Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #226

When the air feels crisp, the porch mums burst into color, home feels especially inviting. This week’s Wishlist fits right in with that- there’s a little bit of everything that makes a house feel warm and personal, from small tweaks to simple habits that nurture a grateful heart.

You’ll find bookcase styling ideas, a surprising tip for getting your lamps and artwork to shine together, and even an old-fashioned trick to keep candles from dripping. As always, there’s plenty of cozy inspiration for your wardrobe too — plus, this week’s reader question is something that I think we all ask ourselves.

Pin

1. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: The mums, flanking my front porch, are putting on a spectacular show! The porch at our new house is much, much smaller than at our last home. While there are aspects of a larger porch that I miss (cue porch sittin’), I love the ease of having less space to fill.

Pin

2. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Add interest to bookcases when you style them by mixing both books and decorative objects. Place books a few books horizontally, then top them with a small vase, bowl, or framed photo.

Why this works: Books are visually heavy, but combining them with decor keeps shelves from feeling heavy or monotonous. And the mix of horizontal and vertical elements creates visual interest that keeps the eye moving through the display.

3. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that if you position your lamps slightly in front of artwork instead of directly beside it will actually highlight both pieces? The soft light of the lamp will make the art glow gently, creating a layered, designer look that feels warm and intentional.

4. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: If you need wellmade, decently priced, off-the-shelf cabinets, I highly recommend these. I recently purchased a few for the kitchenette in our basement. Even my picky carpenter was impressed with their quality.

5. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Use a pretty glass jar to create an “appreciation jar” to pull from each morning. Fill it with pre-written prayers, Bible verses, or reminders of things you are grateful for in your life. It’s a simple ritual to remind you that gracious living begins with a grateful heart.

6. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How do you know when a room is ‘finished’? I always feel like something’s missing, but I can’t figure out what it is.”

7. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

• The perfect piece for any wall — simple, stylish, and endlessly useful.
• I am blown away at how well this works in a musty closet.
• Tartan plaid season is coming!
• Would you believe these are bath mats?
• The prettiest blue and white pillow.
• Definitely adding to my Christmas gift list.
• The viral Christmas tree that sells out every year.
• I love this take on a Christmas tree collar.

8. WEARABLE STYLE:

• Plaid pajamas, but make them feminine. Love!
• A zero effort pulled together look without the bulk. Currently 25% off.
• A necklace for any outfit.
• Hands down, the coziest bathrobe I’ve ever owned.

• Oh, how I love a flannel shirt. Available in 12 colors.
• This would pair so well with leggings.
• Everyone needs a classic white shirt. Available in over 20 colors and currently 50% off.
• The coziest bedroom slippers.

9. HOME HACK: Want to keep taper candles from dripping wax all over your holders and table? Try this old-fashioned trick: place the candles in the freezer for about an hour before burning them. It won’t stop them from dripping for hours, but will harden the wax and drastically slow it down.

10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): “Finished” rooms don’t happen in a day, and honestly, I don’t know if a room is ever truly finished. Over time, as you add pieces that hold meaning, tweak arrangements, and live in the space, it starts to feel complete—like it reflects you. That’s when a room really comes to life. Often what’s missing is warmth, not more stuff.

Pin

1. FREE CHRISTMAS ART: Add holiday cheer to your home with my free printable Christmas art that you can download, print, and frame in minutes. Each piece has a vintage-inspired feel that works well with both neutral and traditional holiday decorations.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Leave a light on until everyone’s home for the night. There’s something comforting about pulling into the driveway and seeing that soft glow shining through the window.

3. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

• My favorite lidded casserole dish (especially around the holidays) because it keeps hot food hot.
• This dinnerware set would be a stunning addition to a Christmas table.
• Set of 2 cozy Christmas hand towels for $10!
• The ribbon I’ve been using in our Christmas decorations for the last 5 years (it will never go out of style).

• I literally cannot believe this cake stand is from Walmart!
• There are so many ways to decorate with these vintage looking jingle bells.
• This faux potted cypress tree can easily transition from holiday decor to winter decor.
• I’ve been admiring this pinecone wreath and it’s inspiring me to make my own.

4. MAGAZINE MOMENT: Our home was featured on Cottages & Bungalows website last week in a post titled “A Cozy Home for Eleanor.” It shares a peek inside our home along with my answers to a few questions from C&B.

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: Stuffed small pumpkins are the perfect fall dish filled with savory Italian sausage, mushrooms, spinach, and dried cranberries. Topped with crunchy pecans and a sprinkle of parmesan, this recipe is delicious and the pumpkins make a beautiful presentation for any autumn gathering.

6. UPDATING MY WARDROBE:

• I won’t even tell you how many pairs of these sweatpants I have.
• Ruffles and stripes…yes please.
• Oversized button down shirt you’ll wear on repeat.
• The jeans going viral on social media…on sale for less than $20, you can’t beat that!

7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: DIY candles in old tea tins is a simple, vintage inspired project that gives used tins a new purpose. With just wax, wicks, and your favorite fragrance, you can easily create cozy candles that are nostalgic and handmade.

8. OVER ON THE ‘GRAM: I shared a reel showing how I use napkin rings as present toppers. They instantly dress up any gift and look fancier than they actually are. It’s such an easy way to reuse decor you might already have, and no one ever guesses they’re napkin rings!

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “It is not what we think or feel that makes us who we are. It is what we do. Or fail to do.” ~ Jane Austen

10. PLANNING AHEAD TO THE HOLIDAYS: Start gathering inspiration for the holiday season before the hustle and bustle begins. Flip through catalogs, scroll Pinterest, save posts on social media, or tear out pages from your favorite magazines. Creating an inspiration folder (digital or physical) will make decorating and shopping so much easier later on.

Pin

1. CHRISTMAS IS TRENDING: It’s never too soon to start dreaming about Christmas! The newest post on the blog is all about the prettiest Christmas 2025 color trends for decorating your home. See what’s trending, get easy ideas for using these colors, and learn how to bring them beautifully into your holiday decor.

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

3. EASY IDEAS FOR HOSTING THANKSGIVING: It’s not too early to begin to think about Thanksgiving. Get our Thanksgiving Planning Guide with easy ideas, helpful tips, and pictures filled with holiday inspiration.

4. THIS AND THAT: Bring pumpkins inside to grace your home. THIS will show you how. If you would like a little sophisticated spooky look for Halloween, see THIS. THIS easy tutorial will teach you how to knit a dishcloth- a great fall project and perfect for a holiday hostess gift. Start now to make THIS darling mini pinecone wreath. So, easy! Tabletop trees are so popular! THIS will show you the best way to decorate them. That’s THAT, friends!

5. FABULOUS FINDS FOR YOUR HOME

• LOVE this gold and brown 7 ” pinecone candlestick. And this 9″ one. Look at the prices!
• This beautiful faux Cyprus tree in a terracotta pot. Perfect for now through Christmas.
• This handsome spindle nightstand.
• This big knit throw blanket. I LOVE the green one.

• This gorgeous marble top console. LOVE!
• This stunning performance velvet sectional– over 50% off.
• LOVE this attractive swivel chair.
• This graceful arched glass door cabinet– on sale!

6. BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND IDEAS FOR YOURS: Tour this beautiful NYC home of Zooey Deschanel & Jonathan Scott and visit this Nancy Meyers-inspired home filled with charm. Then head to St. Louis and visit this handsome colonial full of history and character.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What country did the Jack-o-lantern originate from? What state produces the most pumpkins?

8. CURATED CLOSET:

• This turtleneck sweater will be a staple in your fall/winter wardrobe.
• This embroidered tunic can be dressed up or down. Very pretty!
• These long-sleeve tee shirts are perfect for layering —on sale.
• This perfect to wear over anything boucle cardigan– 30% off.

• This lightweight down vest in various colors. 50% off.
• This pair of pull-on trousers is chic and so comfortable.
• This pair of classic dress jean trousers– on sale.
• This gorgeous jacquard scarf to finish a look.

9. CULINARY CORNER: Pumpkin Crisp: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs until smooth. Pour mixture into the prepared dish. In another bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Cool slightly before serving warm.

10. THE LAST WORD: There are only 6 weeks until Thanksgiving and 10 weeks until Christmas. Start planning and enjoying this beautiful holiday season now! See 60+ Best Ideas For Planning For Thanksgiving And Christmas.

ANSWER TO #7: The Jack-o-lantern originated in Ireland. However, potatoes and turnips were carved. Illinois produces twice as many pumpkins as any other state. Now you know!