice from a Valentine arrangement that Ed had given me. I pulled out the lavender blooms and placed them in an empty liquor bottle that I saved to repurpose into a flower vase because I liked the shape.

      Alone the flowers in these glass vessels make me happy, but was craving more color. So I headed to my craft stash to find some colorful vintage or old jewelry made with colorful beads. In less than 10 minutes I decorated my glass vases with spring color.

      Home Decor Crafting With Old Jewelry Ideas

      I used to make and sell bracelets using old jewelry, beads and buttons. But since I haven’t made them in a long time, I don’t need my stash for that purpose anymore.

      Now I like to find creative ways to re-purpose my collection of beads, old necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings so I can still enjoy all the pretty colors.

      Where to Find Old Jewelry or Strands of Beads

      I know that most of you may not have a stash of colorful old jewels laying around like I do, but craft stores sell beaded trim by the roll in the fabric/ribbon aisle. For strands of beads, head to the jewelry making aisle and don’t forget to use the stores coupon for a discount.

      Thrift stores and retirement homes that have resident shops on the premises are some of the best places to find old jewelry for a few dollars. They are where I found most of my collection.

      How to Wrap a Vase with a Beaded Necklace or Strand of Beads

      When using a beaded necklaces or strands of beads to wrap around a vase, lamp or any item that you would like to add color and texture, any size and shape bead works. The style is all up to the look you like. Big bold beads would look more modern, while smaller beads more traditional.

      There are two ways to wrap and attach a necklace to a vase. The first is to use hot glue or glue dots. The second is thin florist’s type wire.

      Once you have chosen the necklace or strand of beads you want to attach, wrap it around the vase to see if the ends will meet up in line or closely in line with each other on the vase.

      If it doesn’t and you are using a strand of beads, simply remove or add a few more beads so the beginning and end will be on the same side that you can call the back. If using a necklace you don’t want to break apart, try wrapping it around another section of the item to see if it fits better.

      Longer necklaces work better to wrap around a vase or bottle, but don’t let a shorter one stop you from experimenting to come up with decorative ways to use it.

      This strand of wood beads was pre-strung on string that I found in the aisle where rolls of ribbon are at Hobby Lobby. To attach the strand of beads to the vase, I simply wrapped it around and then used hot glue to adhere the first and last bead on the back of the vase.

      To attach the various sized purple beads on the neck of the bottle, I strung the beads on thin wire that you can buy at the craft store.

      I left extra wire at each end and once all the beads were wrapped around the neck of the bottle, I pulled the two wires together and twisted them together. Then once it was secure, I cut the excess wire and pushed the ends under the beads to hide it.

      When displayed on a table, no one will see how the necklace or strand of beads is attached. Seeing the cheery Spring color on my big wicker basket side table makes me smile.

      What To Do With Old Clip-On Earrings

      I have a hard time passing up vintage clip-on earrings when I see them at thrift stores. Each one is the perfect little piece of stylish art that has its own story and appeal.

      In my mind, they are just too cute and pretty to be hidden away in a drawer.

      Here are several ideas on how you can use vintage clip-on earrings to accent your decor or furnishings.

      To add cheerful color to lamp, clip a few vintage clip-on earrings on the bottom of a lampshade. When you want to wear them or tire of the look, just unclip – no damage done.

      If you use your refrigerator as a memo board you can make pretty magnets using old jewelry or clip-on earrings to hold up reminder notes and photos.

      Tip: Attaching Earrings or Buttons to Magnets

      To get the clip off of an earring to you can attach it to a magnet, use a pair of pliers to pull it off so the back is flat. Doing this will allow the earring to fit nicely and be glued on to a round black magnet.

      Embellish a gift by simply clipping a clip-on earring one over the knot on the tied ribbon.

      Use a strong bonding glue like Gorilla Glue to attach a clip-on earring that has the clip removed to the front of plain drawer knobs.

      You can also use vintage clip-on earrings to hold the soft drape of a fabric window valance in place.

      How to Use With Brooches and Pins When Decorating

      If you have a collection of pretty brooches or decorative pins, pin them to a throw pillow to create a accent that can easily be changed.

      Over the next few weeks when you start Spring cleaning or decluttering your home take a few minutes to see if you have any old jewelry in the way of beaded necklaces or bracelets that you haven’t worn in a long time.

      Instead of getting rid of them, reimagine them. If you don’t have any and like the colorful look crafting with old jewelry can do to transformf items, head to your local thrift store where you should find lots of colorful beaded necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings.

      If you strike out, you can also use colorful ribbon to add cheery color to your existing decor.

      It’s fun and inexpensive way to add accents of your personal style around your home.

      More Decorating With Jewelry Ideas

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      What to Put in Your Flower Vase This Winter

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      Don’t know what type or color of flowers to use in a vase or table centerpiece during the winter months? Consider adding the simplicity of winter white flowers mixed with green foliage clipped from your yard into a favorite vase.

      Doing so can create a cheery, yet coordinated accent in any room in your home against the cold or snowy landscape outside.

      I created a winter white floral arrangement specifically to place on my kitchen counter and it is not just to look pretty or to enhance the serenity of winter. 

      There is another more important reason I placed the arrangement in this corner that I have been keeping a secret for many years. Keep reading to find out the reason.

      I collect white ceramic vases. I use and display them in all the rooms in my home. This one is my favorite. I bought it at HomeGoods years ago. It is a classic and will never go out of style.

      I like the height, shape and the fact that the opening is not too wide so I don’t need a ton of flowers to make it look filled. The spout and curved edges around the top helps to make any flower, real or faux I use in the vase, drape over the top in a visually pleasing way.

      But the #1 reason why I love this vase is because it is the perfect size and color to hide an ugly element in my kitchen.

      Now my secret that I never have shown or written about before is out.

      When we updated the kitchen and got a new double wall oven, the new oven had different wiring than the previous one from the early 1970’s. The installers told us they couldn’t rewire the new ovens through the existing electrical panel behind the wall ovens. :-(. They would have to rip the wall out and more.

      Instead they brought the electrical wiring through the upper cabinet and into the outlet on the backsplash. At the time, I was quite upset. Over time though, I have come to terms with it, knowing that someday we will gut the kitchen.

      The saying… “first world problems” – I think of the exposed cord as one of those.

      I don’t stress about it anymore, instead I just hide it with the white pitcher filled with seasonal flowers so it is less noticeable.

      I change the floral arrangement in the vase seasonally. Fall flowers in the fall, yellow tulips in the spring and real flowers from my yard all summer long.

      Choosing what to place in the pitcher after Christmas always takes a bit more thought as I don’t want the arrangement to look like holiday greenery while at the same time, not wanting it to look too spring-like.

      I found that white flowers and greenery always works. I arrange the mix differently every year.

      In my kitchen, the height between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets is 20-inches.

      When filling the vase when the season changes, I sometimes make the arrangements in the vase lower and less full, it all depends on the flowers and cuttings. As long as the outlet and most of the cord is hidden, I am happy.

      Design Tips for Arranging Winter White Flowers

      For my winter floral arrangement, I chose to use faux white hydrangeas. I like the way their large, showy blooms look when mixed with real cuttings from evergreens from my yard.

      1. Experiment with Different White Flower Varieties

      Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of white flowers to create a visually interesting arrangement. Combining flowers with different shapes, sizes, and textures can add depth and dimension to your winter floral arrangement.

      If you have them, consider adding smaller white flowers or fillers like baby’s breath to fill in any gaps or spaces in your arrangement. This will help create a fuller and more cohesive look.

      2. Create Contrast

      To enhance white flowers so they stand out in a winter floral arrangement, incorporating winter greens like pine branches, eucalyptus, holly or any stem that still has green leaves in your yard adds a touch of freshness and texture to the arrangement while evoking the feeling of the winter season creating a lush and wintery look.

      Each type of greenery you choose will bring its own unique charm to the arrangement, so don’t hesitate to try clippings from your yard and see what you can come up with as a filler to create a nice contrast against the white flowers.

      3. Play with Heights

      Vary the height of the flowers and greens in your vase. Higher stems in the center and shorter stems around the edge of the vase creates a visually appealing look.

      Where To Display Your Winter Arrangement

      A winter white floral arrangement can be displayed in any room in various and creative ways.

      1. Dining Table Centerpiece: Place your winter white floral arrangement in the center of your dining table to create a cheery ambiance.

      2. Mantel – Adorn your mantel with a winter white floral arrangement to add an eye-pleasing display in your living room.

      For this winter white look, I only added greenery in a trio of my white pitchers. Paired with candles and rustic wood slices adds a cozy and festive winter look.

      3. Entryway – Welcome guests into your home with a large winter white floral arrangement placed in the entryway. This will create a stunning focal point and set the tone for the rest of the decor in your home.

      Step-by-Step DIY: Winter White Floral Arrangement

      1. Gather Your Materials – Start by gathering all the necessary materials, including a container or vase, gardening snips, white flowers and greens of your choice.

      2. Prepare the Vase – Fill your vase with water and if you have it, add floral preservative to help prolong the life of the greenery clipped from your yard.

      3. Trim the Stems – Trim the stems of your flowers and greenery to the height you want for the vase. Cut each stem at an angle, removing any excess leaves or thorns on the bottom sections of the stems.

      Doing this will ensure that the flowers can absorb water properly and stay fresh for longer. If you are using faux flowers, just cut the stem to the desired length.

      4. Add the White Flowers – When adding large blooms like hydrangeas to your vase, odd numbers often look better when flower arranging. Depending on the size of your vase, start with 3 or 5 flowers at first, then add more as needed.

      Place the flowers at different angles and heights to create a visually interesting composition.

      5. Add the Greens – Next arrange the winter greens in your vase creating a contrast with the white flowers. Place the greens at varying heights to add depth and dimension to your arrangement.

      6. Fill in the Gaps – If you have them, use smaller white flowers or fillers like baby’s breath to fill in any gaps or spaces in your arrangement. This will help create a fuller and more cohesive look.

      7. Trim and Adjust – Step back and take a look at your arrangement from different angles. Trim any stems that are too long or adjust the placement of the flowers and greens as needed until you like what you see.

      Caring For a Winter White Floral Arrangement

      To ensure that your arrangement stays fresh for as long as possible, here are some tips to help you maintain your arrangement:

      1. Change the Water Regularly – Every few days, change the water in your container or vase to prevent bacteria from forming and to keep the flowers hydrated.

      2. Trim the Stems – Trim the stems of your white flowers (if real) and greenery every few days to ensure they can continue to absorb water effectively.

      3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat – Keep your floral arrangement away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. Also, avoid placing them near heat sources such as heaters or fireplaces.

      With a little care, your winter white floral arrangement will continue to brighten your home until the first signs of spring arrive.

      Decor Resources

      More Winter Decorating & Flower Arranging Ideas

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      Valspar Bistro White Paint: View Real Room Photos

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      Bistro White by Valspar (7006-4) is one of the best white paint colors to consider when decorating a home.
      It is one of my favorite white paint colors for interior walls and trim in almost every room of my house.

      Valspar Bistro White: RGB, LRV and Undertone
      The reasons I like Bistro White over other popular decorator shades of white paint is the paint color, Bistro White has a warm quality to it, but has no yellow undertone.
      It is truly white and has a nice light reflectance value. It lacks blue undertones which can make a room feel cooler.
      Many warm whites – can look too beige. Ultra whites can look grey, especially in a north facing room. Bistro white falls right in between.

      Finding The Right Shade of White Paint
      I like white walls in my home and have used many shades of it – even white paint right off a store shelf labeled “White”. I don’t recommend using this though.
      At first glance – white paint can look all the same, but when you hold up what you may think is a white paint chip against a white piece of paper you can see a strong undertone that makes the paint look more beige or blue.
      For most paint brands ready-made off the shelf white paint that is simply labeled – white – almost always has a blue tinge to it.
      For a true white paint, it is best to get it mixed at the paint counter using a color from all the white paint chips on display in the store. Look for paint colors with names like Pure White and True White.

      Valspar Bistro White in Entry
      Valspar Bistro White is one of these true whites. It looks good in natural light during the day.

      And just as nice in the evening. The shade will change a bit depending on the warm/cool factor of the lightbulbs used in the room. The far wall and trim are Bistro White.

      Examples of Valspar Bistro White Paint in Real Rooms
      In the following photos you can see how I used this perfect white color in many rooms in both my previous and current home.

      Bathroom Board and Batten & Trim

      I first used Bistro White in the hall bath in my previous home. It is on the board and batten, doors and trim in the perfect sheen – semi-gloss.

      Fitness Room

      When I was turning a bedroom that was no longer being used in my previous home into a fitness room. The previous color was lime green so a primer was needed for coverage so no green undertone would show through.
      I rolled on the walls in an eggshell finish and brushed it in semi-gloss on the doors and trim for durability.
      The color gave the room cheery energy – just what was needed for workout motivation.

      Dining Room Walls

      After trying many moody dark colors in my dining room, it was not until I painted the walls in Bistro White that the room finally came together in a way I loved.
      The color transformed a dark dining room into a bright and pretty one where I used pops of fresh and vibrant color accents.

      Living Room and Kitchen Walls

      When we moved to live on Lake Murray in SC, I made the mistake of having the paint color mixed at a local paint dealership that did not sell Valspar.
      Valspar is a Lowe’s Home Improvement specific paint brand and is available at all their stores nationwide, but I didn’t live close to the store anymore.
      I was told at the local paint store, that their computer could match any formula of Valspar paint colors, so they could make the color for me.
      I was happy with this until I got home and started rolling the paint on the walls and realized it was not Bistro White – it had too much beige in it.
      Lesson learned. I wasted money not buying the Valspar brand with their exact tint formula.
      The next day, I set out for a 45 minute trip to Lowes to get true Bistro White made up in Valspar’s Signature line of paint. It is an acrylic latex, interior paint designed for “ultimate hiding.”

      I also used Bistro White on the vertical planking surrounding my living room fireplace.

      Craft Room Walls

      Bistro White in eggshell on walls. Sherwin Williams Pure White in semi-gloss on Trim.

      Entry Walls

      Freshly painted Bistro White in a satin finish on the walls in a foyer. Semi-gloss on trim.

      GATHER PAINT CHIPS – Every computer monitor will read white paint colors viewed online in images differently. It is always best to bring a variety of white paint chips home that vary in hue from warm to cool. TAPE TO WALL – Tape the paint chips to all four walls in the room, not just on one, as each wall gets different light. Group the warm white colors together and the cooler ones separate. Make sure you like how the white looks on all the walls during all times of the day – morning, noon, and night.PURCHASE – When you have edited the colors and decided on the right white color, buy a sample jar or a few paint samples of the paint in the sheen you want so you can paint it on the wall or a poster board to make sure it will look good in the room.  Once you see the actual paint on the wall and like it – then that is when you should buy it and start to create decorating magic with a roller or brush.

      My Other Go-To White Paint Color
      When I can’t get to Lowes to buy Valspar paint, my other go-to white paint is Pure White by Sherwin Williams.

      You can see it here on my kitchen cabinets: Pure White (7005) Sherwin Williams. It is a pristine white.

      I also used SW Pure White on my staircase makeover and hallway.
      Another reason why I like Valspar is as a manufacturer of paint – their paints are more affordable.

      Both of these white paints are not too yellow and not too blue and go with any color which makes them the perfect white paint to use when decorating your home.
      What are your go-to white paint colors for your home?

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      What to Put in Candle Holders Besides Candles

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      Get doable decorating inspiration with ideas using candlesticks without candles in new and decorative ways for every room in your house.

      Candlestick holders are one of the best “use what you have” decorating staples that we own. Most of use have more that one and keep them stored behind closed doors in our home decor storage stashes in wait to use for their intended purpose.
      Table of Contents
      Wherever you store your candle holders, it is time to get all of them out, even if they are mismatched candle holders.
      They can all be used with and without candles and for more than just placing candles in for a dining table centerpiece.

      When I feel my decor starts to look stale and needs a refresh, instead of buying something new on a whim, I enjoy the process of “using what I have” in new and different ways to give the decorative items new energy.
      My Living Room Candles
      You may remember that I used a collection of mismatched candle holders as mantle candles when decorating for Christmas.

      When the candlesticks were grouped together in an arrangement that accented the various heights, they had just the right impact on the mantel.

      I really like this collection of the classic brass candle holders I bought at a church rummage sale a few years ago.

      When I first bought them, I spray painted them silver.
      Then this past holiday, I used Citrastrip on them to get them back to their original brass finish, then I aged the brass to give them a more vintage look.
      A few weeks ago when I was putting the holiday decorations away, I found a new place for the brass candle holders in my living room.

      By simply moving them off the mantel and onto the sofa table mixed in with greenery and a stack of books I painted white gave them a new appeal.
      After doing this got me to thinking about all the ways you can use candlesticks without candles around your house.
      “Simply changing a decorative item’s location in your home will give it a new look without spending a dime.”
      Change Your Candlestick Arrangements
      Decorating with candlesticks never has to be done in the same way. Each one by itself is static and looks the same, but when you create different arrangements and gropings with many of them, you can create new looks easily without spending a dime.
      Create Candle Tray Decor
      When placing candlesticks on a dining table when entertaining, instead of using the traditional arrangement of two, one on either side of a floral centerpiece, make the candles and holders themselves the centerpiece.
      Place all of the candles on a tray, even if they are mismatched. They can be all tapers, votive, or pillar style or a mix of all types. When grouped together with the taller ones in the center they create more impact on the table and will add more ambiance for your gathering. No floral arrangement needed.

      Arrange a trio of candles on a rectangular tray to place on an entry table. When you tire of it in this way – use the candles outside and the tray to hold perfume on your vanity table.
      Decorating Tip: Always remember that there is never only one way to use any item in your home. Experiment by using them in different ways to come up with unique one-of-a-kind decor. You may end up liking the item even better used in a new way.
      Decorating Ideas Using Candlesticks Without Candles
      Here are a few of my favorite ways to repurpose candle holders beyond using them to hold a candle.

      Here are a few candle holders I own. All are nice just on their own.

      To create something new with them, I also gathered a basket, bowl, and a variety of dessert size plates I had, along with the round piece of marble.
      When a candle holder is paired with one of these items, look what you can create:

      The two unrelated items became a decorative pedestal that holds my jewelry on my bedroom dresser – no candle needed.
      It looks like something I bought at HomeGoods, but it is just a white plate from my kitchen and a wicker candle holder I bought at a thrift store.

      For this pedestal plate, I used the clear formula of Liquid Nails to attach a glass plate to a silver candlestick holder. Adding a paper doily creates a festive plate for an edible treat.

      You can even add a glass dome if you happen to have one in your decor stash.

      More proof that a candle holder can be used without a candle.
      For this fruit basket, I used hot glue to attach the basket to the pillar candle holder. 

      If you want to make any of these pedestal plates temporary, use Glue Dots that you can buy in the craft store.

      For instant decor – use a glue dot if needed to place a pumpkin, Christmas ornament or anything you like on top of a candle holder.

      Doing this makes the item more interesting and decorative.
      How to Glue a Candle Holder to a Plate or Basket to Create a Pedestal Plate

      When gluing a candle holder and a plate/basket together, place the plate upside down and then place the candle holder face down on top.  This way you will be able to see clearly and center the candle holder on the plate.

      Use either clear Liquid Nails…

      … or hot glue.
      Let the glue dry and then turn the stand right side up and it will be ready to use.
      Homemade Candle Holder Ideas
      While on the topic of candles and holders, here are are few DIY candleholders that you can easily make.

      Don’t throw away tin cans. Clean them and wrap fabric around them held on my raffia or ribbon. Place a pillar style candle on the can.

      Drill holes into a slice of tree trunk.

      This type of candle holder looks best with tall taper candles.

      Turn wood scraps into modern block style candlestick holders. Stain or paint to coordinate with your decor.

      Clean glass jars to use to hold candles. Use them empty, filled with food-colored dyed water or un-popped popcorn.

      For a super simple candle holder – use the screw top from a glass jar. This one is from a jar of pickles.
      I hope that seeing all of these what to put in candle holders besides candles decorative ideas will have you coming up with your own creative ideas using candlestick holders you already own in new ways.
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      Styling Tips That Make a Difference When Decorating a Living Room With Recliners

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      While gathering my thoughts for this post on decorating a living room with recliners, I know it will get two types of responses – readers who love them or readers that truly dislike them. 🙂
      Whether your living room decorating tastes run from traditional to farmhouse to modern – comfy chairs like recliners are one of the best investments when it comes to making your house into a comfortable home.
      Table of Contents
      I think when decorating, comfort can be forgotten when we get too wrapped up with how a room looks. It is for this reason that I am sharing a few styling tips for you on how to decorate a living room with recliners or comfortable upholstered chairs so that you love them – both for their comfort and also their style.
      Two Different Types of Chairs
      There are two kinds of chairs we have in our homes – the chairs you sit ON and chairs you sit IN.
      The style of chairs placed around a dining table are the kind you sit on – these are appropriate when eating, but never right in terms of ease and coziness as the style of chair we retreat to when we are looking for relaxation and comfort.

      These types of chairs – the cushy kind with plenty of padding with a seat cushion to sink into for movie watching, reading the latest best seller, taking a nap or to simply enjoy kicking your feet up after a long day. This is the kind of chair I think every home needs.
      If you already own a recliner or two, then you know just how these chairs make your living room, family room or den truly comfortable.
      Read on for ideas on how you can style them to make them look their best.
      If you are on the disliking side of this comfy home seating option, then also read on to see what you are missing out on. 🙂
      A House Versus a Home
      When I refer to my house, I speak about the walls, fixtures, flooring and the studs that make it stand. When I refer to my home, you will read words such as haven, comfy, cozy, and personal.

      Home for most of us is more than just a house. When you have a home, you know the feeling… it is the only place on earth that you feel true comfort. 
      Comfort… you know it every time you walk through your front door. No fancy hotel or perfectly styled room we see on Pinterest or Instagram will ever offer us the same feeling, EVER!
      1. Making Your Living Room Feel Human
      It is time to get over thinking recliners are something to hide in a back room that no one sees. I used to think like this, but no more. Life is too short not to be truly comfortable in your own home.
      A few years ago I wrote a post titled, How To Decorate So You Feel At Home.  I refer to this post as my decorating manifesto.
      In the post, I wrote about how I enjoy my home from the perspective of all 5 of my senses and plan it first and foremost for function and comfort.

      Having two recliners in my living room deliver on both function and comfort. The recliners are multi-purpose and are placed in front of the fireplace which is the focal point of the room. They rock when we need a little thinking time.
      We can feel like we are at the theater when we watch movies when the chairs face forward in the reclined position, then they swivel 360 degrees when we want to read facing the fireplace or to simply gaze out to the lake.
      A motionless chair just doesn’t come with these factors. We would forever be trying to shift non-motion chairs around in the room to accommodate our needs.  It is nice to have one chair do it all.
      My recliners are from Southern Motion. Model name: Shimmer. Leather in the color Toast.
      When I chose the two matching recliners for my living room, I made sure that they were a rocker recliner that also swiveled. It took a lot of research and trips to local furniture stores.
      I didn’t want power recliners or models that have heat and massage controls or super oversized recliners. These are all fine if these features are what will make you feel cozy and comfortable.
      Forget About Perfection When Decorating
      When decorating my living room I also tried not to aim for perfection, as imperfection in decor adds more personality and interest to a room.
      Some interior designer advice misses the notion that a home should be an oasis of comfort. Instead they focus only on looks, trends and style.
      A comfortable home includes the way the room looks; whether it feels balanced, uses soothing colors, is convenient for entertaining, and contains special pieces that reflect your personality.
      If you have uncomfortable seating – the best investment you can make to live comfortably in your own home is to remove uncomfortable seating and add new seating that will be perfect for every member of your family. I can guarantee you will love the room even more after doing this.
      When I ordered my recliners, we had to wait 8 weeks to get them. In that time I had promised our sofa to my older daughter and gave it to her. I didn’t think it was a big deal not having comfortable seating in the room, but boy was I wrong.

      I brought in two outdoor wicker rockers to sit on for the 8 weeks, notice I wrote sit ON, not sit IN. I was never so uncomfortable in my own house. These outdoor chairs were pretty, but too stiff to sit in to read or watch TV for any length of time.
      When the recliners finally arrived, along with a new deep seated Pottery Barn sofa, I was elated – the room immediately felt better with the addition of truly comfortable seating.
      Have you ever tried sitting in every chair in your home for about a half hour? Are they comfortable? If not, ask yourself why you are keeping it? Is it for looks only?
      2. Function vs. Style
      When furnishing a room, don’t forget to consider the function and uses for each item in the room. Remove furnishings and accessories that are not needed for comfort or decorative appeal to make room for what is needed to live your best life.
      For example, if you use your living room to watch movies with the family on a regular basis, you will want to have a comfy, “sink-in-to-it” seat for everyone, versus the straight upright seating that a more formal living room would dictate. This could be a big sectional with a connected chaise or two. Or a pair or more of matching recliners.
      Or do you play board games in front of the fireplace? If so, make sure you have a table, table lamp and chairs to do this activity without having to rearrange the room to enjoy the past time.
      3. Designate a Space Just for You
      A room feels comfortable when you add “YOU” into the decor. Depending on how you like to relax, create a cozy space just for you to relax in the way that feels right for you.

      Don’t worry about what other people are going to think. Just because your home doesn’t look like the cover of an interior design magazine doesn’t mean it isn’t fabulous. I want you to enjoy your home – every inch of it.
      Even in small living rooms, set up this designated space to become your reading nook, a place to knit, listen to music, watch TV or to do what you enjoy.
      In the photo above is my designated comfy corner in my living room. It is where watch TV, read and where I write and edit most of my blog posts every night.
      The butter-soft leather recliner, a dimmable floor lamp, the basket table I made where I store throw blankets and candles on the top all add up to create a cozy feel that functions for my needs.
      In my living room layout, Ed has a matching recliner along the short fireplace wall in the room. He is happy just to have the chair with a side table to place a drink.

      Make this personal space the best it can be by adding what you need to pursue your creature comforts:
      For example, place a knitting basket next to the chair or add bookshelves to the wall behind the chair for all your favorite books so they are in arms reach.
      4. What to Know Before Buying a Recliner
      I wish more companies would make stylish recliners, but there are many custom styling options you can add to most recliners so don’t just look at one in a furniture showroom at face value, imagine it with a different fabric and trim.
      When choosing a recliner for your home, don’t purchase any chair or sofa without sitting in it first.

      When selecting a recliner for your home, you also can’t rely on the reviews of others since we all come in different body types and sizes.
      I thought for sure we would find a recliner that both Ed and I liked at our local La-Z-Boy. After all that is what they are famous for. But after 2 trips to the store’s showroom and trying out all their recliners, we didn’t feel comfortable in any of them.
      Where we did find a recliner style that we could both live with was at a local furniture store that has a wide range of manufacturer’s recliners.
      We sat in literally dozens of them and whittled our choice down to a few. We went home and went back a few days later to try the few we liked the best to see if they still felt good, then we both agreed on the one in the photo above that was comfortable for both of us and had the features we wanted.
      How to Choose a Comfortable Recliner
      Seating can look beautiful when styled for a photo in a decorating magazine or catalog to entice you, but the bottom line (no pun intended) to ask yourself when buying a recliner is:

      Does the seating fit your body so it is comfortable when sitting upright as well as when reclined?
      Is it deep enough to put your feet up under you?
      Does the fabric feel good against your bare skin?

      Is it good quality? Since recliners have moving parts and it will become the most used chair in the house, you want to make sure it is well made. It is worth paying more.
      If the head rest cushioning has too much padding, it can make your head angle forward – this is not comfortable. Seats and cushions should have evenly distributed stuffing to ensure comfort.
      When in reclined position, does the open gap between the seat and the foot rest hit your legs in a comfortable way? 
      When in an upright position, do your legs touch the floor or hang freely?
      Are the arm rests at a comfortable height from the seat for your body size?
      Is the length of the seat – back to front, fit the length of your upper thighs. You don’t want this to be too short or too long.
      If thinking about purchasing a power recliner, there is the benefit of being able to adjust the chair’s seat and headrest separately. But do know that the chair will need to be near an electrical outlet and there will be a cord on the floor from the chair to the outlet.Also know that the electronics may break down years before the actual chair needs replacing.

      If you find a recliner that you like, but don’t like the fabric or the chair doesn’t rock or swivel, most furniture manufacturers can add these functions easily, so don’t hesitate to ask.
      5. Recliner Style: Leather or Fabric  
      When thinking about buying a recliner, make sure the style of recliner coordinates with your existing furniture.

      If you have a sofa with tufting or other types of decorative ornamentation, then selecting a recliner with cleaner lines would be a nice mix.
      If you are looking to bring a sense of formality into your space, then a more traditional style with nail trim, button-back or a wingback would look just right.
      6. Recliner Placement in a Room
      When deciding on a recliner to buy for your home, you will need to consider if you have the space needed and seating arrangements so that everyone has a comfy place to sit.
      A recliner needs more space around it then a regular upholstered chair so it has enough room around it when it is fully reclined. You don’t want the reclined headrest to hit a wall or the foot rest to hit a coffee table.
      Most recliners need 10-14 inches of clearance from a wall or another piece of furniture to fully recline.

      The placement of a recliner should also balance the furniture arrangement in the room.
      Due to their larger size, a recliner can make a room feel lopsided, so placing the chair across from another larger visual element in the room like a large bookcase can counterbalance and make the room as a whole look it’s best.
      Place a recliner on an area rug that is large enough to include a side or end table. This will create a more cozy appeal.
      6. Tips for Accessorizing Recliners
      When adding recliners to a room, don’t forget to add a luxurious throw over the back or armrest. This will add a touch of cozy interest, texture and color.

      Recliner Styling TIPS:
      Throw Blankets:
      When adding a throw blanket to a recliner, consider the thickness of the fabric. If it’s too thin, it may look wimpy or not feel as comfortable as a thicker more lush fabric like fur or velvet for the colder months when you want to get super snuggly and comfy.
      Decorative Toss Pillows:
      Toss or throw pillows are usually not needed as recliner chairs usually have enough cushioning.
      When the chair is not in use though, a decorative throw pillow placed in one corner of the seat will give the room a more styled feel.
      You can keep a basket on the floor nearby to place the pillow in when you are using the chair.
      Side Tables:
      When setting up a seating area, recliners look better when placed next to a large side table. A small table will look out of scale. A coffee table will have to be placed too far away to give space for the pop-up foot rest.
      When placing a side table next to a recliner, be sure to select one that is in scale with the table. A too small side table will look off.
      Also make sure the side table has a heavy bottom so that if the chair has a swivel, you don’t knock the table over if the chair bumps it.
      Still Don’t Like Recliners – Consider This Type of Seating

      If you still are not a fan of recliners, but would like to add more comfortable living room furniture to your space, look into a reclining loveseat or couches where there is a hidden lever inside the armrest that you pull to open the seat to a reclined position.
      It may cost a bit more for this feature, but no one will know the seating is a recliner, except you and your family.
      Reclining seating like this looks like regular upholstered furniture while giving you a reclined seat function.
      I had a sofa and a loveseat like this in my previous home when I was on the dislike side of decorating with recliners.
      Chair & Ottoman or Sectional
      As an option, add a footrest or an ottoman in front of an existing upholstered chair or two in the room that can double as extra seating as well as serve as a comfy place for your feet when sitting in an upholstered chair.
      A well-made sectional sofa or a sofa with a chaise are other comfy seating options.
      Don’t Miss Out on Comfort
      When it comes to decorating a home, my only regret over the years is that I wished I had added recliners to my living room sooner and wasn’t so caught up on them being non-design worthy.
      What makes your home or living spaces comfy cozy? We all have items and rituals that we do to feel comfortable at home or relax after a busy day. What are yours?
      Where to Buy Recliners
      As I mentioned earlier, I would never purchase an upholstered armchair I haven’t sat in first, but I rounded up a few recliners that I found online to show you the variety of styles they come in.
      All of these recliners can be made up in many colors of leather, trim like nailheads and also hundreds of fabric choices to coordinate with your room’s color scheme as well.

      1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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      Fall Mantel Decorated With Pumpkins

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      How to decorate using two mirrors and a collection of pumpkins over a mantel to create a warm and inviting look when decorating your home for fall.
      Did I ever tell you what one of my favorite things about fall is – besides crisp air, falling leaves, cornstalks, football, that cozy nesting feeling, and cider.  It is PUMPKINS!!!
      I love decorating with pumpkins.  I am a classic orange pumpkin lover – no chic white ones for me.  I love the pop of color the old fashioned orange pumpkins provide in my neutral color scheme, especially when display on a fall mantel.

      I have created my own little pumpkin patch right on my mantel.
      XO I could eat them all up!  Visually as well as making pie and munching on toasted pumpkin seeds.
      How to Easily Create a Fall Mantel Decorated With Pumpkins

      I have two mirrors layered on the wall to add more interest. The larger one is hung on the wall.
      The smaller on is on the mantel and leaning against the larger mirror.

      Either one alone didn’t look right – together they make a much better style statement.

      I also like decorating with bigger pumpkins. Placing them in urns is my “go to” way to display fall pumpkins inside my house and out.
      Simple and classic – no fuss. I used book pages I shredded in my paper shredder to use as bedding in my jack-be-little pumpkin patch basket.

      The white ceramic urn I found for a few dollars at yard sale. The vase is from HomeGoods.
      Classic ceramic white urns are hard to find affordably online. Your best bet in finding one that isn’t plastic is a HomeGoods.
      You can also display pumpkins on candle holders like I did in this post:

      I made the fireplace screen out of a cardboard pattern cutting screen. It was super easy and hides a multitude of sins.
      You can find the tutorial here:

      A Variation on Decorating With Two Mirrors Over a Mantel

      For this mantel, I liked the look of layering mirrors on the mantel, but I only had one white framed mirror.
      So instead, I hung an empty white frame over the larger wall hung mirror – so it looks like two mirrors.
      I used clear fishing line to hang it. The top of the fishing line is attached to the top of the mirror with a thumb tack.
      So what do you think? You may have a few mirrors in other rooms of your house or in your decor stash that you can give a second life- using as is or giving the mirrors a coat of spray paint to coordinate with the room’s color scheme.
      For an even easier mirror over the mantel look, you can simply lean a larger mirror against the wall, and a smaller one in front of it. Instant Decorating at its best!!!

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