Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #220

BySuzy

September always feels like the true start of fall even though the calendar says fall doesn’t start until the 22nd this year. We seem to be experiencing a bit of an early fall here in NC. The mornings and evenings have that first hint of crispness, and suddenly thoughts turn to warm colors and little rituals that make home feel inviting again.

This week’s Wishlist is filled with ideas to help you do just that. From advice for choosing pumpkins that don’t rot within the first few days, to something I recently purchased for my kitchen that has me swooning, it’s a roundup of ideas you won’t want to miss. There’s even a fresh way to use lanterns you might not have thought of before.

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1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Now that September has arrived, are you ready to bring a cozy fall aesthetic into your home? You might start off by selecting a simple fall palette that you can repeat throughout all of your rooms. Sprinkle those colors throughout with pillows and throws, stems and wreaths, candles and small pumpkins—even out onto your front porch.

Why this works: Using the same fall color palette in every room ties your spaces together and creates a natural sense of flow. Instead of feeling random, your seasonal decor looks intentional and balanced, and those repeated touches of color give your whole home that cozy fall vibe.

2. DID YOU KNOW: Have you ever purchased a pumpkin to use as part of your outdoor fall decor only to have it begin to rot within a few days? I sure have. Did you know that there are tips to choosing the right one to prevent that from happening? You’ll want one that is firm, with no blemishes on the skin, no soft spots, and still has a sturdy stem attached. A dull, matte finish is actually better than a shiny surface, because it means the pumpkin has matured fully. Also, a heavier pumpkin of the same size will tend to last longer. To kill any surface bacteria, be sure to wipe the skin with a mild bleach once you bring them home. Then lastly, keep pumpkins out of direct sun and away from heat.

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: In our new-to-us house, we replaced the existing fully electric stove with a self-cleaning induction one, that also air fry’s. The instant heat on the stove top is awesome. The sad part is that I had to replace my beloved Revere Ware cookware with new stainless steel cookware. And oh my – I am very enamored with it!

I did a lot of comparison shopping and boiled down my selection to two brands – All Clad D3 or Heritage Steel. Both are excellent brands and come highly recommended. Ultimately, I chose Heritage Steel for two reasons – the handles are much more comfortable and easier to grasp and the pans aren’t quite as heavy as the All Clad D3. Both brands come with a lifetime warranty, but the warranty for Heritage Steel is broader. And then there’s this: Heritage Steel manufactures in small batches in Tennessee, and they emphasize durability for “heirloom quality” use — they expect the cookware to be passed down through generations. That’s pretty impressive to me.

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: It often seems that the smallest seasonal rituals bring an immense amount of joy. Taking just a few minutes in the evening to light a candle can instantly shift the atmosphere of your home and your mindset. This time of year, there’s something about burning a fall-scented candle that feels like I’m marking the season in a special way and making everyday life feel just a little more cozy. Everyone has their favorite scent, but Southern Living magazine recently shared the 17 best fall candles that they say their editors burn on repeat.

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I love to burn candles in my lanterns this time of year. I usually place a pair on my fireplace mantel, but I’d love an idea for something different.

I have a house filled with contractors needing my attention this afternoon, so I’m giving you the answer early!

ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): An unexpected way to use your lanterns is to make them the focal point inside tall porch urns.

  • Use filler in the bottom of the container, such as an empty nursery pot upside down, to support the lantern.
  • Rest a plain grapevine wreath on the rim of the container.
  • Place the lantern in the center of the wreath, resting on whatever filler you used in the bottom of the container.
  • Add a candle to the lantern and tuck a few fall picks into the grapevine wreath.

It’s an easy, high-impact swap that looks polished by the front door and still gives you that warm candle glow.

Be sure to come back next week when I’m not being pulled in 10,000 directions to catch up!

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1. BUDGET-FRIENDLY FALL DECOR: You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring autumn warmth into your home, remember to look at the landscape around you. The easiest fall decor comes straight from Mother Nature…dried hydrangeas, pine cones, acorns, twigs, dried grasses, leaves, seed pods, berries, and wildflowers.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Think outside the box when it comes to decorating your home. Everyday items don’t always have to serve their “intended” purpose. A toothbrush holder can double as a small vase, a teacup can hold matches by the fireplace, and plates can become beautiful wall art. Look at what you already own with fresh eyes, and you’ll find new uses hiding in plain sight.

3. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: Have you heard of the apple cider aesthetic? Well I hadn’t until I read this article in Country Living magazine! It’s a super cozy fall trend that blends the warmth of cabincore with the charm of cottagecore. Think spicy color schemes like ginger and mulberry, layered textures of wood, wool, and linen, and classic plaid or gingham patterns. Add accents like a bowl of apples, a ruffled pillow, or amber toned candles and suddenly your home feels like a comforting mug of cider.

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

  • When I shared this on social media last week, it quickly became a bestseller.
  • A GORGEOUS cozy cottage mirror that I’m drooling over.
  • Grab this wrapping paper to use in your fall decor now and to wrap your Christmas gifts later.
  • Speaking of Christmas, check out this tree topper. I need it!
  • This cocktail table is the perfect mix of vintage charm and modern function.
  • Who needs a fairy godmother when a glass pumpkin can make your home look magical.
  • Now that it’s September, it’s officially crockpot season!
  • Artwork that’s timeless, classic, and just the right touch of countryside charm.

5. WHY YOU SHOULD…Add a little gingham to your home.

Gingham has been trending hard in 2025 (and I don’t see it going anywhere any time soon). You may have noticed it popping up everywhere from home decor to fashion. But the truth is, it’s always been a classic. A simple gingham pillow, set of napkins, or even a lampshade is an easy way to achieve instant charm and character. What makes gingham incredibly versatile is the way it easily mixes with other patterns like florals, stripes, or solids while still keeping that timeless feel.

6. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: I don’t know about where you live, but here in New England, apple cider donuts are a fall staple. My apple cider doughnut bread gives you the same delicious, comforting flavors in an easy loaf without frying or having to make individual donuts. It’s soft, spiced with cinnamon, and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every slice taste like the real deal…no trip to the orchard required.

7. UPDATING MY FALL WARDROBE:

  • Currently living in these lounge pants.
  • And of course I had to buy the matching top because clearly I’m going for chic couch potato.
  • These jeans are proof you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like you did. Love them!
  • The ideal “it’s not summer, but not quite fall” sweater that’s lightweight, short sleeved, and easy to layer when the temps can’t make up their mind.
  • Perfect for fall layering and gives loads of cozy vibes.
  • I have the tote bag and the travel pouches but now I need the new duffle bag.
  • This jacket has me feeling like I should be out walking the corgis at Balmoral. Obsessed!!!
  • Add these hair scarves and you’ll be channeling Queen Elizabeth on a countryside stroll.

Make sure to follow my LTK boutique to see me wearing the cozy finds I buy and love!

8. MAKE THIS WITH ME: Give your kitchen a little vintage charm by turning plates into fridge magnets. All you need are small plates (thrifted butter pats work great) and adhesive-backed magnets. Just stick the magnets to the back of each plate, press firmly, and let them set. In minutes, you’ll have charming magnets that make your fridge feel just as cozy and collected as the rest of your home.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.” ~ Matshona Dhilwayo

10. BACK TO SCHOOL HOME EDITION: Now is a great time to give your kitchen table or dining area a little extra attention. Between homework, snack time, and family dinners, this space works overtime in September. This week’s lesson and homework is a reminder that a hardworking space can still feel warm and inviting.

This Week’s Lesson: The dining table isn’t just for meals, it’s a hub of family life. A simple centerpiece can instantly make it feel pulled together. Keep a basket nearby for homework supplies or art projects if you have little ones so the table can transition easily from schoolwork to supper.

This Week’s Homework: Clear off your table and reset it with intention. Add a cozy centerpiece, wipe down the surface, and corral any extra clutter into a basket or tray. A tidy, refreshed table will make the room feel brand new.

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1. FALL IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME: Decorating A Fall Mantel With A TV Or Art will help you with creative, fall-inspired ideas that balance your screen or artwork with seasonal decor, making your mantel both functional and attractive. I love bringing the outdoors inside for fall. See 10 Inexpensive Fall Organics To Use In Your Fall Home for simple inspiration. And get inspired with Beautiful Fall Trends For 2025 You Will Love!

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

3. 4-WEEK FALL PLANNING GUIDE: Fall decorating should feel simple and natural. Grab your free 4-Week Fall Planning Guide to help you ease into the season and decorate with what’s fresh and in season.

4. THIS AND THAT: Love bringing fall naturals into your home? Don’t miss THIS. Want to ease into the season? THIS makes it simple. Looking for organizing help? Check out THIS. And since most of us start decorating right after Labor Day, I can help with THAT—easy early fall ideas.

5. FABULOUS HOME DECOR FINDS: A little bit of everything.

6. BEAUTIFUL HOMES TO TOUR: If you like English Cottage charm, then this Virginia cottage is a must-see. I LOVE its quaintness! Here’s another beautiful Virginia home! If you love blue and white, don’t miss this vibrant, colorful home. This lovely historic home in Maine is a charmer!

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What is September’s birthstone and flower? When does fall begin this year?

8. CURATED CLOSET:

9. CULINARY CORNER: Small Batch Crockpot Apple Butter: Add 5 pounds apples (peeled, cored, sliced) to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Cover and cook on High 1 hour, then reduce heat to Low and cook 9–11 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and dark brown. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Cook uncovered on Low 1 hour, stirring often, until thick. Cool, then refrigerate or freeze.

10. THE FINAL WORD: You don’t have to decorate for the season all at once! Take an easy, more organic approach to fall decorating. Enjoy, and revel in the process!

ANSWER TO #7: September’s birthstone is a sapphire, and flowers are the aster and morning glory. The autumn equinox on September 22nd marks the beginning of fall this year.

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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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