Easing Into Fall at Home

As much as I love fall, I've been slow to welcome it this year, the summer having been so wonderful. But it's time. And before I pull out all the Halloween things, drop in to my house for an visit and check out the early fall decorating.

 

Come on in! The wreath at the door was my forsythia wreath from Southern Exposure. It has oranged up a bit for the season!

The greeting angel bears fall feathers and cotton, and of course a few fresh flowers from the market.

In the living room you'll find a little bit of early Halloween over the cabinet.

And a wreath on its door!

Over by the china cabinet, my fall wheat stands guard, along with other fall bits, like happy pumpkins. And lots of lights.

My blog friend Diana gave me some of the wheat she used in her daughter's wedding plans when I visited several years ago. It is all the more special since Diana is no longer with us, but always in my heart.

I'm wild about the white Jack Be Little pumpkins and you'll find them all over!

I'm loving little lights this year. I must have the battery people ecstatic with my purchases! Fortunately, the lights are LED!

My living room is impossibly dark, thanks to trees shading the yard. So these little lights come in extra handy.

I particularly like these little round balls. And of course, this jack o'lantern on a bicycle is a favorite!

My friend Barb gave me this sweet Spode pitcher as a hostess gift once and it looks great with dried green hydrangeas!

Several bloggers made good use of lanterns and bird cages with their fall decorating and yes, I have used the ideas of many of you!

               

Of course, I don't leave the bathroom out either!

In the family room, you'll find the fireplace mantle decorated.

Very simply, so far -- pumpkins and gourds. I'll get more Halloween in here soon.

 

But the sweet little autumn girl is courtesy of one-time blogger (and wonderful art buddy) Joanne. I just love her!

There is a wreath that hangs on the fireplace cover from bittersweet.

And an arrangement from another Southern Exposure visit using dried hydrangeas on the wall, underneath my collection of British commemorative china.

Lizzie has chosen her spot (definitely not my choice!)

Lately I've started keeping magazines and pencils on a wicker tray -- it keeps me honest and it keeps the table a lot neater!

And I still haven't been able to take these hydrangeas down for another season. There's something about the quiet lavender-like purple that seems to fit.

Even though no one comes to the back door, I have to have a wreath!

Of course you can't stop by without a bite to eat! The recipe for this chicken casserole -- photographed right before it went into the oven -- came from Jean of Delightful Repast and it was the perfect fall evening dinner! By the time I remembered the "after" photo, it was more than half gone!

When you say farewell, don't forget to check out the cotton bole wreath on the inside of the front door. This one was a snap and for once I resisted the urge to do too much to it!

Thanks for coming by -- and celebrate fall!

This post will be shared later this week with Share Your Cup and Thoughts of Home on Thursday. You'll find wonderful decorating ideas, recipes, crafts and more at both these sites.

And special thanks to Jann at Share Your Cup for featuring The Marmelade Gypsy and this post in their weekly features! I'm honored!