Autumn Inspiration from Terrain

This past Sunday, I spent the afternoon wandering around Terrain at Styer's, soaking up tons of beauty and inspiration. This place...oh my! It has the amazing ability to transport me to another world. Here's why...

I left feeling totally refreshed and excited to decorate for the Fall. 

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all images by The Pink Chalkboard

October Blooms

Have you ever heard of a butterfly bush? It's a really pretty shrub, with beautiful blossoms, that attracts butterflies! 

My mom planted a butterfly bush in her backyard a couple of years ago and this past summer, we really got to enjoy it. I can't even begin to describe how magical it is to sit outside on a warm summer day, and watch butterflies and (hummingbirds!) dance around the bush. 

Unfortunately all of the pretty little ivory blooms died in early September before I could get a photo to share with you. 

But then we got a nice little surprise a few weeks ago, when her lovely butterfly bush started blooming again!

I don't know if it was because of the string of warm days we had, or if it is typical with this kind of plant, but it was such a delightful surprise to see unexpected blooms. I love a little dose of Spring in the Fall!

Interested in adding a butterfly bush to your garden? Here is some helpful information…and don't forget to send us your photos!

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images by The Pink Chalkboard

Candlestick Cluster Centerpiece

We were all set to have Thanksgiving at my Mom's this year and two days before, I decided that it would be fun to try a different kind of centerpiece on the table. I thought a cluster of glass candlesticks (set against the black, white, and gray palette of the dining room) could be really striking and different from our usual floral arrangement. My mom was totally into the idea and even ventured out the day before Thanksgiving to buy a few more glass candlesticks, because I decided this concept would only work as a big cluster. 

This was our table setting on Thanksgiving day. 

It was a big hit with our guests and I was really happy, but when looking at the photos later on, I realized how empty the table looked without flowers. I also thought this concept would look even more interesting with different styles of candlesticks. 

So, in the month leading up to Christmas, my mom and I found some really lovely options—cut glass flower petal candlesticks (they are in the front of the bottom right photo, below) and this candelabra from CB2. Hello, drama! 

We bought a bunch of white hydrangeas and on Christmas Day, we placed a single flower in each of eight tiny glasses that I scored at a local thrift store, and a bloom was placed at each place setting at the table.

Here is the result!

Our family sat around the table for hours on Christmas night—talking, laughing, and sharing stories—all with an incredible ambiance created by this cluster of candlesticks and beautiful white blooms.

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images by The Pink Chalkboard

Fresh for the Holidays

I always love fresh flower arrangements, especially during the holidays. Even if they are not traditional, fresh blooms and greens liven up a space and seriously make me smile.

Reading about Emily Henderson's beautiful DIY floral wreath yesterday was so inspiring, but I don't think I have enough spare time to try it myself before Christmas, so I'll bookmark it for next year. In the meantime, I plan to pick up some floral bouquets (I am obsessed with white hydrangeas right now) and create arrangements to enhance my holiday decor. Better yet, I could just order any one of these beauties...

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Winter Tulip Arrangement via Martha Stewart
Birch Vase via Terrain
Christmas Floral Arrangement by Couture Clay via Pinterest
Christmas Arrangement via Martha Stewart
Holiday Red in Paper Wrapped Vase via Jayson Home and Garden
Mophead Hydrangea via Terrain
Mixed Greens in Burlap Vase via Jayson Home and Garden

Succulent Wreaths

It is amazing to think that this gorgeous arrangement is hand-made with live succulent plants. Not only is this "living wreath" perfect for the holidays, but I imagine that it must so delightful during the cold winter months, when we crave fresh, green beauty. Here is a collection of my favorite succulent wreaths found around the web.

Here are some other very unique variations that are too good to pass up. For instance, there is this moss wreath with a succulent "bow..."

I love how the wreath is used as a centerpiece here...

and given my love for typography, I thought this was simply ingenious. Beth from Unskinny Boppy created a monogram succulent wreath. Love!

Interested in trying to make a succulent wreath for yourself? I found what looks to be a great tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens.

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Living Succulent Wreath by ProFlowers via Amazon
Mixed Green Succulent Wreath via Viva Terra
Make a Succulent Wreath via Better Homes and Gardens
Dwarf-Pagoda Crassulas via Flora Grubb Gardens; photo by Caitlin Atkinson
via Pinterest (Thanks for the inspiration, Mom!)
Viva Terra via Pinterest
Succulent Wreath via Viva Terra
Moss Wreath with Succulent Bow by Flora Grubb Gardens via Pinterest
Living Succulent Candlering via ProFlowers
Monogrammed Succulent Wreath by Unskinny Boppy

Nesting

When I was researching images for my tray styling post, I found this photo from Country Living Magazine and was instantly smitten. The idea of using a nest as a vase for a floral arrangement is so cheerful and inviting!

And decorating with nests isn't just for the springtime! As you can see from the inspiration images below, these little wonders are perfect for any time of year, and always look beautiful.

And who says your nest has to be filled? I love this collection of empty nests and glass pieces on the bookshelves below. 

So simple, pretty, and inspired!

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image via Kindra Clineff via Country Living
Bird's Nest Wreath via Terrain
image from Martha Stewart Weddings via Pinterest
Decorative Bird Nest via Summer Sweet Boutique
image via Desktop Nexus
image by Femme de Manille via Flickr and Pinterest
image by Charles Schiller from Martha Stewart Weddings via Wed Loft
image by Debra Lee Baldwin via Gardening Gone Wild
image from Design Sponge via Pinterest

Fresh Lavender

Nothing beats a bouquet of fresh lavender. So beautiful and fragrant, it's such a treat to have around the house. 

Believe it or not, I picked up this bundle of fresh lavender last night at Trader Joe's! I couldn't believe my luck, having never seen it there before. (They have a great floral section, by the way!) I have seen fresh lavender for sale at Pottery Barn and L'Occitane, but how can you pass it up at Trader Joe's for only $4.99? In fact, I may have to head over and buy some more. You can never have too much!


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image by The Pink Chalkboard

A Wall Garden in White

Oooooh, isn't this so pretty?

This is a great take on the vertical garden idea. Pink and green florals create big impact when planted in white pots and hung against a pale, white-washed wall.

You can easily create the same look with cyclamen and calla lilies potted in this hanging planter from Ikea. I adore the lace detail here!  

And while I'm on the subject of Ikea, I found the little greenhouse (on the table in the photo above), there too.

Completely charming! And at $19.99, it would make the perfect summer accessory in your home. (Just add some pink blooms)!

P.S. Jillian posted about another variation on the vertical garden concept here. Check it out!

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first image via Home and Garden magazine
next two images via IKEA

A Garland of Vases

I saw this really clever garland of vases while shopping at Terrain the other day. It is created by stringing together a series of bud vases, and looks beautiful hanging in a window, or outside against a wall. I love the options for delicate little flower arrangements, too. What a simple and pretty idea. 

If you like this look and want to try it at home, check out this tutorial. Please be sure to send us your photos!

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images clockwise from left:

Beaded Glass Bottle Vase Garland in amber from Heartsong Fine Art

Vertical Vases Garland from Terrain

Hanging Vase Garland from Enjoy Co.

Bottle Vase Garland in cobalt from Heartsong Fine Art

Flowers and Burlap

I spotted these flower arrangements on Jayson Home's website. Aren't these images so beautiful? I love how well the rustic burlap vases are paired with the delicate flowers. Soft white roses or bright pink tulips--either way, these bouquets are simply breathtaking. 

Hope you enjoy this flowery-goodness as much as we do! Have a wonderful Friday and we'll see you back here on Monday. 

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Tulips in a Burlap Vase and Burlap Vase with White Roses from Jayson Home