Welcome Fall!

 Fall is my favorite season of all.  I love all of the seasons, and am grateful that I live in an area where we experience all of them, but fall wins every time.  The first time I walk outside and smell a fire burning, the first time I have to put on my slippers in the morning before venturing down the stairs, and the first time I have to slip on a sweater before I head outdoors are all welcome signs to me that fall has arrived! The weather is not feeling very fall like here yet, but that has not stopped me from getting the house looking cozy and ready for cooler weather. Since this is the first fall in the farmhouse I am still playing with where things go, adding and editing as I do, but I think the porch is done.

I love a very layered look in the colder months, so the minimalist look that has been the theme of the house this past summer has been added to by bringing in the fall accents that will carry our home through Thanksgiving.  I have been adding in blankets, pillows, candles, and all kinds of coziness throughout the house the past week or so.

Phase one of the fall transformation was our porch.  Now, trying to find mums when it is 100 degrees out is tough.  Keeping them alive when it's 100 degrees out is even tougher, but I have been watering like crazy and so far so good.  One thing I am NOT known for is a green thumb, so I usually add in some artificial flowers here and there if I am really on a roll of forgetting to water.  I was able to collect a few different sizes and colors from my local HomeDepot and Tractor Supply, and was able to fill the porch for under $50, and nothing has died, so that's a victory for me!

The rockers are an eclectic mix, but unified by the black Rustolium spray paint that was used to give them a quick facelift.  I love using spray paint on chairs because it's faster and easier than rolling paint on, and since they are exposed to the elements, I can freshen them up easily when needed by just taking them out  to the grass and giving them a quick once over. I wanted to add some texture and color to the rockers for fall and happened to score the Woolrich buffalo plaid throws for $29 ea! This was truly my find if the week because I had been eying this blanket for years, I mean YEARS, but could never pull the trigger since they sell for $98 on the Woolrich site.  When I came across these in Gabes, a discount store, I snatched them up. They are seconds, but who cares? They look perfect, and will be nice on the cool fall evenings when we want to sit out front.

In addition to the rockers and mums, I have added in some wonderful vintage apple baskets, a vintage  bench, an antique English pine desk, and some other accents for a layered, cozy, and welcoming entry.  I also added several artificial pumpkins, and will add some real ones as they become available.   To get a layered look, start with your tallest items, then work forward ending with your smallest in front.  Different textures, and colors give interest to a fall porch display, so don't be afraid to add something vintage or unexpected for a truly layered look.  Vintage lanterns, old galvanized buckets, and even mason jars with cut flowers in them are a wonderful addition to your fall porch, and don't break the bank.

I will be adding some more as time goes on, and hopefully I have inspired you to "get your fall on!"

Cheers!
Joanne