Monday, October 12, 2009

~ Fall Nesting ~

Hi friends! It's Fall decorating time here at my little cottage. I thought I'd give you a small tour of a favorite fall day of mine, the kind where you do a little decorating, a little cooking and just nesting in general. Fall is definitely my favorite season for sure! The crisp days, the warm cozy nights, football, making stews, baking, every part of it I just adore! I hope your fall is a super cozy one too! I basically use only natural elements for decorating , Fresh picked apples, Montauk daisies, deep Merlot colored Sedum and hand picked pumpkins are strewn through out my house... I like to make little vignettes with them all :) The one above and below sits on a table I have in the Family room...Grab some hot chocolate or whatever your fancy and come along , I even lit the candles for you :)

I love decorating high and low, table tops, counters, floors, and a special pumpkin right by the fire place too! I also incorporated some dried hydrangeas left over from summer. And added quilts any where I could so they are just ready to grab to curl up with...

Sedum is one of my favorite fall flowers, that and mums also, but I haven't been able to find the right color Mums yet, I wanted white and red and they were sold out, so maybe next weekend I can plant them all outside and finish the front of the house :) So for now, Merlot colored sedum is every where inside :)

I love the way is looks so organic up against the china and the sage candle too! I also spread a few more books through out the room, just perfect when I don't want to get out of the cozy blanket, I can just grab one and browse when I want without feeling the chill of getting up :) Or for when I'm lazy too :)

" Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. " ~ George Eliot ~


A little white pitcher of sedum by the sink, it just makes me smile :)

Fall is my favorite time to cook! and my bright orange dutch oven is happy when I take her out every fall, she rewards me by taking care of my Stew just fine :) ....won't you have a bowl? :) To me, Cooking is part of my "fall decorating", I not only want the sights of fall, but ohhhhhh, the scents are what finish the whole package for me! Baked apples, stews, roasts, pies, fresh warm bread, I love it all!

This past weekend I tried an Apple Crisp recipe from Susan Branch, if you click on the picture below, it'll get big enough for you to see the recipe and I highly recommend it!! It smelled heavenly baking and tasted just as fabulous too!

And what apple crisp is complete without fresh vanilla ice cream? lol, not mine :)

It was super easy to make and gobbled up quick by my 3 goblin's too!

Speaking of recipes, I did a post a few back about my recipe box, and when my parents came to visit last week ( hence my absence from blog browsing ) My Mom gave me the best gift! she brought up her entire collection of recipe cards ( hundreds of them! ) and I picked out the ones I wanted to keep and added them to my collection, I was so happy! They are so pretty and sentimental to me, that I wanted to add them to my fall decor, I was putting them in the recipe box for safe keeping, But then I thought.... Hmm, maybe make color copies and create a collage out of some framed together ??

After all the cooking and decorating, I couldn't forget about a fall table setting! I like to use a few French Country prints, some vintage linens and colorful plates and light more candles and then it feels autumnal to me and ready for big platters of my fall cooking!

I used a little bit of red gingham ribbon, tied around the napkins and inserted my 2 favorite fall flowers into each napkin group, it's an inexpensive way to spruce up the table without spending any money. I've also tied on leaves in the past too, anything you can gather outside that gives it that fall touch is appreciated by all those stew eaters, lol...

I hope you all enjoyed my little tour, I'm planning to have the rest of the house done after this weekend! Gotta get those Mums first :) I'll leave you with a seat at my table, I am thankful for you all, so you are all welcome here!!

I hope Autumn is finding you all in a lovely place!

Thank you so much for being such wonderful friends and for stopping in to visit! I read every comment and I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to know you and share with you , so from my home to yours:

Happy Fall !!

Love and Blessings!

~ Cynthia ~

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Cynthia, everything looks so warm & cozy.....
Thank you for the tour!!
Love,
Marilyn

Tracy said...

It all looks simply beautiful, Cynthia!

trish said...

I can spent long lengths of time reading through your blog. Your pictures are always so pretty. Your fall touches are lovely! :o)

A Southern Rose said...

Cynthia,
I could almost smell the apple crisp baking! I love this Fall post of yours. My favorite time of year!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Benita said...

You have such a beautiful and cozy nest Cyn !! I really enjoyed this beautiful post !!
LUVS~N~HUGS
Benita

Anonymous said...

I loved seeing how you mixed fall colors into your reds (that's what I have at home, too). Makes me smile every time I "visit" your beautiful cozy home. The colors are always so fresh and fun no matter the season! MMMMMM! A delicious feast for the eyes! And those dishes! I love to eat, but I don't know if I'd want to cover up those gorgeous patterns! (Well, okay, I guess I would force myself, just so as not to hurt your feelin's . . . ;D )

Thanks for inviting us all in today!

Grins!
Pamm

Nancy Jo said...

Hi Cynthia,
Everything looks so pretty. I see you like Susan Branch. I have lots of her books, just love them. Did you get the Autumn one? I also just got her cookbook scrapbook, did you see that on her site? I check her site all the time to make sure I don't miss something new.
Yes I know well the feeling of playing house, always moving things around, and cooking something new, lay awake at night thniking of things I'm going to do the next day. Well anyway, enjoyed looking around your site, now I won't be able to sleep tonight. HA.
Nancy Jo

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

I so enjoyed this post! Thanks for the wonderful recipe. And I had never thought to decorate with sedum - I have some and I plan to cut some for a bit of decor. Happy Fall!

Heartfelt living said...

Hi Cyn,
Everything looks so warm and cozy. You know, I always look forward to your next post. Each one leaves me feeling so inspired.
I love the idea of making a collage from your recipe cards. It would be pricless!
Happy Fall,
Karen

Stacey said...

Cynthia, everything looks so pretty. :)

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cynthia, it looks so warm and cozy here (; So good to come by for a visit and see a new post, I've missed you! That apple crisp looks and sounds yummy, I may have to give that a try.
Hugs~Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hi Cynthia! What a great way to end the weekend - with a post from my favorite! ONLY YOU can make red/white look like autumn!!! Very pretty and cozy!(as usual) But Honey, in my house that bowl of apple crisp is 2 bites!!lol Looks yummy, now I want to bake!! I've been playing this weekend in the fam/kitchen rearranging the walls so I think I'll go take your advice and curl up with some books! Have a great week - Glad you had a good time with your parents! Sincerely, Jeannette

Unknown said...

Looks ever so cosy and rosy! Suzie. xx

Anonymous said...

beautiful photos so warm and cozy!

Happy@Home said...

Your post today is a feast for the eyes. Everything looks just beautiful. I know your stew in that cute orange pot would taste yummy and so would the apple crisp. Mmmm. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it :-
Happy Fall!!

Kathleen Grace said...

Your home is always so beautiful and inspiring! I love the colors you use and the way you put things together. Your mom was so sweet to bring you her recipes and let you take your pick:>)

Sue said...

Cynthia, Your home is one of the most inviting around. I love seeing bits of your house, especially the picture of your red room with the red flowered curtins, so pretty.
I haven't had much time for fall cooking yet but hope to get around to it soon. Your dishes inspire me to get cooking.
Hugs,
Sue

Lisa said...

What great fall! It all looks yummy!
Hugs, Lisa

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What lovely photos! I love to bake in the Fall and I just bought a big bag of apples! I'll try that recipe! Love of your pretty things! What beautiful candles and things to make a house a home! You always inspire me to pay more attention to what I have around me!

Just a little something from Judy said...

You really do know how to add just the right touches, the right colors, and make it all so very beautiful. I consider it a real privilege to visit everytime that I do. The music alone, always makes me want to return here. I love how you artistically added the fresh daisies scattered in through some of the pictures. I would rather visit here than read my favorite magazine. Thank you for the time you put into creating real beauty for each of us. It is so appreciated.

Happy Tuesday to you!

Mimi Sue said...

Your home is looking so cozy and fallish. I've made that apple crisp and my family loved it. Happy fall to you. Mimi

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Beautiful!!! Everything is so warm and cozy for fall...I love it!!!

I am having a Williams Sonoma giveaway over at Mille Fleur...I would love to have you stop by and enter!!!

Have a wonderful evening!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Unknown said...

Hi Cynthia,
I enjoy your blog so much. You are so talented. I know you will treasure the wonderful recipe cards your mother has offered you from her collection. I think that is better than the "Crown Jewels"!!!

Katherine S.

Lisa said...

What a wonderful treat to see all your beautiful Fall decor! Thank you for sharing it with us.:)

Amy said...

So cozy Cynthia. I love your flower choices...not the usual. I especially love the color of the terra cotta wall in your one picture with the flowered print window covering. So cozy!!! Have a lovely week.

Suzann said...

Happy Fall to YOU!!!

Everything looks so wonderful. I have to get some of my fall decor out and about too. Thanks for the inspiration.

Natalie said...

I am so glad you are back! Your Fall pictures are lovely! So warm and welcoming.

Thank you for sharing!

Stella said...

Love the contrast of the Shata Dasies against the red apples. Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing your fall.

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hi Cynthia,

I have to agree with A Little something From Judy. I love to come here to visit. :) What a great idea for the recipe's. I have some of my mom's and I want to try that too.

blinkeeluna said...

Your home looks so cozy and warm. The vibrant red hues and your decors gave it a warm autumnal ambiance.I can't wait to see how you would decorate it for the coming Christmas season!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Glad to see you back. My oldest daughter tells me (we live in separate states) that she just wants me to come visit sometime and make all her favorite dishes from childhood.
Brenda

aimee said...

you did a fantastic job! happy fall to you too. i too love fall.
blessings,
aimee

Lori said...

Cynthia
What a beautiful Autumn post, I loved it! The colors in your kitchen are fabulous! Always so welcoming here! Lori

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I love your NY cottage, it is so full of creativity...I love the picture above what I believe is the kitchen sink, it looks like a cat or a rabbit, I would love to see the whole picture...I am a new follower of yours and i will return for more of your creativity...come visit

lillie mae acres said...

As usual, you've decorated your home so pretty. I keep looking at the red pantry door that you have a small pic of on the side and you noted that you planned to do the same. Did you, and I would love to see a pic of yours.
Thank you for the inspiration you give through your blog.

Cindy said...

Your fall decor looks lovely and fresh and so organic! Nothing better than using real pumpkins, flowers and warm blankets to say FALL! I am sending love and blessings back to you! Cindy S.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Sweet Cynthia!

Love this warm and cozy post! What an inviting place setting! Can I come for a little chit-chat and lunch?

Hugs,
Maryjane

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

Hi Cynthia!

I'm always happy to find a new post from you! I love the colors in your home. Your blog is such a cheery place!

I love everything about the place setting from the tablecloth to the dishes! All your fall touches are so sweet!

Manuela

Cheryl said...

I have loved your blog for a very long time. I enjoy your pictures and reading your post. Thank you for sharing a part of your world with us.
Peace and Many Blessings
Cheryl...Snatch JOY~

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Cynthia! What a wonderful post and wonderful food for the soul. I love it. Glad you are able to have time at home for nesting. It is very important to take care of yourself, and nurture yourself...in your nest. I love it when I have days like this!
Blessings,
Debbie

One Shabby Old House said...

Oh my did that apple crisp ever look good. Apples mean fall to me with all the memories I have wrapped around baskets full of them.
Lovely tour of your home as always.
Hugs
Becky

Janet said...

I pretty much just use Nature to decorate for autumn too! My obsession is Bittersweet, but I might have to try the sedum, it actually fits my palette much better. Remind me next spring to buy some plants!

Janet

miro said...

Good evening, I am a new follower of your beautiful blog. I will be very happy if you visit my blog and leave a comment. Thank you.
Miro

Rue said...

Hi sweet Cynthia :)

Your home is just brimming with love! It's so warm and cozy that I wish I could crawl through the screen and join you for stew and Apple Crisp :)

Thank you for the compliments on my kitchen. It means a great deal coming from you, as your kitchen was one of those that really inspired me.

(((hugs)))
rue

Julie Harward said...

Hi Cynthia..I LOVE YOUR BLOG...Ok, I was looking at it..then the music came on, that usually is not to my liking, but I loved yours!
I'm from So. Utah, red rock country, live on 1o acres of farm property..it's very peaceful and beautiful here. I'm trying to learn blogging...I'm loving all these awesome women out there, you all feel like sisters to me. I hope you'll come say hi and I'd love to know you better! :D

Anonymous said...

Cynthia, fall disappears too quickly, doesn't it! It looks as if you've made the most of it! Here....we had 2" of SNOW on the ground this morning! Yes, girlfriend, it's DEFINITELY nesting time!
Warm Hugs,
Diane

The Cottage Girl said...

Thanks for the lovely tour Cynthia!

Volunteering abroad said...

Thank you for the tour Cynthia. I really enjoyed looking at those pictures. Have a nice day always.

Rebecca @ Belle Blog said...

Hi Cynthia,
Your blog is yummy, lovely, colorful...aaaahhhh autumn!
♥ Rebecca

Simple Home said...

Great photos! I just made apple crisp today, isn't it yummy?
Blessings,
Marcia

SLR said...

hi, you have a lovely farm fresh, cottage!
i love fall so much too....cider, pumpkins, cozying up with a book! looking forward to more of your posts...

-Stacey
A Sort Of Fairy Tale
http://asortoffairytalegirl.blogspot.com

Elyse said...

hi cynthia!

your posts are so enjoyable to read. like a favorite book or magazine.

i love to cook and bake in the fall, too. i made a batch of applesauce and the kitchen smelled amazing. i feel exactly the same about fall.

xo
elyse

The Cottage Girl said...

I have several Susan Branch books displayed in my kitchen as well. Your mother is so sweet to bring you the precious recipe cards. Great idea to copy them in a collage too!

Cindy said...

Love your red cherry bowl on top of that stack of cute books! :D And yeah, don't ya just love Susan Branch books? Love her.

-c
yapping cat

Cherry Hill Cottage~ said...

Lovelovelove your blog!!
I listed you on my "Top 10"

http://www.blogs.com/topten/top-10-cottage-style-blogs/

Tina~
www.cherryhillcottage.typepad.com

Poppy Cottage said...

VERY beautiful!

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

I love the sedum.i also like the mix of blues, reds, and oranges. So warm and comforting.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Cynthia...

My friend, I have fallen in love with your fabulous french country cottage!!! I really enjoyed taking a peek at all of your autumn decorating...it's all fabulous!!! Love each and every vignette, but my favorite is that beautiful merlot colored sedum filled bowl that sits so sweetly atop the pretty french fabric books!!! I love how it looks and feels!!! Your attention to the details is so evident in all the decor of your beautiful home!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

How sweet of your Mom to gift you with some of her recipes and recipe cards...I'm so happy for you, Darlin'!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Miss Janice said...

I love the way you have used YOUR colors and style to decorate for Autumn...beautiful!

cottonreel said...

I might just get on a plane from England, break into your cottage and steal that beautiful blue and white candle holder--cottonreel

Diane Fay (littlealma) said...

Had to chuckle - I wonder if my mom led a double life? I am just kidding, but let me explain - I have my mom's recipes, as she has been gone a long time, but two of yours show a preprinted recipe card, and I have recipes with those same designs! It must reminded me of home! You have a wonderful blog btw!!!

Hugs from Michigan - Diane

Eileen @ Star's Fault said...

Such beautiful eye candy. Love your photos!

Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

prashant said...

our pictures are always so pretty. Your fall touches are lovely!


Work from home India

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Jack said...

Everything here just looks so homey and wonderful. The kitchen, especially the kitchen cabinets, remind me of my grandmother's home and the pictures of the apple crisp just completed the nostalgic circle. Thanks! Now I'm going to go bake something.