Dried flowers, a patterned tablecloth, new pillow covers, a cozy throw, and natural elements add early fall warmth to the dining area.

Early Fall

There, I said it.

“Early fall”

And while technically it isn’t fall yet, I can’t deny it is starting to feel fall-ISH.

The marsh grass by the water has a warm brown flush to it.

The colors in the meadow are starting to fade.

The limelights are turning from white to rose.

The sun is setting earlier.

And the light in the house has shifted.

I have even noticed a few trees with orange, yellow, and red leaves.

Two weeks ago I shared 4 Easy Ways to Add Cozy Charm To Your Kitchen This Fall

Last week I wrote about Fresh Texture and Color For Your Planters Heading Into Fall.

This week I added a few fall touches to the dining area.

I am not talking pumpkins, gourds, and foliage.

Think warm colors. Cozy patterns. And of course some natural elements.

Let’s get to it!

Dried Flowers

By this point you probably know that I never change the display of blue and white transferware above the dining room fireplace.

I do, however, add seasonal embellishments to it.

This is what I call “lazy decorating”, and I am all for it!

So, I put away the mussel shell wreath and sea fans, and brought out the dried flowers.

I know dried flowers tend to have a bad rap, bringing to mind dusty faded arrangements from the 1980’s.

The dried flowers I have, though, are all small batch and locally-sourced.

The wreath came from our local farmers market.

And I got the loose blooms at the Common Ground Country Fair.

This one-of-a-kind event, put on by The Maine Organic Famers and Gardeners Association, is a “celebration of rural living… vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies.” This year’s fair will be taking place next week, September 23-25, at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine. You can read more about it and purchase tickets on their website!

My daughter Zoë and I went last year. It was my third time and it is always so much fun! There are craft vendors. Yummy vegetarian food. Multiple farmers markets. Sheepdog demonstrations. And so much more!

I digress… Back to the dried flowers! Zoë was not a fan of the flowers at the fair. But then when I showed her a picture of them on the mantel, she changed her mind!

I love their texture and small pops of color. They say “fall”, without screaming it.

This is the third year for the wreath and the second for the flowers. I store them in the basement in the “off season” and they are holding up well so far.

I will certainly be sad when they turn dusty and faded…

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A Patterned Tablecloth

I have written before about our dining room table.

It was the first and most significant furniture purchase I made for the house.

I knew the importance of it, though — this table would be where family and friends would gather for years to come.

It was hand-made from reclaimed pine by Jim Lower at New England Joinery in Monmouth, Maine.

Jim is a true artisan, so I don’t usually cover the beautiful table he built.

Sometimes, though, I am craving color instead of the natural wood.

And of course some pattern!

So for the early fall I tossed on a favorite blockprint tablecloth with a cozy pattern of sunflowers, oak leaves, and acorns in shades of tan, blue, green, and brown.

In the center, a simple bouquet of mixed sunflowers in a spongeware pitcher.

These are simple changes that create a warm early-fall feeling in the room.

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Throw Blanket and Pillows

Certainly the easiest way to change things seasonally is to switch out pillow covers and add a throw blanket.

Pulling from the colors of the tablecloth and the dried flowers, I ordered new covers for the throw pillows on the chairs by the fireplace — a floral print in warm shades of yellow, rusty brown, orange, gray, and blue.

Then I added a snuggly plaid wool throw blanket in similar colors.

These colors are a little different from my usual blues and tans, but they work beautifully with the window treatment fabric and and my blue and white dishes.

The room feels cozy for fall, but the cheerful floral prints, pops of warm color, and dried flowers instead of the usual pumpkins and foliage, keep it fresh.

Now I am ready for the temps to drop, so I can light the fireplace!

Well, maybe not… I am still enjoying our warmish (60’s and low 70’s) weather and porch time!

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This Week Into Next

As you read this post, I will probably be hunkered down for Saturday’s storm.

It is looking like Lee will just be a regular old Nor’easter by the time he hits us. Still something to be prepared for, though, so I need to tuck some things away outside.

Once again stormy weather will be impacting a major fundraiser for our local food pantry. Area Interfaith Outreach provides food, diapers, and energy assistance to Knox County residents in need. I am a board member and also volunteer to pack and deliver weekend meal kits to local kids. You can read more about AIO on our website.

This fundraiser, Art Feeds, is a collaboration between AIO, local artists, Camden’s Page Gallery, and the Maine State Correctional Facility. 36 well-known members of our vibrant local art community have created bowls, which are being auctioned off on-line. Each and every one is an incredible work of art! You can view the bowls and sign up to bid here! The auction has been extended due to the weather, and now closes at 4pm EST on Sunday September 17th. I thank you for your support!

Meanwhile, fall continues to unfurl itself — both outside and in the house. When I post next Saturday, it will officially be the first day of fall! I will either be sharing the living room dressed for the season or something fun I have planned for our outdoor dining area!

But right now, I need to go batten down the hatches!

Be well, friends!

Molly

Highlighting coastal decor and lifestyle, Maddie and Cisco, and the way life should be...

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