- A new seasonal centerpiece for the dining table
Think oak leaves, gourds, pods, grasses, grains, pinecones, herbs, yarrow, sunflowers, okra and all things fall bounty we yearn for until the season’s return. Think about adding foam to a favorite vase and creating your own autumnal design, or pick-up a premade arrangement ready for placing and save yourself the work. Either way, the dining table is a great place to start for adding a festive flair to your home.
- Add feathers to the home!
Whether behind the corner of a frame on the wall, in a favorite arrangement or in your front door wreath, feathers have a way of adding interest and woodland charm. Go on a hike and keep a keen eye out for any that may have been left behind, or shop our collection of guinea, pheasant, ostrich and peacock feathers for some instant gratification. Feathers easily grip into almost all arrangements or bouquets without much fuss, but for a front door we recommend a bit of glue on the tip to ensure longevity.
- Cut and dry your fresh herbs to last you through the seasons
You spent all summer growing and trimming beautiful herb plants in your garden and there is no reason to let the cold take away your hard work! Preserve your remaining herbs with one of the easiest methods: drying. Whether it be thyme, oregano, lavender, sage or rosemary, simply hang in a warm, dry area such as the kitchen or attic where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. The sun will deteriorate the stems, bleaching the color and dulling flavors. It is best to gather your stems in the early morning, but after all dew has evaporated from the plant. Make small bunches for hanging, discarding any rotten or browning leaves. For more tender stems such as basil, mint and parsley, you can place bunches in a paper bag with holes cut for aeration, or hang over a pan to catch dropping leaves. Let stems dry approximately 8 days then transfer to an airtight container and store in a dark, cool place. For preserving optimal flavors and aromas, it is best to keep leaves whole until using. Crushing your herbs will release all their good properties, and you do not want to do it prematurely.
- Fragrance
Gaze at the splendor of turning leaves from the inside out, and how better to elevate the experience than a seasonal-scent-filled house. Whether it be a burning fire, scented candles, incense or bowls of potpourri, there are ample options to turn your home into a lovely sensory affair. Place in a central place or entrance to get the most out of your fragrance and welcome you home from a chilly day. Or to really maximize the potency, place your fragrance in a small room such as a bathroom or powder room to immerse yourself entirely.
- Flower frogs for grasses
‘Tis the season for gorgeous billowing grasses in their full glory. We can’t help but marvel at the fluffy heads, impressive heights and array of colors when out on a walk, and what better way to celebrate them then bringing them into the home to cherish inside and out. All you will need to display your grasses is a rubber band, scissors and a flower frog. You could also place the frog in a low vase if desired. Begin by obtaining your grasses, whether from the garden or a consenting neighbor’s yard, or from our pre cut and dried collection online or instore, select your specimen and cut to length. We cut around 14-16” in length. The diameter of your bunch should be similar to that of your flower frog. Now put a rubber band right above the cut end and place onto the frog. Sometimes we find it easier to place the rubber band and then cut to length right beneath the band in order to get a crisp edge without too much fuss. Give the grasses a little fluff and place in a vase if desired. You’re now ready to add your new DIY decor to your home.
- Fruits and Pods
Records of dried fruits date back as early as 1700 BC in Mesopotamia and were carried on as a staple throughout the middle east for centuries. During the reign of the Roman empire, garlands of dried fruit and popcorn first appeared during the festive celebration of Saturnalia, the predecessor to Christmas. Later, with the ability to import fruits from warmer climates across the globe, citrus and other tropical dried fruits became a status symbol for the elite. Today, dried fruits and pods are a favorite for seasonal decorating, and for good reason! Dried elements are a great way to incorporate nature into your home without the fear of them perishing before the season is over. And with proper care, you can reuse your dried fruits and pods year after year.
References:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/8836/sp50921dryingherbs.pdf