DO IT YOURSELF: DRIED NATURALS

Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons to decorate. As a child I loved going through the seed catalogs each year to select which exotic varieties of pumpkins I would grow on the farm. Every year it became a thrill to decorate as much as possible with these pumpkins, the scarecrows, and the fodder-shocks around the farm. As I’ve grown older I’ve begun to bring these outdoor elements inside more and more. I love the way dried grasses, grapevines, gourds, and flowers compliment my collections of folk art and antiques throughout the season

When planning your harvest themed décor, go into the fields and fencerows, creeks, and even your yard. Never underestimate the value of a large grouping of dried hydrangeas or dried herbs. Goldenrod, the state flower of Kentucky, is my very favorite Fall flower. Cut them early in the season, when they have just reached their peak gold color and dry them upside down in a dark space to ensure the colors don’t turn to brown.

Inexpensive grapevine wreaths can easily be unwound and turned into bases for Autumn garlands. Fill with dried flowers, pinecones, nuts, or other elements that can be wired in. I personally love filling vintage jars and bottles with beautiful dried cattails, foxtails, and ornamental grasses for tall centerpieces that go vertical rather than horizontal. Naturally never forget pumpkins. I still love the blue Jarrahdale pumpkins as much today as I did when I found my first one nearly twenty years ago. To finish your look mix in candles in amber glasses, use flannel or wool blankets as table covers, and use tarnished silvers and brass elements.