Decorating My October Home

 

 

 

 When I decorate for fall, I start with my front door. I have several inexpensive Temu signs for fall and Halloween that I enjoy. Above is September's door, Hello Fall. Below is October's door, Home Sweet Spooky Home.

 

 

 

 

 By the front door is a coat closet and my House Blessing which I've had for almost 30 years. I've had it by the front door of each home since its purchase.

 

 

 

 

 A House Blessing

 

Bless the corners of this house.

And be the lintel blest; 

And bless the hearth, and bless the board,

And bless each place of rest; 

And bless the door that opens wide

To strangers as to kin;

And bless each crystal windowpane

That lets the starlight in;

And bless the rooftree overhead

And every sturdy wall;

The peace of God, and the peace of man,

The peace of love on all.

      Arthur Guiterman (1871-1943), American writer & poet

 

By the House Blessing is my painted small chest.  I've shopped my home and rotated art. Instead of my father's painting of a landscape scene, I brought out of the bedroom a hand-painted treasure from my late friend, Mary.  It is sunset on the Florida keys, and the colors are perfect for autumn. On top of the chest are faux flowers and 2 wooden rabbits.

 

 

 

 Across from the chest is my TV area.  In September, I continued with my summer pillow on the loveseat in my TV area by the front door.

 

 

 

 

 For October and November, I'm adding more vibrant fall color with a fox pillow cover.

 

 

 

 In the area by the dining table, is my grandmother's old wooden side table. Again, I rotated art from the bedroom and placed a wall art of a fall fox. A small wooden framed photo on the table is of my sister's family with a small pumpkin. 

 

 

Now for the dining room.

 

 

 

Living in Florida, I don't really get to see colorful fall leaves in autumn. but I still like to decorate for October & November with some warm colored faux leaves. Several years ago, I crafted  rings of faux fall leaves for autumn decorations. The rings are sized for Dollar Tree chargers to enhance my place settings as well as centerpieces or other decorations.

 

 

Photo taken 2023 in my home

  

 

 

I used Dollar Tree leaves and a needle and thread. You could also make the ring using a hot glue gun.  With my arthritis, I do better with a needle and don't get burned.  You can buy a pack of individual leaves or use left over bunches of leaves on stems.  I had leaves from previous years I used.

 

 

 

I used a wire cutter to remove each leaf from the stem. It's much easier to just buy packs of individual leaves, but I was trying to not buy anything and just make do.

 1. Collect individual faux maple leaves

2. Measure diameter of plate or charger to determine size of ring needed 

3. Lay leaves in circle around plate or charger 

4. Add 2 leaves together on the edges using needle & thread or hot glue gun

5. Add a 3rd and then a 4th leaf adjusting leaves to form a circle

6. Periodical check the growing ring to be sure of leaf placement and flatness of ring

7. Continue adding leaves until circle is complete

8. Repeat for number needed if desiring to encircle your dinner plates

 

I made mine large enough to edge Dollar Tree chargers  or a centerpiece on the table. If food is spilled on a leaf, you can easily wipe it with a wet sponge.  I can pack it away with fall linen in my chest of drawers.  Easy Peasy. I really shouldn't call it crafting as it is so simple.

When I started to decorate for October in late September, I immediately reached for rings of fall leaves. I started with a slice of wood on the dining table. I added a faux leaf ring on top of the wood. I bought a new ceramic off -white pumpkin which I love and added a small faux flower arrangement to the vignette.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 Thanks for the visit!

 

 

 

 

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An Early Autumn Table

 

Today I'm sharing an early look at fall decorating here in my coastal home in central Florida.  It's not really looking like fall as most people think of it.  Yes, there are a few decidous trees that lose leaves, but they are not colorful.  September is cooler than August (thank goodness!) and I like to shop my home to bring new looks to rooms. Today I'm sharing a simple vignette of flowers, a bird statue, and a vintage tray.

 

 

 

 The colors are more neutral than the common colors of autumn. Instead of orange, I choose peach roses, a milk glass vase, a turquise bird, and a vintage painted tray with a gold flower painting.  The basis of the table is its cover. What I'm using as a tablecloth is actually a window curtain. When I saw the pale colors of the semi-sheer cloth, I knew it was perfect for my small change from my normal tropical decorations.

 

 

 

 

 The vintage handpainted tray is perfect for the centerpiece. I was so lucky to find it in the thrift store.

 

 

 

 

The turquise bird I bought from Ross for Less several years ago. Besides working in coastal decorations, turquise and brown are my favorite fall decorating colors. In October I'll do a vignette with more typical colors of faux leaves, but the truth is I am not a big fan of orange (unless I'm eating one!).

 

 

 

 

 

 I choose peachy roses for the bouquet. Roses are just about my favorite flower. Yes, I like chrysanthemums, but I couldn't find a lighter color in those.  It's been my experience that roses work in all seasons. 

 

 

 

 I hope you're enjoying September wherever you are. Thanks for the visit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6 Tips To Style A Picture Ledge

  

If you’ve visited with me before, you’re probably aware of my love of wall art. I have several frames that I use for seasonal art throughout the year. Today I’m sharing my research into using a picture ledge in my home to create visual interest. Making a gallery wall  is a great way to display art.  Arranging prints on a wall isn’t always easy, but putting up a ledge and playing with the arrangement of frames is. Besides, no more holes in the wall, I can add and subtract as needed!

 

 

Photo via Pottery Barn

 

 Nothing makes a house feel more like home than an enticing display of contemporary wall art. The big question is do you make a gallery wall or do you use a picture ledge? Today we’ll look at 7 ways to style a picture ledge.

 

I. Classic Row

If you love order and simplicity, the classic row of pictures on a ledge is perfect for you. Choose either all black and white photos or color photos with the same color scheme. Pick the same size photo, orientation and frame and mat color to create this cohesive, streamlined look. Great for minimalists.

 

 

Photo via Anna Truelsen

 

II. Layered Look

 

If like me, you’re really tired of nail holes when you seasonally change your art, try layering your prints on a ledge. You can re-arrange as needed. This is probably the easiest way to show depth on the ledge with artwork and photos. You can use one color frame and mat for a cohesive look, or mix sizes and frame colors on a single photo ledge for a  dramatic statement in your room. Get a new print and work it into the design.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           Photo via Two Twenty One 

 

III. Make a Mix of Objects and Prints

 

For a shot of personality, choose objects to mix with your prints. Whether it’s a small ceramic piece, a metal sculpture, a candle, or even books, totally depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Choose appropriately sized items from your family or travel treasures. Add a small plant to soften it. Do not use heavy items that will cause your ledge to fail and fall. The ledge/shelf below helps define the work space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                                                         Photo Hurd & Honey

 

IV. Add A Pop of Color

 

Choose a color that is either in your room or in a colored photo on the ledge to tie the room together. Remember less is more. Don’t put everything of that color on the ledge. Below is a great example with a blue vase of yellow blooms. It certainly adds a pop of blue and yellow.

 

Photo via  Pinterest

 

V. Go Vertical In a Small Space

 

In a small space,  going vertical can add depth and space. This design trick can work beautifully in your home. You can add more than one picture ledge and add height to your space. For a streamlined look, keep the ledges all the same width and distance apart. Add framed photos, canvas, metal prints, memorabilia, books – anything that you like and that makes you happy when you look at it.

 

 

Photo via Wayfair

 

VI. Make Your Ledge Part of the Wall 

 

A. Paint your ledges the same color as the wall and go vertical.  I love the look of the ledges below.

 

 

                                                        Photo via Apartment Therapy

 

B. Use the same shelves/ledges for a cohesive look. If you have shelves of books or plants, a hat rack, or hooks and other objects on a wall, add a ledge of pictures as part of the wall design.  A ledge over or under a shelf of books  becomes part of a larger composition – the wall.

 

Photo via Hurd & Honey

 

 C. On the other hand, perhaps you have a collection begging to be displayed. The row of hats below really work well with the picture ledge and rustic bench. I love the texture of the hats, wooden bench, and plants. This has beautiful composition and contrast.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo via Pinterest

 

I hope I’ve fed your creativity and given you ideas for designing your perfect wall that makes a happy place in your home. For me, I love the walls that have picture ledges with additional objects on the wall to make a cohesive design. This can include a large painting, sculpture, vase of flowers, or a filled bookshelf. 

 

                                                                                Photo via Etsy

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Welcome Home Printable for Spring & Summer

 

  

 

 

I was playing with pretty watercolor flowers and made a colorful frame I love. It’s perfect really anytime of year, but I feel we all need bright cheerful flowers this April, May, and beyond. I saw a sign that said ‘welcome home’, and it reminded me of my mother, long gone.  Many of us live at a distance from family and old friends.  This sign re-affirms our need to welcome each other home.

 

This printable is sized 10″ x 8″.

 

Download

Thanks for dropping by. Stay happy and healthy!

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“May the road rise” Irish Blessing Printable

 

 

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind always be at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

and until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Irish Blessing     

 

“May the Road Rise to Meet You” is an Irish blessing that is often used as a prayer.  It has traveled throughout the centuries in songs, word of mouth, and even a popular cross-stitch pattern. The words connect centuries of those who have faithfully hung onto hope through their faith.

 "May the road rise to meet you" was originally written in Gaelic. The phrase is actually mistranslated quite a bit from the original Gaelic language it was written in. “Rise” actually translates more accurately to “succeed.” So the text means,“May you succeed on your road.”  The link on the text is to Crosswalks post on the origin and meaning of the saying including the longer original verses.

 The author of the blessing isn't known. Many attribute it to Saint Patrick, as it resembles some of his writings.  The Irish like to use images of nature and everyday life in their blessings and prayers. Just as the blessing starts with a prayer for you to succeed on your road in life, it also ends with an image of safety as we are held in the palm of God's hand.

 

 Download

 

 May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

 

 

 

 

 

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How To Create An Entryway

 

                                 Originally published on comfortspringstation.com on 8/17/21

                                                    #8 in post visits in 2025!

 

 Back a few years ago, I spent the afternoon looking at beautiful spaces online. The next day, I shared the fabulous designs I discovered in this post. I hope you enjoy  it.

 

A home’s entry can be tricky to design. Many of us actually do not have an entry space at all.  From apartments to houses, many homes like mine have a front door that opens straight into the living room. Some homes might open into a small space or hallway that leads directly into a staircase. Or in other instances, the entryway has little to no room. Let’s look at ways to create the feeling of an entry.

 

                                                    Photo Pinterest
 

 

I. Create a landing spot

 If you have little or no room at the entry, create a landing spot at the door with a rug and tile flooring where the door swings.  It will help keep your living area clean and will visually suggest an entry.

 

 

                                                        Photo by Savvy Interiors

 

 If you have room for a table or bench, add that. A mirror or art on the wall can help develop the feeling of an actual space.

  

 

                                                            Photo Pinterest
 

 

 An umbrella urn or stand to the side of the door helps develop the feeling of a landing. You can find them in wood, metal, or pottery.

 

                                                    Photo Huffington Post
 

 

I. Make a mud room at the front door

If your front door opens into a more open concept room, you can define an entryway. You get to decide on its size, too.  The easiest way to create a visually distinct entryway in an open floor plan is to position a few furniture pieces with an area rug and a mirror, wall art, or hooks.  I really like the modern hall trees with storage.  They create a mud room at the front door with the addition of a rug and pillows.

 

                                Photo Wayfair
 

 If a hall tree is not in your budget, and you have no space, you can make your own.

 

                                                            Photo Liz Marie

 

If there’s no room for furniture, use a runner, baskets, and hooks to create that feel.

 

 

                                               

 

                                                    Photo Happy Organized Life

 

 How about a shelf to help create your storage?

 

                                                 Photo One Crazy House 
 

 

III. Create an entry with furniture

 

 A. Place the sofa with the back lined up with the entry door.  The back of the sofa effectively produces the feeling of an entry hall

 

                                Photo Terracotta Design Build

 

 B.  Add a table with baskets or seating.

 

 

                                                        Photo Paper Blog

 

 

C.   A tall bookcase is another great option.

 

 

                                                           Photo Schwartz and Architecture 

 

 

IV.  Build a half wall

 

Building a half wall can be more expensive than adding furniture unless you have a carpenter in the family.  This Old House gives complete instructions on how to build a half wall  with a column for those who want a challenge.  I just love the look and trim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                 

                                                     Photo Hometalk

 

 

V. Add a bookcase to the half wall

 

 Thrifty Decor Chick gives directions on how she built her half wall with shelves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             

 

                                                         Photo Thrifty Decor Chick

 

 

VI. Add a room divider or partition

 

     There are room dividers of every style and shape. Do a search online and explore the possibilities! and             materials.

Photo Paper Blog  

The wonderful thing about many partitions is that they are not solid.  If you are trying to create a feeling of more space,  a partition of glass, plexiglass, or one with a cut-out design provides visual sense of light and space.

 

                                                                Photo Wayfair

 

 

 

                                                                    Photo Etsy

The craftsman who made the above room divider no longer has an Etsy account.  So, I wanted to give you the idea just in case you or someone you know could make it.  Below are a few room dividers currently available on Etsy in 2026.

 

 

                                                            Photo:  Etsy

 

 

                                                                          Photo : Etsy

 

 

 For those of us with no entryway, my goal was to provide ideas and inspiration for possible changes to create a perfect small space to greet your guests. Here’s wishing you a beautiful day and a happy home.

 

 

 

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