DIY TOPIARY PROJECT

I love potted topiaries - real or fake - and I thought this DIY tutorial was super cute and easy. I actually found it on one of the wedding blogs being used for escort cards, but I think it is totally fitting for home decor. I could see two of these, maybe at different heights, on a mantel or console to contrast some shorter items on display (books, a shell, pictures, etc.). 

I love this mini flower pot, and it seems as if they lightly sprayed it with some gold spray paint for a little shimmer. 

Check out the instructions here and read the caption on the right of the images. If I make some I will be sure to post. I really like these because they look simple and natural - not too fake like a lot of the ones for sale in home stores.

COUNTRY LIVING FAIR

This past Friday, I traveled to Atlanta for the Country Living Fair that was held at Stone Mountain. I did not know what to expect, but I love Country Living, the outdoors, and a fair so I figured I would enjoy something. I met my mom + some other family members for a fun filled, and exhausting day! Here are some of my favorite images.

more cloches ... very popular for displaying items. that birds nest is right up my alley. in fact, I purchased a few similar ones to stash in the Christmas tree.

pretty colors!

more globes! love this unique black one!

check out this table setting - do you recognize what is holding the flowers (could also double as place card)? if you guessed vintage brass door knob then you are correct! how creative!

can't get enough of these rustic wood place mats - Dad, please? I also love the unexpected combination of the white china paired with the sterling salad plate and charger. 

wish I would have seen these for the wedding - how easy? 

There were over 150 vendors present with merchandise ranging from antiques, iron works, wreaths, home made soaps, furniture, holiday decor, and lots, lots more! Besides buying trinkets and gifts, I also ended up with some great ideas for decorating. One particular design trend caught my attention at several booths - the use of newspaper and old book pages. See what I mean ...

pages rolled up with twine to create an amazing wreath

stuffed inside a barb wire ball - note, great filler item!

hello subtle garland! can we say Christmas? perhaps draped around the tree or mantel? I think so!

I also found some beautiful hand made, real, wreaths. I wanted one so badly for Melrose, but they all seemed too big and thick so Mom said she will try her hand at making me one (hint, hint Mom!).

Mom and I did make time for a quick photo shoot next to the sky high tower of pumpkins and gourds!

And, I did make it home with a few items. I did purchase a few items but my favorites are this gorgeous, sage green lamb's ear wreath (pics to come) and these pumpkin/mum holders make out of iron.

I bought 2 baby spiders and 1 momma spider ... pardon the gazillion acorns, but apparently oak tress heart Melrose. When a big wind comes by it sounds like somebody is shooting us with a bebe gun. I just dread the day when one hits me on the head - I will probably fall out!

Thanks Mom for a fun day and I can't wait to visit next year!

COLLECTABLES

I have developed a fascination with tea cups and saucers. I believe it started when I was introduced to these beautiful pieces. They are so pretty and dainty. I would love to have a whole collection, mix matched of course, that I can display. I have been considering installing small hooks underneath the top ledge of my buffet to create a display similar to this:

[via nest egg]

[unknown]

So, I am now on a mission to start collecting antique tea cups - at a reasonable price. If I get enough I may just hang them like above. I have seen these metal tree stands at various stores, but I think this is another creative use for them.

[via simple + pretty]

Here are some other collections that would be creative to display.

[brabourne farm]

[marley and lockyer] LOVE the antique clocks! + the ceramic pitchers sitting above. Very simple and cottage chic.

[elle decor via urban grace]

[via a life's design] They used old maps to wall paper this room. I think the muted color tones in the maps work well together and does not seem to harsh on all the walls. 

[via brabourne farm]

[via la dolce vita] Bring out all your trophies from your glory days! These are a hot commodity! I actually purchased my first one this past weekend. 

Do you collect something? Do you display it? Please share!

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!

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