FALL GROWTH

I wanted to share some of my recent gardening projects before everything dries up and withers away for the winter -- not that Alabama is experiencing any extreme cold conditions anytime in the near future. A few months ago I posted about my adoration for potted boxwoods, indoors and outdoors. Like I mentioned, I plated a few around Melrose and here are my boxwoods on either side of the outdoor fireplace in the backyard:

And at this same time I purchased some miniature boxwoods to sit on Melrose's front stoop. I would love to find some better pots (I don't love the carved detail in the concrete), but we all ready had these and they get the job done so I have left them. I do think they need to be re-potted in bigger containers though.

I'm pretty positive you have caught onto the fiddle leaf fig tree trend. It is everywhere. You can't avoid it. And don't try to. I'll admit, I have been debating on purchasing one for our den bay window, but I resulted to being happy nursing my baby fig trees to full growth. You will be surprised at how much they have grown! Here they are fresh from the mail, pre-planted:

And here is a picture from a few months ago ...

And, now here they are this morning! You can definitely tell the growth by seeing how much fuller they are at the top. It is fun to watch a new leaf bud form at the center stem, grow to size, and eventually sprout open. Now I just don't know where to put them when they reach my pot hanger!

Another gardening project I finally finished is filling my flower bed with rosemary and dusty miller. It took me a while to locate rosemary plants large enough for my space, but now they are planted and smelling wonderful! Here is the empty, lonesome space begging for beautiful greenery -

And here is the new space filled with new cedar wood chips -

I've been a little slacking on decorating for fall, but here is my outdoor arrangement I set up. I stole the pumpkin idea from pinterest via Martha Stewart. In my carrot bag I only ended up with one gnarly, pointy carrot so I shaved the other one down to look the same. (note to self: the carrots will deteriorate) I used the same wreath and spider stands as last year. 

What is your favorite fall decor tradition? My favorite is definitely the purchasing of the pumpkins and hanging the wreath!

MELROSE'S FALL DECOR

Pulled together from leftover wedding decor, recent wedding presents,  and the garden shop in Homewood - here is Melrose's updated fall decor! Mom had this beautiful wreath made for me with cotton bolls and dried seed pods from the wedding along with several other fall items. I think all the colors look great against the red door.

I found these cute metal spiders at last year's Country Living Fair - which by the way, the 2012 fair is this upcoming weekend in Stone Mountain, GA if you want to attend. I won't be there, but I have my Mom on the hunt for some fun items!

And for the inside ... just a simple tablescape of extra burlap, pine cones, and popcorn berries to get the job done. And of course - pumpkins galore!

The table looks similar to my styling last year but my new Pottery Barn "Emma" china makes it all look so much more refined and classic. I found these gold hammered napkin rings at At Home in Homewood and they are a new favorite on the dining table.

I love seeing all holiday decor so if you have a blog with photos, please share the address below! Before we know it we will be decorating for Christmas! (my favorite time of the year - I am all ready begging my co-worker to listen to Christmas music!)

PUMPKINS GALORE

I love finding new and creative ways to decorate for the holidays - especially decor items that involve gold! Pumpkins are an obvious favorite for ringing in the cooler weather and the warm tones of orange, yellow, and red, so when I saw these takes on the classic pumpkin I had to share. 

 Check out this awesome gold splatter painted pumpkin ... such an easy DIY craft!

I don't have the time or patience to illustrate these detailed ones, but I could handle the puffy paint dotted one! What do you think?

 Mums are another "must have" for fall so combining the classic pumpkin + frilly flower is perfect, and makes for a great alternative vase.

Instead of a vase, hollow out the pumpkin to serve bottled drinks. LOVE this idea!

 More spray painted gold and copper pumpkins! [please notice the chevron pumpkin too!]

all sources on my holiday pinterest board

I am really loving all the uses of the white pumpkins this year! Check back in tomorrow for Melrose's fall decor of pumpkin galore! It isn't as fancy as these images, but never-the-less it gets us in the mood for fall.

MELROSE'S FALL DECOR

Well, I finally got around to spicing up Melrose with a few fall accents and I am excited to share. It is just the dining room table, but hopefully in the future I will have more time to add fall love all around Melrose. I pulled out some old burlap I had, gathered a few large pine cones, votive candles, and purchased some pumpkins and decorative gourds. 

*side note - make sure you do NOT cook with the decorative gourds as I was informed in the grocery store. good thing she told me because these look too delicious to not slice and eat immediately. ;)

I first started out creating a center piece with a basket I had, but I did not like that. It looked too center heavy on the table. I think it would have been suitable for the coffee table.

I rearranged and settled on a scattered arrangement along the burlap runner. I am undecided on the yellow plates - they may work for fall, but I think I would be happier with my white Pottery Barn china I registered for. The yellow does create a nice contrast for the white place settings though, would they clash sitting on white? 

Here are a few of the final shots! 

It is nothing magnificent like the images I posted about earlier, but it is a start! How beautiful would a few cloches with white pumpkins be on here? Or staggered a different heights on the buffet? 

My favorite item(s) on the table are the gold plated flatware - I purchased an entire set for $9 at a local antique mall. I keep them displayed in blue mason jars on the buffet. I hope to mix some silver in there as well. They may not be your cup of tea, but I love gold and I think they are a unique option to the ordinary silver. Just something fun to bring out for the holidays!

I think next year I will replace the baby breath in the place settings to twigs or wheat branches. And possibly upgrade to some bigger candles. Do you have any images of your fall decor? If so, please comment below and share the link or email me! I love seeing new ideas!

HOLIDAY DECOR

Like many of you, I have had the beautiful season of fall on my mind lately. Football season (War Eagle!), the leaves changing and falling, breezy afternoons, no more sweltering heat, and one of my good friends' favorites - pumpkin ... they all get me in the spirit of fall. I have been trying to collect some fall inspiration images to spur a festive table setting and possible mantel/fire place alteration, but my motivation hasn't kicked in just yet. I am hoping to accomplish this soon! Until then, here are some pictures that may inspire your fall decor.

[I just registered for a few fun domes w/stands at Pottery Barn]

[not positive on all images, but several are martha stewart]

Maybe it is due to a strong element in my wedding, but I am loving the use of candlelight right now. I really like the pumpkin with the holes carved out creating a creative use of candlelight and the staggering pillar candles surrounded by tiny pumpkins. Perhaps these ideas may make it into my decor?

I also spotted these uses of candlelight and thought they could be really cool for the fall as well.

[lauren stern via shoebox decor]

[unknown]

Melrose has a "working" fireplace and I expect lots of cozy fires this winter so putting the candles below may not be as functional as a fun arrangement on the mantel for me. But, if you don't burn fires and want something different than the typical log arrangement, try this! Very pretty and may even put off a little heat ;)