Seeing red...

I have a little case of Spring Fever. Last week when it was gray and gloomy my wheels started turning about doing something to change up the downstairs sitting area.  And when I say "most of my attention" that means the sofa. Yes, the sofa that's had a slipcover on it for the last almost three years.  It was boring me, and it looked a little "sloppy".  This is one of those areas I'm just never happy with, but it's not a place I want to put the big buck$ into.  

Enter 2 wonderful linen toile thrifted pillows...

yes, with fringe and real feathers.

I know there are several of you that have these, and you know how fabulous they are. I could not pass them by at $25 dollars a piece. I actually had to go back the next day, the whole time crossing my fingers and saying a selfish prayer that they would still be there. Yes, I can be selfish and self absorbed at times. ( I know, totally hard to believe...)

I passed them by the first time, because I didn't know what I would do with them...where to put them...because they're BIG. B.I.G. Back to the sofa... so a few years ago I bought the off-white slipcover for this monster red fruit and floral couch. I loved this sofa when I bought it 10 years ago, but as you can see...it's RED. R.E.D. and my "red" days were numbered. I broke my cardinal rule in decor. Only buy neutral big ticket items. Save the flowers and color and prints and busy-ness for the accessories. I broke my own rule, because I thought I was in love, and that I would be... for eternity. I think in 10 years it's been sat on a sum total of maybe 25 times and is in pristine condition.

OK, so maybe I was secretly wanting to try out having just a teensy bit of red back. maybe... just a teensy bit. I know that sounds silly to some of you, but when you've spent the last three years going "whites" and "neutrals" then it can be a little intimidating (and bright).

So out came a vintage quilt that has a fun little plaid on the back.

OK, that helped tone down the red.

better...

So, I'm kinda, sorta, getting used to the little bit of red again.

 maybe...

coming up...the Holiday Cupboard for Easter.

Thank goodness it's much easier, 

and less expensive to change than sofas.

joining in for these weekly parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

A Daily Dose of Mrs. Olson

TTT at Stonegable

From My Front Porch to Yours

Rooted in Thyme

The Charm of Home

French Country Cottage

xoxo,

A little Grain Sack Inspiration

If you're like me you need a jumping off point; something that inspires you, and gives you direction. I had it in my head this year that I wanted to do something less fussy, maybe a little more "Winter-ish" than an all out Christmas blow-out. I've seen some amazing "all out" Christmas decor, but for me, I just wanted something simpler that could maybe make it at least through part of January.

During the late Summer and early Fall I used a table runner made of dark grain sack fabric with a black stripe. I loved it, and started looking for a runner in a red stripe with a light background early. Chalk one up for me... I'm usually late on making decisions. I waited too long and now the infamous BOXWOOD wreath has eluded my grasp this year...grrrrrr.

I knew I wanted to use this white wooden lantern that I've had for awhile, so it had to nest in the old windowbox. Now, back to the tablerunner issue...soooo....I couldn't find the fabric, but actually did one better by finding this amazing antique grain sack on Etsy from a wonderful gal named Christina from Austria. (From The Etsy Store Grain Sack) I ordered early in October, so it was here just in time for the Thanksgiving change over.

I took out the binding that held the sides together, so I would have one long piece in a single layer. Then centered it on my off white burlap. I want to cover up as much of the B-R-O-W-N table top as I can...

Perfect.

Christina's Photo

It's really beautiful and immaculate with no damage or age showing at all. I highly recommend her shop.

Then, I started digging in my linen stash and came up with this vintage "Turkey Red" tablecloth for the buffet.

I just folded it lengthwise.

A little more "grainsack" with the ribbon.

And a grapevine wreath with a red transferware cup. The more I look at that wreath, the more I know it must have lost an apple or two since last year. Sorry, it's now on my "to-do" list!

Had to have some plaid, ya'll!!

My sister made these adorable pillows for me for Christmas last year.

more red stripes

(and birdies)

big pillow was a Pottery Barn must have last year!

I changed out the bittersweet on my little Fall Nature Tree for some festive winterberry garland. I put the snow owls to bed and added in some glitter birds in their place.

I have an old friend that's making an appearance in the Dining Room this year. I'll share him this weekend! (If you look closely you'll see a peek of him.)

I'll be joining in these great Holiday Parties this week:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Blissful Whites at Timewashed
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
TTT at Stone Gable
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Shabby Art Boutique
 French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Hope you're having a fun week,

be sure and check out 

It's live all week.

xoxo,