Showing posts with label Summer decorating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer decorating. Show all posts

Monday, July 29, 2013

Summer inspirations . . .


Summer is a quiet season for our family.

For us, it's about . . . relaxed and lazy evenings and weekends, simple and fresh dinners ~ al fresco, feasting on an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, spur-of-the-moment trips to the beach, and long, leisurely visits with friends and family.

Our home takes on an equally relaxed feel.

 

Last Summer our home was filled with cool greens and blues . . . 

                   and this Summer its about navy blues, warm reds, yellows, and cool whites



If you follow my blog, then you've probably noticed that Chevron prints have made their way to our dining room table quite often. Like here and here.

Although I fell in love with this navy blue and white Chevron print, I wanted to pair it with a simple, warm-colored fabric.

So, I trimmed a basic burlap with burlap trim for a table cover . . . and then made a simple runner with the navy blue and white chevron print fabric.

What I love most about this combination is that it's OLD meets NEW . . . 
                    warm, old-time burlap meets new, modern Chevron. I quite like it!  

 

 

My mom bought me this beautiful blue and white pitcher 20+ years ago while antique shopping in a small town in Kansas. 

It typically finds a special place in my decor during the Summer months. 


Whether brimming with vibrant flowers, or filled with sweet lemonade, it's a charming beauty. 

I love that it came from an antique store deep in the country. If it could speak, I'm sure it would have many stories to share.  



I wrote in my July inspirations post, that daisies and sunflowers always remind me of Summer, so they tend to find their way in bouquets around our home June through September.

I love the whimsy, fun-feel of daisies . . . the bright sunshine-feel of sunflowers, and the formality of white hydrangeas. 


White hydrangeas can dress up a simple daisy and sunflower bouquet, beautifully.


Ahhhh, lemons . . . (lemon zest, in particular) 


They find their way into many of my Summer-inspired recipes, sweet and savory.

    Lemon zest adds vibrancy to dishes. 

So you'll typically find 2-4 lemons on my kitchen counter at all times, especially through the Summer months.


Staple flowers in my home, no matter what the season, are white hydrangeas. 

You'll find them in bouquets around our home, year round!  

~ photos from our family room ~

 

Fresh herbs are often a part of my Summer decor too. Farmer's Markets sell huge bunches of them for 25 cents!

They're so green and full and lush . . . perfect little bouquets, so why not buy your favorite ones and display them on your counter-top!?!


I think that displaying them is not only attractive, but they serve as a reminder to add them to your dishes. 

Did you know that you transform an "A" dish to an "A+" by just adding fresh herbs on top!? It's really that simple.


Well friends, that's about it for now. I hope you're enjoying your Summer.

            Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you come back again soon.












Thursday, July 25, 2013

easy-to-make Summer bunting


I love bunting! 


Whether made of fabric or scrapbook paper, it's fun and easy to make . . . and its possibilities are endless!

This pretty little ol' dishtowel  inspired my Summer bunting.

~ You can find the burlap trimmed dishtowels for sale in my etsy shop! ~

My best-friend, Alex, gave me these dishtowels for my birthday . . . and I fell in love with their beautiful, warm colors . . . and classic design. 

They look like Summer, don't they!?!

I thought I would change up my DIY chalkboard and drape Summer bunting across it, instead of writing a message this time. 



Here's how I made it . . .

STEP 1.
Select your favorite scrapbook paper and fabric trim (minimum 1-inch width).
Cut scrapbook paper into triangles (bunting flags).
Fold fabric trim in half, and then iron to make a seam.

~ I love the colors and patterns! ~

STEP 2.
Tuck the bunting flags into the ironed seam, 
and then pin the flags into place. 


STEP 4.
Sew a straight line along fabric trim,
removing the pins as you sew.
 



Voila, you're finished!

Now it's time to decorate . . .




It's even darling draped across a bouquet of flowers!

 

Happy Summer, friends!












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