Fall and winter are my favorite times to decorate.  From Thanksgiving to Christmas, I always find inspirations from nature. 

Fall gives us a cornucopia of renewed colors, from the ochres (golden-yellow) and umbers (natural browns) of turning leaves to the vibrant oranges and greens of pumpkins and gourds.  And as the leaves change, so does our concept of design.  Here are some welcoming ways to greet your guests and ideas for entertaining.

Cluster assorted shapes and sizes of pumpkins and gourds by your doorstep.  Use bales of hay to add height and texture.  Mix in mums for added color and scarecrows for a little whimsy.

Continue the theme on your mantle inside with harvest candles, fall leaves and a colorful group of gourds. Can’t find pretty leaves?  No problem, you can buy them at a local craft store.

Halloween is a great time to entertain.  I attend an annual pumpkin carving party hosted by a good friend.  Every year, the pumpkins get scarier as our creativity is challenged and our carving skills are honed.  It’s a grown up way to enjoy the fun we used to have as kids.  Of course, it’s BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin).

A fun centerpiece for your table is a pumpkin topiary.  Select three pumpkins small, medium and large.  Use an urn if you have one or a Terra Cotta pot.  Stack them on top of each other and secure with a skewer or large popsicle stick.  Add some leaves around the rim of the container for additional color and texture. 

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude.  A wonderful way to remember the blessings we share is to ask everyone in your family to write a few things they are thankful for on a note.  Then put them in a jar and ask each person to select one and read it aloud, pre-turkey. 

Christmas brings a new color palette to our homes.  Scarlet red berries and apples, deep forest and bright lime greens with sparkling silver, gold and copper create a beautiful combination for decorating.  For a brighter pop add turquoise, teal or royal blue to the mix. 

Design a table scape with a collection of glitter trees, metallic finials, ornaments and candle holders.  Mix and match the shapes and sizes to give height and interest.  Use a gold or silver fabric to create a base and soften the edges of the grouping.    

Give your stairway a cascade of color by using lush green fir garlands with colorful ribbons and sparkling ornaments.  Use pre-lit garlands for an extra twinkle of light.     

For all of your seasonal design and decorating, call Chateau Concepts, creating your dreams from concept to reality.

Enjoy,
Jan Leachman
Chateau Concepts

Phone: (214) 797-4657
Email: jan@chateauconcepts.com

www.chateauconcepts.com