Fall Leaf Wreath on the Mantel

We finally made it to Fall and I'm so excited! I've been looking forward to this season for a while now. I love each season, but decorating for Fall is just my favorite time of year!

I'd been thinking of what I'd like to do decor wise, but since I hadn't been out vintage shopping in for.ever. my brain has been a little stagnant on coming up with fresh new ideas and looks. I've got lots of stuff, but trying to toss it all up in the air and get it to come back down in new ways isn't easy. I finally made it to my fave vintage spot here in town, so I'll share a few pics this weekend. Getting out really helped perk up my decorating mojo, and gave me a few ideas.

I've been out a couple of times to Hobby Lobby and Joanne Fabrics browsing around, but no major inspiration had jumped on me. I found this plain natural looking wreath at Joanne's and debated about whether or not it was too "orange", but I bought it anyway, since it had a natural look I was going for.

It didn't have any embellishment, and I left it that way, hoping for a natural leaf look. Our leaves are starting to change ever so slightly, especially in the soft maples. The walnut trees have been turning gold and losing leaves like crazy since late August, but the rest of the trees take their time. We experience peak leaf season the last week of October. I've already alerted Hubby to plan a day drive in the country.  

So... back to bright color on the wreath... The hearth room is just really dark and it's very comfy, cozy, but not a great place to photograph, since it has no direct window light. The sunroom addition sits along the back of the house, so we rely on light in the hearth room filtering in through the opening which previously was the sliding glass doors. Not complaining, because I really love this snug little space. A little "bright" decor actually adds interest and works perfectly for small amounts of color to brighten up the place.

I've left my topiaries out on the mantel for a bit and have now decided it's time for pumpkins to hit the scene. This is a large mantel and needs some "heft", but I have to be careful not to overdo it.

Using a stack of old shabby books for a base is a great way to add some height, and I rely on them throughout my decor. I added a bit of leaf color to tie it all together. 

Have you noticed the use of dried natural gourds in blogland and decor this season? They're really showing up with their neutral presence and mix, in for a rustic farmhouse look and feel. My husband's grandmother grew and dried them, so I received several from her, but haven't used them much since the time when "primitive" country was popular. They're making a comeback!

I have mine on the hearth in a vintage metal basket mixed with deer antlers for a rustic "cabin-y" look. I spray painted them with a clear sealer years ago. Since I can't get a good pic, I took the basket to the entry hall for more light. (oh well, not much better pics, but a bit)

I was using this old botanical print earlier in late August on the mantel 

with a few small silver bud vases with a mix of late summer faux blooms. 

Early fall has me often focusing on a pear theme.

Once September arrived I found myself heading toward a more traditional fall look by adding in a bit of orange and pumpkins. So that brings me to my current look with the bright pops of gold and orange; my traditional fall look. I love neutrals and use them as a base for all my seasonal decor, but it just wouldn't be Fall for me without a bit of orange, brown, and gold.

oooooh, it's been in the low 70's these last few days,

but it's due to go back to the 80's later this weekend.

Wishing it would stay the lower temps but I know that within a 

week or two 70's will be the norm. 

Yay for cooler sweater weather, and jean jackets!

Did you catch my last post on the September Entry?

I hope you'll come by on Monday evening for the Link Party!

joining in for parties here:

 The House on Silverado  Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

Hearth and Soul at April Harris

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch   

Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters,  

 Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life  

Creative Crafts Linky Party at Creatively Beth

 Party in Your PJ's at Apple Street Cottage   

 Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 

 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Happiness is Homemade at LEO Wife
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home, 

 Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Friday with Friends at My Hubbard Home

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique,

 Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge and County Road 407