Easy Fall Porch Decor

front porch for fall

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share my fall porch decor this year. I love decorating for the seasons, and fall is one of my favorites. There’s something so cozy and inviting about the warm colors, the crisp air, and the festive mood.

This year, I decided to use ginger jars and real pumpkin topiary as the main elements for my porch. I think they add a touch of elegance and charm to the rustic vibe of fall.

fall porch decor

Ginger jars are one of my favorite accessories for any season, but they look stunning in the fall. Ginger jars are ceramic or porcelain jars that have a distinctive shape and a blue-and-white pattern. They originated in China and were used to store spices, but now they are popular as decorative items.

They add a touch of elegance and color to the porch, and they contrast nicely with the natural elements. I found these blue and white ones at the late Tuesday Morning, and I think they are perfect for the fall.

SIMILAR ITEMS TO RECREATE THIS LOOK

To create the pumpkin topiary, I used real pumpkins that I bought from our nearby nursery. I stacked them on top of each other, and then I added some moss around the base of each pumpkin to make it look more festive. I love how it turned out, and it’s a great way to add height and interest to the porch.

fall porch decor

I also added some other fall touches, like wreaths on the door, real and fake pumpkins, and some mums. I think they make the porch feel more warm and welcoming, and they create a nice ambiance at night.

TRY MY DIY PUMPKIN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

fall porch decor

I’m really happy with how my fall porch decor turned out. It’s simple but elegant, and it reflects my personality and style. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and got some inspiration for your own fall porch decor. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for reading

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FAUX CHRISTMAS TREE IN A PLANTER POT

christmas tree in planter

Hi everyone! In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to put a Christmas tree in a planter using a bucket, fast-setting Quikrete, and a galvanized pipe. This is a fun and creative way to display your tree indoors or outdoors, and it looks amazing! Most importantly it will not topple over!

christmas tree in planter

Here’s what you’ll need:

A fishbowl planter (mine: topping opening 12.5  inches in diameter, widest diameter 19″,  and 17.5 inches in height) 

– A bucket (mine is 2.5 gallons)

Quikrete (about 30-50 pounds) fast setting

A galvanized pipe (mine is 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1foot long)

– A level

– A tape measure

– A marker

A Christmas tree (mine is 7.5  feet tall)

– Water

SHOP ALL SUPPLIES

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Cut the pipe to the desired length. (My hardware store already sold 1 ft pieces). Choose the diameter of your pipe by measuring the diameter of your tree pole.

2. Fill the bucket with water and add the Quikrete, following the instructions on the package. Stir well until you have a thick and smooth mixture.

4. Insert the pipe into the Quikrete mixture; making sure it is straight and level. You can place a piece of tape over the bottom opening or just stick the pipe in and pull it out. Then shake out the excess Quikrete and replace the pipe in the hole opening in the bucket.

5. Check that the pipe is straight and level, using the level and adjusting as needed. Let the Quikrete set for at least 40 minutes to an hour, or according to the package directions.

7. Once the Quikrete is dry and hard, place the bucket into your planter.

8. Place your Christmas tree pole into the pipe, making sure it fits securely and doesn’t wobble. 

9. Decorate your tree as you like, and enjoy your beautiful Christmas Tree in a planter.

I hope you liked this project and found it easy to follow. If you try it, please share your pictures with me in the comments below. I’d love to see how yours turned out!

CHECK OUT OUR DINING ROOM CHRISTMAS DECOR

CHRISTMAS TREE IN A PLANTER

christmas tree in planter

Last year I put our Christmas tree in a planter and I got so many questions. Here is an easy DIY Method that will work for any size planter, pot, or basket.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Difficulty EASY
Estimated Cost $20

Materials

  • planter (mine: topping opening 12.5 inches in diameter, widest diameter 19″, and 17.5 inches in height)
  • bucket (mine is 2.5 gallons)
  • Quikrete (about 30-50 pounds) fast setting
  • galvanized pipe (mine is 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1foot long)
  • Level
  • tape measure
  • marker (optional)
  • tape (optional)
  • Christmas tree (mine is 7.5 feet tall)
  • Water

Tools

  • small shovel or stick for stirring
  • grinder (if you have to cut your pipe)

Instructions

    1. Cut the pipe to the desired length. (My hardware store already sold 1 ft pieces). Choose the diameter of your pipe by measuring the diameter of your tree pole.

    2. Fill the bucket with water and add the Quikrete, following the instructions on the package. Stir well until you have a thick and smooth mixture.

    4. Insert the pipe into the Quikrete mixture; making sure it is straight and level. You can place a piece of tape over the bottom opening or just stick the pipe in and pull it out. Then shake out the excess Quikrete and replace the pipe in the hole opening in the bucket.

    5. Check that the pipe is straight and level, using the level and adjusting as needed. Let the Quikrete set for at least 40 minutes to an hour, or according to the package directions.

    7. Once the Quikrete is dry and hard, place the bucket into your planter.

    8. Place your Christmas tree pole into the pipe, making sure it fits securely and doesn’t wobble. 

    9. Decorate your tree as you like, and enjoy your beautiful Christmas Tree in a planter.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

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HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

EASY AND INEXPENSIVE PUMPKIN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

pumpkin flower arrangement

Hello, fall lovers! 

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to decorate your home for the fall season? Do you love flowers and want to add some color and freshness to your space? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’re in luck! Today, I’m going to show you how to DIY a flower pumpkin arrangement that will make your guests say wow!

A flower pumpkin arrangement is exactly what it sounds like a pumpkin topped with beautiful flowers. It’s a simple, but stunning project that you can customize to your liking. You can use any type of pumpkin, any type of flowers, and any type of accessories to create your own unique masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

– A pumpkin (real or fake)
– Floral foam (wet or dry)
– Fresh or artificial flowers of your choice
– Scissors or wire cutters
– Ribbon, twine, or any other embellishments you like (optional)

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Step 1: Choose your pumpkin

You can use a real or a fake pumpkin for this project, depending on your preference and budget. If you use a real pumpkin, make sure it’s fresh and has a flat bottom so it can stand on its own. If you use a fake pumpkin, you can find one that matches your color scheme or paint it yourself.

Step 2: Prepare your floral foam

Measure the size of the foam block and cut it to size with a serrated knife. Center the foam on top of the pumpkin press the foam into the stem and secure it closely to the pumpkin. If it’s not secure enough for you; use floral tape to secure it more. Soak the foam in water if you’re using fresh flowers, or skip this step if you’re using artificial ones.

Step 3:  Arrange the floral stems

Start by inserting some greenery picks around the base. The largest and tallest stems are in the center of the foam, creating a focal point. Then add smaller and shorter stems around the edges, filling in any gaps and creating a balanced arrangement. You can use any fall flowers you like, such as dried hydrangeas, sunflowers, mums, dahlias, roses, or carnations. You can also add some greenery, berries, pinecones, or other fall accents to add some texture and variety.

Step 4: Add embellishments

Finally, you can add some embellishments to your flower pumpkin arrangement to make it extra special. You can use ribbon, twine, lace, beads, buttons, stickers, or anything else you have on hand. You can wrap them around the pumpkin, glue them on top, or tie them in a bow. You can also add some leaves, pine cones, berries, or other natural elements to complement the flowers. Use your imagination and have fun!

And that’s it! You’ve just made a beautiful flower pumpkin arrangement that will brighten up your home for the fall season. You can display it on your porch, your mantel, your table, or anywhere else you like. You can also make more than one and give them as gifts to your friends and family. They’ll love this thoughtful and creative gesture!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it easy to follow. If you did, please share it with your friends and leave me a comment below. I’d love to see your flower pumpkin arrangements and hear your feedback. Happy crafting!

Check out my PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE!

 

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Easy Chinoiserie Painted Pumpkins

chinoiserie painted pumpkins

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share how I make my chinoiserie-painted pumpkins using white pumpkins and acrylic paint.1366922

chinoiserie pumpkin

Chinoiserie is a style of art that reflects Chinese motifs and aesthetics, and it’s one of my favorite ways to add some elegance and charm to my fall decor.

chinoiserie painted pumpkin

My main design uses connecting “m” to create a blossom that resembles a hydrangea blossom and I use the core chinoiserie colors blue and white.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own chinoiserie painted pumpkins:

pumpkins (real or faux)
– Acrylic paint in blue, french blue, and green
– Paint brushes
– Pencil
– Clear sealer spray (optional)

The first step is to sketch out your design on the pumpkin with a pencil. You can use any chinoiserie pattern you like, but I’ll show you how I do mine. I start by drawing a diagonal line in the center of the pumpkin, then I draw “m” shapes around the top of the line, connecting them at the tips. This creates a flower shape that looks like a hydrangea blossom. Then I fill in the spaces between the “m” shapes with smaller “m” shapes, creating more petals. I repeat this process all over the pumpkin, leaving some space between the flowers.

Next, I use a lighter blue acrylic paint to fill in the flowers, leaving some white space for highlights. I also add some blue dots and swirls to fill in the background and create some contrast. You can use any shade of blue you like, but I prefer a deep cobalt blue that pops against the white pumpkin.

chinoiserie painted pumpkin

Finally, I use acrylic paint to add some details and highlights to the flowers. I use a thin brush to outline the petals, then I add some dots and strokes to create some texture and dimension. You can also add some white dots and swirls to the background if you want.

And that’s it! You have your own chinoiserie painted pumpkin that looks stunning on your porch, mantel, or table. You can also spray some clear sealer on it if you want to protect it from the elements. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun making your own chinoiserie pumpkins. Happy fall!

CHECK OUT MY POTATO CHOWDER SOUP IT’S PERFECT FOR FALL

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How to Shop Estate Sales

How to Shop Estate Sales

Are you a fan of antiques and vintage home decor? Do you love browsing old furniture, books, jewelry, and other treasures? If so, you might want to check out estate sales in your area.

estate sales

Estate sales are events where the belongings of a deceased or downsizing person are sold to the public. They are a great way to find unique and high-quality items at bargain prices.

Here are some tips on how to find great antiques and vintage home decor at estate sales.

– Do your research. Before you go to an estate sale, do some online research on the company that is hosting it, the location of the sale, and the available items. I use estatesales.net to locate the best high-end sales. You can also look for photos and descriptions of the items on social media or online forums. This will help you get an idea of what to expect and what to look for.

– Arrive early. Estate sales are usually very popular and crowded, especially on the first day. If you want to have the best chance of finding the items you want, you should arrive as early as possible. Some estate sales have a sign-up sheet or a numbered ticket system to let people in order. Others are first-come, first-served. Either way, you should be prepared to wait in line and enter the sale as soon as you can. If you visit often, consider asking the sale organizer if you have the option to buy before the general public.

WHAT I TAKE WITH ME TO ALL SALES

estate sales

SHOP SIMILAR LAMPS

– Be polite and respectful. Estate sales are not like garage sales or thrift stores. They are often held in someone’s home and involve their personal belongings. You should be polite and respectful to the hosts, the staff, and the other shoppers. Don’t haggle too much, don’t touch anything that is not for sale, don’t block the aisles or doorways, and don’t be rude or aggressive. Remember that you are a guest in someone’s home and act accordingly.

– Know what to look for. Estate sales are a treasure trove of antiques and vintage home decor, but they can also be overwhelming and confusing. You should have a clear idea of what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay for it. You can use online guides, books, magazines, or apps to help you identify and value different items. You can also ask the staff or the hosts for more information or history about the items.

Some things to look for are:

– The condition of the item. Is it clean, intact, functional, and free of damage or defects? Does it have any signs of wear, tear, repair, or restoration? Does it have any marks, labels, stamps, or signatures that indicate its origin, date, maker, or value?

– The style of the item. Does it match your personal taste and preference? Does it fit with your existing home decor or collection? Does it have any distinctive features or characteristics that make it stand out or unique?

– The rarity of the item. Is it a common or a rare item? How many of them were made or are available? How often do they come up for sale? How much demand is there for them?

– The price of the item. Is it within your budget? Is it fair and reasonable for its condition, style, rarity, and market value? Is it worth buying now or waiting for a better deal?

Have fun! Estate sales are not only a great way to find great antiques and vintage home decor, but they are also a lot of fun. You can meet new people, learn new things, discover new treasures, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Estate sales are a wonderful way to spend your time and money while honoring the past and beautifying your present.

CHECK OUT MY GUIDE TO STRATEGIC SHOPPING

 

My Estate Sale Shopping Tools

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DIY Flat Roman Shade Tutorial

roman shade

Hey, friends! Today I will show you how to make a DIY Roman shade for your windows. This is an intermediate project; with a little work, add some style and privacy to your home. Let’s get started!

Roman shade

PREPARING YOUR FABRIC

Step 1: Measure your window and cut your fabric. You want to add about 3 inches to the width and 8 inches to the length of your window measurements for your decorative fabric and lining (-1″ of finished width and cut length same as decorative fabric cut length. This will allow for some extra fabric to fold over the edges and create the top and bottom hem.

Step 2: Lay decorative fabric right side up and place lining fabric right side down. Hem the first side of your fabric and lining (optional) pin them together and sew a 1/2″ hem in your fabric. Pull the lining to the opposite side of the decorative fabric and repeat the process.

Step 3: Center the lining fabric on the back of the decorative fabric Take a ruler and try to measure equal amounts on each side. If you are using a pattern be mindful of that. Before pinning down make sure you have the correct final width. Once you have it pinned sew 1/2” hem across the bottom.

Step 4: Turn the shade right side out and press the seams flat. Fold the bottom edge up about 3″ (make sure you have enough fabric for your final length; more is okay. You need at least 1′ at the top for your top hem. If not adjust your bottom hem size accordingly. Once it’s correct hem across the top and about 1 inch down each side this will hold your weighted bottom bar.

Step 5: Make your line fold marks using the formula below. 

roman shade

Step 6: For this project, I am using rib tape and plastic ribs. Once you have determined the placement; secure your rib tape well by ironing it in place. You can make your own holders by using fabric and fabric tape to create a pocket for your rib or dowels.

Step 7: We are now ready to close our top hem. Check your length if you have more cut-off excess from the top. Fold over at least an inch and pin the Velcro loop on top.  Place a hem on top and bottom.

ADDING RINGS

Step 8: To add the rings to the Roman shade, place them on every other rib tape line or fold. It’s important to ensure that the rings are spaced no more than 15 inches apart. This will help to achieve a neat and uniform look.  TIP: When attaching the rings to the Roman shade, make sure to pierce through the front of the fabric and pull it all the way through to the back. This ensures that the rings are securely in place and the shade will function properly. 

roman shade

PREPARING THE HEADER AND HARDWARE

Step 9: Let’s move on to preparing the header for the shade. Cut the 1x3x2 pine board to a length that is about 1/4 inch shorter than the width of your window sill, if you’re planning to mount the shade inside the window. Then, use a staple gun to cover the board with decorative fabric. Once that’s done, add the hook part of the Velcro and secure it with the staple gun at the top and bottom of the board.

Step 10: Now, it’s time to attach the header to the Roman shade and mark the cord lock and eye screw position. To do this, I’ll pull the top of the Roman shade down to the rings and place a mark on the header that lines up with each line of rings. You can place the cord lock on the side of the shade where you want to use it. Use a punch tool to make a drill hole for your eye screws and cord lock and attach the hardware.

INSTALLING LIFT CORD/STRING

Step 11: To secure the lifting cord, tie the cord around the ring located on the opposite side of the cord lock. Make a knot about three times, but don’t cut the cord yet. To determine the required length, thread the cord across the header of the shade and halfway down the cord lock’s side. Now, cut your cord and thread it through the rings on the shade. Then, pass the cord through the eye screws and feed it through the larger side of the cord lock. Repeat this process for all cords on the opposite side of the cord lock.

Step 12: To secure the cord on the side of the cord lock, tie it to the lower ring. Before trimming the cord, thread it through the shade, across to the cord lock, and halfway down the shade. Once in position, cut the cord and thread it through the rings and eye screw. The single cord should be inserted through the small window of the cord lock. TIP: You can use a cord condenser and cord pull if you like or you can just knot the cords off.

INSTALLING THE ROMAN SHADE

Step 13: For installing an inside mount shade, I first predrill two #14 x 2 1/2″ wood screws in the covered header until they come out of the opposite side of the board. Then, I take the shade to the window and use a drill to attach it to the top of the window frame. I make sure to set it back about 1/4 inch in the window sill for proper placement.

Step 14: To ensure that the cord lock functions correctly, it is necessary to place the weight bottom bar inside the bottom hem opening that was created earlier.

SHOP ALL SUPPLIES FOR THIS EASY DIY PROJECT

And that’s it! You’ve just made a flat Roman shade for your window. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!

 

TRY MY DIY ORCHID ARRANGEMENT

 

 

 

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Microwave Drawer: Everything You Need to Know

Microwave Drawer: Everything You Need to Know

Due to a series of unfortunate events, we had the opportunity last year to change some things in our kitchens. The first thing on my opportunity list was to free up some countertop space by getting a microwave drawer. There are a few things you need to know if you are considering buying one and want to do it right.

microwave drawer

SHOP OUR MICROWAVE DRAWER

Here are some tips on adding a microwave drawer to your kitchen so you can be happy with your choice for years to come.

Measure the space available for the microwave drawer before purchasing to make sure it will fit into your kitchen.

You don’t want to buy a microwave drawer only to find out that it won’t fit. Measure the width of your space, as well as its height and depth. Having this information at hand before you go shopping will help ensure that you get what you need. In our case, we were getting cabinet bases built so the carpenter used the manufacturer’s specifications to build a custom cabinet.

KITCHEN DECOR/ACCESSORIES

Consider the wattage of the microwave drawer.

Firstly to ensure it is powerful enough to cook your food properly. Also, most microwave drawers have to be on their own circuit, which may require additional wiring that would need to be completed by a licensed electrician.

Under-counter microwave ovens can be installed in a kitchen where there is adequate space.

If you are installing a microwave drawer, make sure there is adequate clearance at the top of your cabinet. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for minimal placement guidelines.

Cabinet Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Naval 6244

The microwave drawer may seem like a luxury item, but it really can help to save you space. If you have the counter space and storage, it’s worth considering. Definitely give it a try if you are growing tired of your current kitchen setup! Be Well-Omniley

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT QUARTZITE COUNTERTOPS

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Our Chic Dining Room: Chinoiserie Christmas Tree

Our Chic Dining Room: Chinoiserie Christmas Tree

I love the Chinoiserie design, and decorating my home that way has become a tradition of mine. But since I’m a minimalist in decorating, I decided to spread the chinoiserie love during Christmas and integrated the theme into my Chinoiserie Christmas tree this year. This post will show you how I’ve decorated my tree in an elegant Chinese style using the most gorgeous shade of blue ribbons, gold ornaments, dried hydrangeas, and fake candlesticks.

chinoiserie christmas tree

I’m a big believer in the power of color, and blue is my favorite. I’ve used this color throughout my home as it’s such an elegant and soothing shade that can create a relaxing atmosphere for you to unwind after a long day.

SHOP ALL SUPPLIES TO RECREATE THIS CHRISTMAS TREE

chinoiserie christmas tree

I decided to use a light shade of blue ribbon for my Christmas tree. The color complements the gold ornaments and dried hydrangeas well and makes them stand out even more. As for other decorations, I used ornate gold ornaments. They were perfect for this type of Christmas tree. I also added a few fake candlesticks to the mix, and they helped me create an elegant grandmillennial style.

The gold and blue combination are not only elegant, but it’s also very chic. I love how this Christmas tree turned out. It looks festive and stylish, which is exactly what I was going for!

There is no right way or wrong way to decorate your Christmas tree; the most important thing is to decorate with items you love and can enjoy for many Christmas to come. Be creative, be thoughtful, and enjoy the season! Omniley

See the below step-by-step video on how to recreate this look!

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Using a Fishbowl or Planter as Christmas Tree Base

Using a Fishbowl or Planter as Christmas Tree Base

Wondering how to display a Christmas tree in a fishbowl or decorative planter? This holiday look is easy with this simple DIY.

Shop My Dining Room Christmas Tree

christmas tree

 

 

 

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Hanging Christmas Wreaths on Exterior Windows

IMG_1670

How To: Hanging Christmas Wreaths on Exterior Windows

Shop All Supplies

Check out all my favorite Christmas Trees

hanging christmas wreaths

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