Fall is finally here, and as much as I love summer and summer decor, I was looking forward to decorating for Fall. I always like to focus on a few key areas for impact and build on my decor from there. The dining room is always my first spot to decorate. I try to change it or do something a little different each year.
This wreath I purchased at a craft fair and I think it is perfect in this space. It really brings out the fall colors in the room. I may leave it out all year too. My corner table got a little makeover for fall too with just a few key pieces.
Beautiful focal point
Small changes make a difference
I started with my Longaberger placemats and napkins. The fruit pattern is the same pattern on my valances and border so it coordinates perfectly. I love the pop of blue in the pattern too. The place settings are also from Longaberger from years ago. The place setting is simple with the white pumpkin and acrylic word again in the pop of blue.
Simple place setting
A little switch
The center of my table always has the beautiful tray that Bob made me. I love using it as a focal point and building from there. My Emma Bridgewater hurricane is always a favorite each season. I added the wine cooler, fall floral display, and smaller Bridgewater vases to the tray.
A beautiful tray to group items
The olive trees line the rest of the table, and I love the natural look these add to the design. The design was finished with candles from Rae Dunn, glass pumpkins, and acorns and pumpkins. The design did not take too much time, and I think it brings in the fall feel to the dining room. Happy decorating!
Summer is almost over and I thought it was the perfect time to get a couple of my closest friends together for lunch. We have all been so busy this summer and needed to catch up. Summer has gone by so fast, hasn’t it?
I always like a theme. I think that makes it so much easier to plan around. Wanting to keep it casual, I chose an easy summer theme with flowers and bright colors. My garden is in full bloom so I picked some hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, and roses to use in my centerpiece and decor. Quick tip for making hydrangeas last, cut them in the morning, put them in a few inches of water for a few hours, and dip the cut stems in boiling water for a few seconds. Your hydrangeas will last so long! I love paper goods and Lucy Grymes has become a new favorite. Her patterns are so cute and I love the vase wraps. These wraps turn any container (even a simple drinking glass) into a pretty vase. I went with the bamboo-style wraps to coordinate with a floral placemat that reminded me of Lilly. Quick and easy centerpiece and table decor.
My go-to book
Lucy Grymes vase wraps
I went with my trusty old favorite Entertaining with Longaberger book. This book is about 20 years old and it continues to be my go-to for entertaining. I picked a sparkling lemonade recipe but switched out the flavor to lavender. I love lavender. A charcuterie board started the afternoon followed by an overnight marinated vegetable salad and chicken sandwiches with a carmelized onion-apple relish. That relish was delicious. The dessert consisted of a strawberry daiquiri bundt cake from Dockside Market. Dockside Market is a partner of Longaberger and created this flavor specifically for our Horizon of Hope campaign. I also displayed the cake on the Moser Glass small cake stand from Longaberger. The color is perfect and neutral enough to coordinate with any style and decor.
Tasty snacks
Marinated vegetable salad
A fun way to display sandwiches
Entertaining does not have to be complicated or stressful. I always set the table the night before to save time the next day. I also find setting out all of the platters, serving pieces, and utensils the night before so helpful too. This ensures that I am not searching for something the day of. I always like to send my guests home with a small goodie too. This time I found little bottles of the lemonade wine I served and added a burlap bow to the bottle. A bath bomb in a cute box makes a lovely gift too. What could be better than wine and a bath bomb? I think that makes for a perfect evening.
Strawberry daquiri bundt cake
Simple and elegant place setting
We had a perfect afternoon catching up. Sometimes a day with good friends is really what you need! Honestly, just spending time together is really the most important thing!
I was having some friends over for a luncheon and needed a quick centerpiece for my foyer table. I didn’t have time to run to the market for flowers and lately, the flowers have not looked great. This wreath basket from Longaberger is actually from the holiday collection but I think it is perfect to use year-round.
A few supplies are all that was needed
The hurricane from Emma Bridgewater has been the focal point of my foyer table and I thought the wreath basket would fit nicely over it. I had some colorful garland left from a previous project and proceeded to wind it around in the basket. The pink pineapples were already on my table as well as the runner with pink monogram and smaller Emma Bridgewater bud vases. I like the pop of pink and in a matter of a few minutes I had a new centerpiece.
Quick and easy
I love the twinkle of fairy lights. They just give such a beautiful glow. This basket from the Longaberger 1896 collection is so beautiful and rustic. I love the larger weave and I did not want to put anything in it that would cover the weave. Fairy lights were the perfect answer.
Just 2 items for a quick designI love twinkling fairy lights
These were just a couple of quick designs that I put together in a flash. I have some fun ideas for the wreath basket for fall and winter.
The Longaberger 1896 Collection is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I started with one piece and am adding to my collection. My favorite feature of this collection is that the pieces are all handcrafted to look like they have been passed down from generation to generation. The color is beautiful, and I can imagine these baskets being used in my grandmother’s house. All of these pieces coordinate perfectly with other Longaberger collections or any home decor style. The 1896 Collection embodies the past, present, and future evolution of the basket weaving craft and an iconic, American brand. Through this collection, we celebrate our beginnings, embrace the dreams of our crafters and lead with creativity through every basket that is woven with Longaberger. I’ll just share a few of my favorites.
The square organizing basket can be used for so many different things. A simple plant looks so pretty in it or seasonal foliage too. Add a few hand towels for a guest bath, snacks for a guest bedroom, or a tissue box. Standing alone, this basket makes a beautiful statement.
A gorgeous wastebasket for the office yes, please. I think this basket would also be perfect for umbrellas or pool towels too. The height of this basket is sure to be noticed in any room.
The produce basket is my first piece of the collection. I have a strand of fairy lights in it and displayed on a shelf. The twinkling lights look so beautiful through the weave at night. Of course, it also is perfect for fruits and vegetables on the counter.
My dining room table is my favorite thing to decorate and redecorate. How perfect are these placemats and napkin rings? They are beautiful, and being neutral in color they will coordinate with everything. I love that antique and vintage feel of these. They will definitely be making an appearance on my table soon. These would also be pretty hanging on a wall to display photos or twinkle lights.
So, what do you think of the 1896 Collection? I think it is stunning, and I am looking forward to adding more pieces to my collection. I’m happy to help you pick out the perfect pieces for your style too! Contact me HERE. Carrie Kelly Lifestyle, helping women bring traditions, color, & personal style into their homes & stories.
Visit the Longaberger by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle boutique HERE.
Enjoy a complimentary guide and learn easy tips to decorate your home like a pro HERE.
I love the 4th of July. I know, I know that means summer is half over, but it is such a special day. The town where my husband grew up and that we lived in when we were first married always puts on a fantastic parade. We see all of our old friends, bringing back so many happy memories. This year, our street is having a block party complete with fireworks(don’t tell anybody). Poor Ruby Sue, she will definitely need her medicine that night.
I decided to keep my dining room and decor simple this year. I have a collection of patriotic baskets from Longaberger and I thought that they would look nice on the dining room table. I wanted to keep my lemon and blue decor and the baskets were a nice compliment. The glass bottles were a great find at DollarTree years ago, and the simple addition of flags takes them up a notch. Garlands were the finishing touch.
Simple and classic
I simply add to the existing decor
My fireplace area always is draped in patriotic bunting. Simple and classic. I added a USA set of letters, floral picks, glass bottles, and candle holders. I kept this simple as well.
I love patriotic bunting
The entry is fun with the fireworks decor. The wooden flag I painted a few years ago and this year I decided to let it stand on its own. I sprinkled a little more decor throughout the house, but these are the key areas that I try to focus on. This week will be outdoor decorating.
A few fun pieces for the entryway
Lilly Pulitzer is a timeless American brand, and I love that they come ut with a new patriotic pattern every year with their colorful spin. This dress is from the newest collection. I paired it with an acrylic monogrammed star necklace.
Fun take on a patriotic theme
I liked this print so much that I also bought the matching skort and top. Wear them together and you have what we call a Lilly tuxedo. This will be my outfit for our neighborhood party and parade. For a casual event, I paired a patriotic monogrammed tank with a pair of Lilly shorts from seasons ago. Add a pair of white keds to any of these outfits and you are ready for the 4th.
A Lilly tuxedo
Casual look
I hope you enjoy celebrating the holiday with family and friends!
Initial Outfitters by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle is your one-stop shop for personalized bridal and bachelorette gifts. How fun are the beaded earrings for a shower or party? Cups are always a hit for any bachelorette party. Robes and jewelry are always an important part of the wedding day.
What’s a Bride without her squad? Make sure the girls in your gang are decked out and ready to celebrate with these fun beaded earrings!
This slim can cooler is perfect for a bachelorette party night. Made of sturdy stainless steel that’s double-walled and vacuum-insulated to keep your beverages cold for the right amount of time. They feature a gloss white outer surface for photo-quality, vibrant sublimation designs.
Show some love this season with our 12oz stainless steel stemless tumbler with a lid. What’s in your cup? Juice, wine, water? They will never know, and we will never tell.
This robe is perfect to wear around the house on a lazy Sunday, or that go-to when you’re getting ready for a fun night out. It’s the perfect gift for a bride or her bridesmaids! Available in so many fun colors and patterns, you may need more than one in your closet!
Another favorite gift for the bridesmaid or flower girl is a beautiful bracelet. Made of freshwater pearls, this dainty bracelet complements any style.
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Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Can you believe April is already here? It seems like just yesterday we were decorating for the holidays. We have had a nice Winter/Spring in Arizona. Finally, baseball is back and we have been able to enjoy a few games. Friends from home came to visit and we enjoyed showing them a few of our favorite places to visit in AZ. I have a friend arriving today for a few days, and I am looking forward to a little girl time. We are going to shop, enjoy tea, and catch up. It’s going to be a fun week. We will be heading home in the next few weeks too. But, it’s the first of the month so that means that it is time to share 5 of my favorites for April. There is a little fashion, beauty, scents, and more. Enjoy!
I was so excited about the Lilly Pulitzer/Disney collaboration. How cute is this print with Mickey and Minnie in it? I picked up a few pieces from the collection, a pair of shorts, a popover, a backpack, and this adorable dress. On my next trip to Disney, I will be all set with my Lilly!
Since we are on the topic of fashion, this hello weekend tote from Initial Outfitters was a piece that I could not resist. The design of the bag is perfect for summer and who doesn’t love the weekend? I am sure this bag will get a ton of use and will be perfect for travel. It’s roomy and functional.
If you know me, you know that I am always looking for the best in makeup and skincare. Seint beauty has been my go-to for the last few months. The skincare routine is simple (some lines have sooo many products, it takes forever to get ready), a few products complete the line. I do sometimes add a serum from Estee Lauder, and I use a daytime moisturizer too. The cream is too heavy for me during the day, but at night, it’s incredible. The makeup concept is right up my alley. You customize your own palette with your favorite products. It is so nice not to be wasting colors out of a premade palette. There is even a solid perfume too. These are going to be fabulous for travel. I try to pack as little product as possible. This is a palette I customized for Spring/Summer. What do you think of the colors?
It wouldn’t be a favorites if I did not have a favorite scent to share. Voluspa Casa Pacifica is a new fragrance to me. I found it an Anthropologie and it was such a unique scent, I knew that I had to add it to my collection. Voluspa jars are also so beautiful and are perfect to reuse for makeup brushes or to store hair ties. Casa Pacifica has notes of California driftwood, sea salt, and shore brush. It is probably more of a summer scent, but I plan on burning it all Spring too. Very fresh.
Last, but certainly not least, the Desert Botanical Gardens. If you are ever in the Phoenix area, it is one place that I suggest you don’t miss. The desert is so much more than cacti, dirt, and rocks. I think you would be very surprised. My friends really enjoyed it. Dale Chihuly also had an installation at the time we visited. If you are familiar with his work, it is breathtaking, and seeing it in a garden setting is incredible. Stay tuned for a blog full of fabulous pictures from the gardens.
And that’s it, another month of favorites. Is there anything new that you are loving? Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter or Passover, and I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones.
Until next week,
Carrie
Shop my favorites here:
Lilly & Disney (hopefully more pieces will be released, it is sold out right now)
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Can you believe that we are a month into the new year already? It feels like we were just celebrating the holidays. January is always cold and dreary in the Midwest so we headed out to the Desert Southwest to spend the next couple of months. I enjoy spending time outside and the abundant sunshine. The little dogs like it too. They were not amused by the cold weather. We are going to do a little landscaping and hopefully watch some baseball. Guests will come in and out and we always enjoy sharing our home with our friends and family. But, it’s the start of a new month and that means new things that I have been enjoying. Enjoy.
The harsh Midwest winter had been doing a number on my skin. It was so unhappy and reactive. A friend recommended that I try Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops. Just a few drops of this mixed with my serum have made such a difference. I notice my skin is not so red and irritable. I plan on keeping this in my routine twice a day for the foreseeable future.
Fresh flowers make me so happy. I treat myself to flowers almost every week. Having them in my kitchen just brings a smile to my face. The local markets always have a nice selection and I usually just pick one up there. During the summer, I really enjoy cutting fresh hydrangeas, roses, and black-eyed Susans from my own flowerbeds.
Fresh flowers every week
Speaking of flowers and landscaping, I needed some new landscape lights. Between the dogs and landscaper, a few of my traditional lights are run over. I decided to try these LED lights from Amazon that are flush to the ground. My friend has them and they look so nice in her flowerbeds. Let’s hope these don’t get crushed too.
Mornings and evenings here in the desert are chilly. Layers are a must. A classic, roomy sweater is a must, and this one from Carrie Kelly Lifestyle fits the bill perfectly. It’s comfortable, on-trend, and personalized.
A cup of tea or hot chocolate is a must for me every day. A pretty teapot makes it even better. Mackenzie-Childs carries a selection of beautiful teapots. The black and white courtly check is a favorite pattern of mine.
These are just a few of my current favorites. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I hope you enjoy the day. Next week, my friends and I are doing a virtual Galentine’s Day, it’s going to be fun. If you have any favorites that I should try, let me know. I love trying new products!
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
The holidays are over and the decorations, trees, and lights are gone until next year. Now what? The house looks so bare. I enjoy the less is more approach after the holidays but I still want to incorporate a little bit of winter into my decor. It’s still a little too early for all-out Spring decor, even though I did get out a few springy items. The glow of lights on a cold winter night is still something that I enjoy too. This is how I changed my holiday decor to more seasonal winter decor.
As always, I concentrate on a few key areas. My balcony and foyer is a main area that I like to focus on. After the Christmas tree came down I just repurposed the branch tree from the foyer. It t’s pretty all on its own. My vase remained the same with seasonal greenery and feathers in it. When the tree is lit, which is most of the time, it really becomes a feature that is noticed as soon as you enter. I may leave it there all year because I really like the look. In the foyer, I simply left out some snowmen and another winter tree. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
Adding warmth with trees
Keeping it simple with snowmen and a tree.
The family room focus is always the fireplace area. The mantle is a simple garland surrounded by topiaries with a spring theme. Again, I used a branching tree that was in another room for the holidays. I wanted to incorporate a little winter color too and the basket was perfect. The wreath is the same one I used in this spot over the holidays and I think the antler theme is perfect to carry over until spring. The sled also adds just a touch of red and color. I popped the lantern on top, filled it with Buxus balls to add a little more color. I love greenery for every season. A personalized floor mat finished the look.
Winter fireplace design.
Reuse and repurpose pieces
My dining table is the last piece I focused on this season. I left the same table runner and added a beautiful wood tray that Bob made for me. The hurricane from Emma Bridgewater is the focal point and is surrounded by smaller mason jar vases and is a favorite from my boutique. The only other new pieces are the smaller vases also from Emma Bridgewater. The olive trees and herb pots I use each season. I also switched out my placemats to a more seasonal design. I wanted a very clean, natural, and simple look for the table this season.
Simple winter table
Dining table focal piece
Changing my decor from holiday to winter was quick and easy. I mainly repurposed a few pieces from other parts of the house. This will get me through until the bigger spring refresh. I always feel a new sense of joy when I change just a few things each season.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed time with family and friends. We hosted our annual Christmas Eve and since Bobby was on duty we had a small brunch on Christmas Day. It was so nice to be celebrating and enjoying. On New Year’s Eve, we went to our favorite local restaurant and then home. We’re lucky to make it to midnight anymore. I usually start taking down all of the holiday decor on New Year’s Day. I love all of the sparkle and holiday decor but it is so nice when the house is back to normal. Just looks so refreshed. This year, I am going to keep some things out to create a little winter seasonal decor. We made homemade pizza and enjoyed hanging out by the fire watching Yellowstone. It’s another new month and that means it’s time for 5 of my favorite things. This month features everything from beauty products, fashion, and home decor. Enjoy!
A new year always means a new planner for me. This is my second year using Plum Planner and I am still so happy with it. Having the option to customize it with sections that I need is my favorite feature. I add sections on travel, social media, blogging, and more. There are also so many design layout options too. I changed my layout this year. Of course, designing your cover is another favorite feature. This year I went with a blue background with flamingoes and my name in script. I’m really happy with the design.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love unique scents. I ordered Aerin Cedar Violet on a recommendation from another friend and it is everything that I wanted in a winter scent. I have quite a few Aerin perfumes and each one is so unique and different than anything else I have used before. Cedar Violet is exactly as it sounds and transports you to the woodland. The bottles are also so pretty displayed on my dresser too. This has been my go-to all season. If you’re looking for a unique winter scent that is not too musky and strong, this is it.
I had been eyeing this extra-large hurricane from Emma Bridgewater for so long. I thought it would make the perfect centerpiece for my dining room table after the holiday tablescape comes down. Black Friday it was 30% off, so I scooped it up. I am so happy I did. This piece is going to be beautiful all year round and give me a great foundation for all of my seasonal decor. I added the little bud vases too. I thought those would be fun down the table as well. Stay tuned for a dining room table makeover!
My blond hair can sometimes be so hard to maintain, it likes to turn too yellow for my taste. I have tried many purple shampoos and conditioners too. I stopped into Aveda to pick up a few things and was intrigued by their Blond Revival line. I decided to just grab the conditioner because I just ordered a new bottle of Tressa Watercolors silver shampoo. This conditioner has been amazing and leaves my hair so soft while neutralizing the yellow in it. And of course, the smell is amazing. I’m going to stop back in and pick up the shampoo too. I rotate these products and only use them once a week.
It’s sweater season, and I love a fun sweater with words and sayings. This sweater from Lilly Pulitzer has been a fun one to wear. They have a selection of sweaters that are just whimsical and fun! Why not add a pop of color to your wardrobe with a bright and cheerful sweater!
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
