Fall is in the air, even in Texas

I've been painting pumpkins and making garlands

And painting more pumpkins!

Pumpkin overload.  And we are only a few days into Fall.  :)

Have you seen this?  I've had more fun with Jenn Rizzo's hot to paint a pumpkin tutorial.  Now I have assorted white pumpkin paintings all over the house.  As you can see by the above.

Even if you don't think you can paint, trust me, you can.  Super EASY tutorial that will have you churning out pumpkins in no time flat.  

Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Village

Dallas Arboretum, but I wish my backyard looked like this.

Dallas Arboretum, he just made me smile!

Sweet Hub and I spent Saturday afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum.  With temps in the high 70's, it was a perfect day to walk and to be inspired by all things Fall that they had put out.  I could not help but smile at this guy.  

Yay for cooler temps, Fall, and of course, pumpkins!

Decorating Tip For Grouping Small Elements

BEFORE PICTURE

Here is a little trick that I love to do at work, when I am merchandising.  

As you can see above, the rooster and small artwork look cute on the kitchen table, but a little lost, on such a large space.

AFTER PICTURE

Adding a tray underneath them, groups them together and visually gives them a bigger bang for your buck.  And in this case, adds another pop of color.  

BEFORE

Wanna see it again?  Here these three pieces are cute on their on and look OK on my small dresser in my entryway...

AFTER

...but add the tray and they take on a little bit more "umph".  The eye sees them as a whole, not a grouping of three small pieces.  The tray gives them a little more importance.

And, while I love this particular tray, it does not have to be a tray.  A large platter or low box or low edged basket works well too.  

Great tray from The Dove's Nest in Waxahachie, Texas

We just got these trays in at work, and I adore the color and the shape.  I could see use this several places in my home and will be great for the holidays.  But for now, it will live in the kitchen.

Above is the finished look.

Plates:  Dollar Tree and Marshall's, Frame and Rooster Hobby Lobby, Pillows hand sewn from old tablecloths

I'm still in the process of tweaking and editing my little home.  Trying to only put out the things that I truly love.  Trying to add more color.  Above are two of my favorite pieces in the house, my pine hutch and my thrifted dining table and chairs.

I got the hutch wholesale years and years ago from a friend that had a shop here in town.  I still love it.  The table I found at an antique mall, a booth that was closing out.  Don't be a hater when I tell ya I practically stole it at $49.00.  The chairs....Estate Sale, a mere $15.00 each.

But this was not an overnight thing...the table sat in the garage for ages, until I found the chairs.  Patience is the key.  I love the pink and it adds a funky touch.  Or weirdness.  However you want to call it.  But I love those shabby pink shutters, another antique mall find.

Here is my disclaimer...I don't profess to be a great decorater, but I learned allot of things from my Mom and my Aunt (both of whom have had great eye for decor).  I can do some things easily (arranging books shelves and table top), but arranging furniture and layout I always find difficult.  But I'm always trying to learn.  

Thanks for taking a peep.