Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #217

BySuzy

Welcome to the Weekly Wednesday Wishlist. Inside each Wishlist, you’ll find easy decorating ideas to thoughtful style tips and favorite finds. This list is chock-full of things that are useful, inspiring, and just plain fun. Whether you’re here for home advice or a seasonal pick-me-up, there’s something for you to enjoy.

This week’s roundup covers it all – from easy updates that make a big impact to thoughtful touches that leave a lasting impression. You’ll see the secret to keeping your shelves interesting and stylish, an unexpected way to store pot lids, and keep closets smelling fresh instead of ewww. I’ve also included a lovely etiquette tip for houseguests, a wearable look that works right now, and a handy home hack that frees up space where you need it most.

It’s my turn to be last this week (we rotate each week), but be sure to check out the lists from Heidi and Yvonne.

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burning candle in a mason jar on a marble coaster in front of a hydrangea arrangement

1. A LOVE STORY…WITH A HUTCH: You know when you’ve been searching for something for years and you start to wonder if it even exists? That’s how I felt about finding a vintage scrubbed pine hutch for our kitchen. I had this vision in my head of warm wood, worn edges, and loads of character but nothing ever quite lived up to it. But that all changed a few weeks ago when I found THE ONE! If you’ve faced this struggle, you’re not alone. So on the blog, I’m sharing the full story of how I finally found my dream hutch and how you can find yours too. Trust me, it does exist.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Is your home feeling a little “meh?” Try tapping into your five senses. Cozy isn’t just something you see, it’s something you feel, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Think about soft textures, your favorite playlist playing in the background, something yummy baking in the oven, a candle burning in your favorite scent, and natural lighting. When you engage all of your five senses, your house transforms into a home that feels as good as it looks.

3. BOOK CLUB: We’re on vacation in Maine this week, and one of my favorite things to do while we’re here is thrifting and searching for old decorating books. There’s something so fun about flipping through pages of home inspiration from decades ago. The styles might be different (don’t forget that everything old does become new again), but the inspiration is still there. I’m always amazed at how many timeless ideas you can find tucked into those well-loved pages. Don’t pass up those dated decorating books the next time you spot one, they might surprise you!

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

  • Because life is just cozier in an oversized sweatshirt.
  • My new handbag that won’t break the budget.
  • I buy myself a new pair of these every fall because I hate having cold feet.
  • Adding this to my closet for autumn.

5. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: Why are you so obsessed with all things cozy? I think I love all things cozy because it feels like nostalgia to me. It’s hard to explain, but it’s that feeling I get when something reminds me of the happiest parts of my childhood, you know those ordinary moments that somehow became lasting memories. Cozy feels familiar, safe, and comforting. That feeling is my absolute favorite and it’s exactly why I share what I do. If I can help someone else feel even just a little bit of that same warmth in their own life, then it’s all worth it.

6. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: Our dishwasher decided to stop working last week (luckily Mr. ERH is a handyman and can fix just about anything), so one-pot meals saved the day and my sanity. My one pot lemon butter ricotta and zucchini pasta recipe was on the menu and it might just be my favorite easy summer dinner. It’s creamy from the ricotta, bright from the lemon, and packed with tender zucchini (which you probably have overflowing in your garden right now), plus it all comes together in a single pot. Fewer dishes plus tons of flavor…that’s a winning dish in my book!

7. SPLURGE OR SAVE | HALLOWEEN EDITION: I’ve been shocked or should I say spooked to find so many lookalikes and affordable Halloween decor dupes lately that I had to share them with you!

8. HOT OUTSIDE, HANDMADE INSIDE: If you’re staying cool indoors (because you’ve had enough of the heat like me), it’s the perfect time to get a head start on fall crafting and a DIY fall candle ring is a quick project to try. To make it, I used a small grapevine wreath as the base, then tucked in fresh olive branches, a mini faux white pumpkin, and a mix of whole nuts from the pantry (yep, those forgotten walnuts from last Christmas finally found a purpose). You can also swap in pine cones or acorns if that’s what you have on hand. Just nestle everything in place and pop a candle in the center. It’s such an easy way to dress up your table or kitchen island and bring just a hint of autumn into your home.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Wash the plate not because it is dirty, nor because you were told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” ~Mother Teresa

1o. BACK TO SCHOOL HOME EDITION: Just like the kids are heading back to school, I like to think of this time of year as a chance to brush up on the basics at home too. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing a decorating “lesson” and “homework” to help refresh your spaces as we head into fall. Don’t worry. There won’t be a pop quiz, and no, you won’t get detention if you skip an assignment!

This Week’s Lesson: You don’t need more stuff, a cozy home comes from being intentional with what you already have.

This Week’s Homework: Take a look at your living room. What’s working, what’s not, and what one small change could make it feel cozier heading into the next season?

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partial view of a spindle chair with cream cushions holding a brown bolster pillow with fall accessories on a chest in the background

1. SUMMER INTO FALL IDEAS: Not quite ready for pumpkins yet? I get it, friend, and I can help. You’ll love these Beautiful Ways To Transition Your Home From Late Summer To Early Fall. Plus, get 75+ Early Fall Ideas That Bring Seasonal Charm To Your Home. These posts are your guides to a gentle and cozy way to decorate for early fall.

2. AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon.

3. WELCOME FALL IDEA BOOK: Get your 36-page, printable copy of the Welcome Fall Idea Book and enjoy seasonal ideas you’ll love using in your home.

4. THIS AND THAT: THIS lake home is so cozy and well-appointed, and so worth a look! I’ve been making THIS family-favorite salad for decades, and it is the most delicious salad I have ever made. Everyone loves it. No hype! Fall is in the air even if it is August. THIS is a peek of a gorgeous New England fall splendor. Get a head start on THIS simple Fall Leaf Wreath for your front door. Did you know your front door color can reveal a lot about you? See if THAT is true for your home.

5. FABULOUS FIND: Fall Home Decor Finds

6. HOMES YOU WILL LOVE: Take a peek inside this totally charming fixer-upper in Connecticut. Also, this timeless home with a New England feel is in Illinois. Then make sure to stop at this very interesting home in New York.

7. CURATED CLOSET:

8. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: Today is Lefthander’s Day. What percent of people are left-handed? Today is also Prosecco Day. What is the best glass to serve prosecco in and why?

9. CULINARY CORNER: Scrumptious In-Season Peach Crisp: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, toss 6-8 sliced peaches with 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 Tbsp cornstarch, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon; spread in dish. In another bowl, combine ⅔ cup flour, ⅔ cup oats, ½ cup sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Cut in ½ cup cold butter until crumbly, stir in ½ cup walnuts if using, and sprinkle over peaches. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10. SMART IDEA: Leave some empty space when decorating so each beautiful item can stand out.

ANSWERS TO #8: Only 12 % of all people are left-handed and tend to be smarter than their right-handed counterparts. Prosecco, an effervescent wine more popular than champagne, is best served cold in a tulip glass to preserve the bubbles. Persecco is a favorite of mine.

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built-in white shelves in a living room decorated with colorful, traditional living room type accessoriesPin

1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Banish boring shelves! To create visual interest when styling shelves, and to keep vignette arrangements from feeling flat, be sure to use decorative items of varying heights – mix tall objects with medium and shorter ones. For small objects, horizontally stacked books make great “risers” to give those pieces a boost. Using stacked books not only adds dimension but also helps fill in empty spaces in a way that feels intentional.

Why this works: Our eyes tend to skim over arrangements that don’t have dimension to them. Using a mix of heights will draw the eye up and down, making the entire arrangement feel as if it has been well curated.

2. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that you might be wasting valuable storage space in your home? This post is filled with genius ideas for taking advantage of that valuable real estate. The one about storing pot lids is genius!

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: My most favorite recent purchase is also a laundry tip. I ABHOR the stale smell that can build up in a linen closet over time. Ewww. But I LOVE opening a linen closet to the smell of freshly washed towels and sheets! I have found that when I add just a splash of this to my laundry detergent, when washing towels, that it makes my entire linen closet smell amazing. Bonus tip: to keep other closets smelling fresh, pour a very small amount onto a clean, dry washcloth and tuck it away somewhere within the closet.

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: The holidays, when many of us will be traveling to visit family and friends, will be here before you know it. You will score a plethora of brownie points when you’re a houseguest if you go beyond the usual “thank you” by giving your host with something truly memorable. And I’m not talking about something you need to purchase.

Here’s what to do – thank them three times – once upon arrival, when you depart and again afterward with a handwritten note. This one thoughtful gesture speaks volumes and will help your host forget about the extra work they may have done to prepare for your visit.

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: My foyer is small. No matter how I decorate it, it feels cluttered. How do I decorate it so that it feels welcoming and stylish, but not full of stuff? Find the answer below!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS: I’m always on the hunt – here’s what I ran across this week that you may love. Check out my entire collection of Weekly Favorite Finds HERE.

• These sweet gingham checked tea towels will be perfect hanging in my kitchen for fall.

• I love the various shades of blue in this area rug. It comes in lots of different sizes and is currently on sale!

• We’ve had so much rain in central North Carolina over the last few months. One of these will look great in my foyer. And it’s 25% off as of writing this post.

• Every bathroom needs a monogrammed hand towel. These are great quality and come in a variety of fonts and thread colors.

• Hydrangea season is drawing to a close, but I’ll be able to remember their beauty year-round with these pretty digital download art prints. Currently 40% off.

• I swooned over this bedding set when I saw it. Definitely gives Ralph Lauren vibes.

• I love this for Thanksgiving entertaining.

• Oh my goodness – Pottery Barn’s new fall dinnerware is gorgeous.

7. WEARABLE STYLE: This outfit is perfect for this time of year as it bridges the gap between warm and cool weather. It’s a versatile combination that feels fresh now and will carry you seamlessly into fall.

• This stretch-cotton top is soft and easy to layer and has the perfect colors for late summer/early fall.

• I would love to see it worn with these flattering, straight leg ankle pants.

• These casual leather slides are cool enough for warm weather days and also the perfect color for fall.

• Want to dress it up a bit? This pretty mixed metal necklace would be the perfect addition.

8. HOME HACK: Keep spray bottles off of the bottom of the cabinet under your kitchen sink by hanging them from a tension rod. This type of rod is normally meant for curtains, but it’s a great way free up space for other cleaning supplies and makes them easy to grab.

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: Sometimes I like to do the unexpected. Using unconventional fall colors made this one of my favorite fall wreaths of all time.

10. ANSWER TO #5, THE READER QUESTION: To style a small foyer that looks stylish, but doesn’t feel cluttered, start with one main piece of furniture, such as a console table or a small chest. Hang an appropriately sized piece of art above it to add interest. Be sure to keep accessories to a minimum—one lamp, a small greenery arrangement and a small bowl or decorative box are enough to make it feel styled without overcrowding. If you’re using a console table that is open underneath, add a couple of small footstools or use baskets that will provide hidden storage.

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Suzy

Suzy is the founder and author of Worthing Court, where she shares practical, real-life decorating solutions that help anyone create a home they love. With decades of decorating experience and a passion for helping others, she breaks down the process into simple steps that anyone can follow—no design degree required.

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