Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #221

It’s usually the little things that truly make a home feel warm and welcoming, and that’s what the Weekly Wednesday Wishlist is all about. From simple decorating tricks to thoughtful lifestyle habits, to fabulous finds, each idea is designed to inspire you to enjoy your home even more.

To name a few, you’ll find easy ways to style your surfaces, a clever hack to upgrade your throw pillows, and an answer to a reader question that may have crossed your own mind. I’ve also included my latest favorite finds for both home and wardrobe, along with a styling choice in a room that has become everyone’s favorite. And that’s just a glimpse of the inspiration waiting for you this week!

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1. FALL DECORATING WITH GREENERY: Most people might not equate greenery with fall decor, but greens can make those warm fall tones feel richer and more relaxed. Take a peek at why eucalyptus is my go-to green and how it can add a cozy, collected look to your fall decorations too.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Stack a few cookbooks by your stove as decoration and easy inspiration. Rotate them with the season and keep one open on a small stand to a weeknight favorite…instant warmth and a nudge to try something new.

3. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: How come your home always looks perfectly clean and organized when you decorate?

This was an exact question I received from a follower on Facebook last week and the short answer is this: It doesn’t always look perfectly clean, I promise. When I’m decorating, I work one spot at a time, slide the mess out of frame (wink, wink), and do a quick tidy before snapping photos.

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

• The Christmas tree I bought for our home this year. See it in our living room in this Instagram reel.
• When your lampshade needs a little refresh, this slipcover does the trick.
• Even the fridge deserves a little love.
• This looks like it came from Anthropologie, without the Anthro price tag.

• Pretty enough to leave out, practical enough to hide the mess.
• The coziest advent calendar I’ve ever seen!!!
• Vintage vibes with a warm glow.
• We’ve got this quilt on our bed and it makes climbing out in the morning nearly impossible.

5. THE MISCONCEPTION & THE TRUTH: There’s a misconception that throw pillows are just for decoration, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Around here, we use them for curling up with a good book, sneaking in a quick nap (Eleanor’s fav), or settling in for a Netflix binge.

6. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: Ditch the canned soup this season and whip up a pot of my better than Campbell’s tomato soup. This recipe uses canned San Marzano tomatoes, onions, and garlic simmered low, then blended silky smooth. Finish with a splash of cream and a buttery grilled cheese on the side. Yum! It’s simple, warm, and somehow even better the next day.

7. UPDATING MY FALL WARDROBE: With a few cozy cardigans.

• Creepin’ it cozy in this ghost cardigan.
• Equal parts cozy knit and equestrian style.
• Great for layering and even better for adding a little scallop detail to an outfit.
• The perfect mix of casual and cozy.

8. MAKE THIS WITH ME: You won’t believe how beautiful dried hydrangeas look in wreath form! All you need is a grapevine wreath, dried hydrangea blooms, pruning shears, and ribbon if you want it. Trim stems, then tuck small clusters into the grapevine wreath, overlapping for fullness and keeping the back clear so it hangs flat. Give it a gentle shake and hang indoors where you want a little natural fall decor.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Autumn tucked me in her woodland home, a honeyed spot for my soul to roam.” ~ Angie Weiland-Crosby

10. PLANNING AHEAD TO THE HOLIDAYS: If you’re like me, you might be starting to think (and budget) for gifts now so that when December rolls around, you’ve got somewhat of a plan! I love to create and give a homemade gift every year to friends and family, so I pulled together a free Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide with simple DIYs, quick supply lists, and printable gift tags. Grab your copy, here!

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1. THE BEST OF FALL THIS WEEK: Decorate for fall without theme-y pillows, the cluttery chotchkies, and big blue bins of tired items we often pull out year after year? There’s a much easier way! Creating A Beautiful Elevated Look For Fall will show you how to get 8 easy ideas for a fresh seasonal feel without the clutter.

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: Tired of making the same old thing for dinner? THIS will give you at least 30 new, seasonal recipes to try each week! Create the perfect fall bucket list using THIS as a guide. Is there a designer who speaks to your sensibilities? THIS southern designer is so charming! Are you a long-distance grandparent and need ideas for staying connected? I can help with THAT.

5. FAVORITE HOME DECOR FINDS:

• A garden stool is one of the most versatile accent pieces. LOVE this one and this one.
• This velvet upholstered bench is beautiful! Wouldn’t it make a great coffee table for a small room? I just got two velvet ottomans; however, they are hard to find, so pick a couple up if you see them in your area. They are GORGEOUS!
• This classic neutral sofa is beautiful.

• This gilded dog is the perfect accent for animal lovers.
• Inside or out, this large wicker urn is ready for a big pot of mums.
• All these amazing fake pumpkins are on sale!
• Treat your front door to a pretty new fall wreath.

6. BEAUTIFUL HOME TOURS AND MORE: There are so many stunning ideas in this fall vlog from Studio McGee. Their fall porch this year is my favorite (except for the moss)! You will love touring this beautiful, historic Maine home with amazing views. And visit 3 traditional style homes, classic and comfortable.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What is the science of apple growing called? Why do leaves turn different colors in the fall?

8. CURATED CLOSET:

• I have and love this pretty and comfortable fall sweater.
• This classic jacket blazer– on sale
• I LOVE this tunic top in spice.
• This comfortable teddy sweater in various colors.

• Wear this classic and chic dress anywhere.
• These high-performance, comfortable pull-on pants– on sale.
• These casual loafers.
• These figure-friendly pants are so comfortable! I have them and LOVE them. On sale.

9. CULINARY CORNER: Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder: Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger; rub on a 4–5 pound boneless pork shoulder. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven, sear pork on all sides, remove. Add 2 sliced onions, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 3 sliced apples, cook until softened. Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups apple cider, 2 cups chicken stock, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Return pork, cover, and braise 3½–4 hours until tender. Shred and serve with braising liquid and apples.

10. THE LAST WORD: This year’s fall decorating trends are beautiful and inspiring! Find easy, fresh ideas to bring into your home. See the unexpected color I’ll be using this season.

ANSWER TO #7: The science of apple growing is called pomology. When the days shorten, this signals trees and plants to stop making chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis. As the green fades, other pigments begin to appear, changing the color of the leaves. Now you know!

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1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: When styling a surface, whether it’s a coffee table, console, end table or something else, always remember the “Rule of Odds”. An odd number of items almost always looks more natural and visually pleasing than even numbers. Keep in mind that a group of 3 – 5 items works best – more than that can appear cluttered.

Why this works: Odd-numbered groupings give the eye a sense of movement, but with a clear centerpoint. It’s a simple way to make vignettes feel balanced yet relaxed.

2. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that limelight hydrangeas make a beautiful fall arrangement that will last all season long? Simply cut the panicles (the large flower heads) when they’ve begun to turn from white to a soft rusty-blush color.

Place them into a container (without water), being sure to remove all of the leaves from the stem. They will dry into a beautiful arrangement that will last all season!

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: I searched high and low for the perfectly sized console table for the smaller foyer in our new-to-us house. This one fits the bill -the perfect length, height, and narrow depth at an affordable price. Dressing it up with new quatrefoil drawer pulls was the perfect finishing touch.

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Peaceful days versus chaotic ones – which do you prefer? Take just a few minutes each evening to “put your home to bed” by clearing clutter, wiping down counters, placing dishes in the dishwasher and so on. It’s a brief, nightly reset that allows you to wake up to order and tranquility to get your day off to a good start.

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: My hallway is long, dark, and boring. How can I add interest and brighten it up? See #10 for the answer!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS: My mind is definitely craving all things cozy.

• I love this for a welcoming fall front entry.

• The prettiest throw blanket for chilly fall evenings.

• These napkins mixed with these reversable placemats would make such a pretty fall table.

• This filler would look fantastic in this bowl. So affordable!

• These would be so good on a tray on a coffee table.

• The cutest Jack-O-Lanterns in all the land.

• Faux mixed harvest in a basket – love it.

• This fabulously shaped ribbed fall candle.

7. WEARABLE STYLE:

• Legging weather in here and these are a great dupe for higher priced athletic-wear brands at less than half the price.

• Be comfortable, yet pulled together with this top paired with these luxuriously soft pants. Currently buy one/get one half off.

• My absolute favorite kind of cool weather jacket. Lightweight, yet warm. Perfect for running errands. Currently buy one/get one half off.

• So many new stylish and feminine colors in one of my favorite casual tops.

8. HOME HACK: Do your throw pillows always look wimpy and less than full? The secret to that is to always use inserts that are one – two sizes larger than the pillow. For example – always use a 20″ – 22″ insert in an 18″ pillow cover. Makes all the difference!

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: I’m returning to my foyer for this week’s favorite styling moment. As scary as it was, I’m so, so happy that I took a chance on a vibrant wallpaper. It’s the space that everyone who visits tells me it’s their favorite.

10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): You turn a hallway into more than just a boring pass-through space with a little thought. Brighten with lighter wall paint and if it’s especially dark, add a mirror to bounce light around. Add ceiling light fixtures that are stylish and accommodate higher wattage bulbs. For personality without clutter, hang a row of art prints that guide the eye forward instead of a busy gallery wall. Finish the space off with a patterned runner to add color and a is visual focal point.