Bountiful Harvest

This year I decided to use pumpkins, acorns, pears, and sunflowers to celebrate the colors of yellow and orange for my Fall seasonal decor. I decided not to give a how-to description of building the arrangements and tablescape. You can look back at my previous posts for step by step inspiration.

Slightly altering the look from last year, I used glass pumpkins and acorns, deciding to forgo the ceramic pumpkins in my inventory. I focused on only sunflowers for my floral, accented with a few leaves and acorn stems. New this year are gold acorn picks and beaded pears. I think they bring an elevated elegance to the look, and add a little sparkle. Two large gold cornucopias fill the table and celebrate the season of bounty! I purchased these along with the gold acorn picks and pears at end of season last year with a 70% discount at Z Gallerie! I used the pheasants I already had in inventory and added feathers to the arrangements to highlight this season known for hunting as well as harvest.

In the Dining Room, I started at the center of the table by filling the cornucopias with randomly placed flower stems, spilling onto the table with a glass pumpkin, more flowers, leaves, acorns, and pears to soften the base. TIP: To fill the deep conical space and provide a base to hold the florals, I used a large gold air plant in the cornucopia. I then created the center arrangement with a large glass pumpkin and glass candlesticks. I placed various theme elements, layering them until it felt connected and balanced. I finished by placing the small pheasants on each side centered between the cornucopias and candlesticks. For the side chests and side table, I made simple groupings of items – repeating details from the table arrangements – a glass pumpkin, a few leaves, a gold acorn pick, and a pear. For the place settings, I started with a black placemat, a gold charger, and then layered the dinner plate and salad plate (William Sonoma discontinued harvest pattern). The black napkin was simply rolled and held by a jeweled napkin ring, then placed at an angle not to hide the place setting patterns. Black glass wine and stemless water glasses finish the settings. I had the option to use gold fabric cushions on the dining chairs, but since I plan to use those this winter, I kept the black dining chair cushions for fall.

In the Kitchen, I replaced the soap and napkins and layered dish towels from Michel Design Works Pumpkin Prize and Mackenzie Childs Gingham Sunflower collections. Dishes fill the hutch and I used the large platter as a tray for a small arrangement on the island. I put together another small arrangement for the table and added pillows on the backless couch to repeat the sunflower and pumpkin theme.

The Bountiful Harvest theme continues into the Greatroom. The fireplace mantel underwent minor changes: The vase arrangement was updated with sunflowers and feathers; a glass pumpkin, gold acorn and a Pheasant repeat accent details from the Dining Room. To the left, the large vase atop the leather chest holds large branches, filling the large wall space with fall colors. To the right, in the large candelabra, I replaced the previously black coach candles with 9″ Root collenette candles in yellow and orange. (I found these for 50% off at Macys with free shipping!) More Mackenzie Childs pumpkin and sunflower pillows on the couch finish the room. I found all the pillows on resale websites for a nice discount off retail – Don’t be afraid to negotiate posted pricing!

In the Living room, a large sunflower arrangement (a gift from a dear friend a few years ago) and a Mackenzie Childs Gingham Sunflower beaded runner decorate the wine chest. On the coffee table, the large vessel is filled with pumpkins, acorns, pears, and fall orbs. More pumpkin and gingham sunflower pillows accent the chair and couch. I ordered Golden Oak branches for the corner table vase, but since they have not arrived, I left the green branches for now.

UPDATE: The branches arrived and I think they look great – Just what the room needed!

In the guest bath, room spray and hand soaps repeat the theme. These small details bring a cohesiveness to the entire home.

I don’t usually use scented candles, but these pillar candles are pumpkin spice. Years ago I bought them for their variegated color and metal pumpkin accent. (TIP: I store all my candles in a temperature controlled environment. I wrap scented candles in thin foam to control and maintain them.) The scent of these candles is not overpowering and it exudes a warm fall aroma. Now that the scents and colors of Fall are infused throughout the home, I am ready to share this year’s Bountiful Harvest with friends and family over the coming months!

I hope you found a useful idea (or two) to help you decorate your home for this season.

It’s not too soon to be thinking about Christmas, so be sure to peruse my previous posts and follow my blog for more Seasonal Decorating ideas and tips!