Pre-fall style touches: a layered dining table, darker blues and tans, textured coffee table styling, and easy summer-to-fall fashion.
Post Labor Day
Well, Labor Day has come and gone, school has started, and I am still holding on to summer.
September is a beautiful month here on the Maine coast, with sunny days in the upper 60s and cool nights in the low 50s—dipping into the 40s as the month progresses.
But as much as I cling to summer, there’s no denying its end is in sight. The light has shifted, the days are noticeably shorter, and the wildflower meadow is fading to golds and browns. Soon my limelights will be turning their rosy fall hue. Around town, the summer visitors have headed home.
All these subtle changes have me in the mood to make a few pre-fall style updates around the house, too.
I brought out a familiar tablecloth for the dining table. Swapped a few pillow covers in the living room and folded a different blanket on the loveseat—small touches that bring a cozy, late summer style refresh.
And what started as a quick coffee table styling turned into a craft project—with shells, seaweed, twine, and a hot glue gun. When inspiration calls, I follow!
Of course, there are some things I’m not changing just yet—and I’ll explain why.
I’ve also picked up a few summer-to-fall fashion transition pieces to share. I’m wearing them with shorts now, and will pair them with jeans and sweaters as fall progresses.
So whether you’re all-in on fall or still savoring summer, I’ve got you covered this week!
Adding Layers in the Dining Area
I started with a simple change in the dining area—a favorite tablecloth I’ve had for years. The blue and tan floral block print instantly warms the space with both color and pattern. On top, I kept the same Chilewich madras-style placemats I’ve used all summer, but layered over the cloth they now add depth and texture.
In the center of the table, I left the stack of spongeware bowls—more pattern and texture—but swapped the cordless lamps for glass hurricanes and pillar candles. There is nothing like the warm glow of candlelight as autumn approaches.
Everything else in the dining area stayed the same, but these small changes weave it all into a layered whole. It doesn’t shout “fall,” yet the room feels just a bit cozier—an easy pre-fall style update that makes the space feel fresh without a big seasonal overhaul.
Cozying Up the Living Room
In the living room, I took the same approach—a few subtle changes to make the space feel a little less summer and a little more fall.
First, I swapped out some pillow covers, focusing on warm beiges and darker blues. Next, I folded a dark blue throw blanket on the loveseat in place of the white one I’d had there all summer.
On the coffee table, I opened Sean Scherer’s Vignettes to a page filled with darker tones and rich textures, but still with the coastal feel I love. That image inspired the rest of my arrangement: a pair of brown starfish placed on the book, my collection of beach rocks and mussel shells moved from blue-and-white dishes into rustic carved wooden bowls, and a simple platter holding a small grouping of shell items.
I included the beautiful candle sent to me earlier this summer by It’s More Than a Home, a blue-and-tan striped lusterware mug holding a shell, and a little craft project using the wicker-covered bottle I shared last week (more on that next!).
As I pulled everything together, I kept my focus on texture and warmer, deeper colors. But just because summer is ending doesn’t mean I move away from my signature coastal style—or pack away my shells. In fact, I wrote an entire blog post on decorating with shells year-round, with tips for keeping them from looking out of season.
And while it’s on my mind, It’s More Than a Home is dropping their first fall collection of candles on Tuesday. You can preview the containers for their sale here. I have my eye on a few!
Now, I can’t wait to show you the details of how I transformed the wicker bottle with some natural elements.
Crafting With Coastal Finds
Do you remember the wicker-covered bottle I picked up recently at a vintage market for just three dollars? (I wrote about it in last week’s blog post.) I first tucked it into the corner hutch in the dining area, where it played nicely with the other pieces I have grouped there.
But it didn’t stay put for long. When I was shopping my house for the new coffee table display, it immediately came to mind. Something with height—check! Texture—check! A deep color and timeworn finish—check, check!
As lovely as the bottle was, though, it needed a little something more. That’s when my mind started swirling. I grabbed a large brown shell from the dough bowl in the corner of the living room, and before I knew it, I was wandering the shoreline gathering dried seaweed. Yep, that’s how I roll sometimes.
I inserted the bottom of the shell into the bottle’s opening and wrapped the top with twine. Then, using a glue gun, I added bundles of seaweed and smaller shells to decorate the neck. The result is a piece that feels both rustic and coastal—perfect for anchoring my new coffee table arrangement.
And of course, I couldn’t resist slipping a sprig of seaweed into the striped lusterware mug as well.
This all to demonstrate that you shouldn’t hesitate to get creative with natural elements in your home! Foraged finds tie your space to season and place. They add character and personality—plus, free decor is always a good thing. I can guarantee no one else has a bottle quite like mine. 😉
What I’m Not Changing Yet (and Why)
As I have been making these few changes this week, there are two areas that I have purposely not touched.
A Seasonless Mantel
I do have plans to change the dining room mantel as we move into fall, but for now, the living room mantel stays just as it is.
This time last year I introduced you to Captain Ward, who had a starring role in my mantel decor through several seasons. I thought he might be here to stay. But then, at a flea market in June, I found the ship diorama—and Captain Ward was relegated to the basement.
Over the years I’ve displayed a variety of artwork above the mantel, and I’ve loved them all in their time. There is something particularly special to me, though, about the ship diorama. It doesn’t demand attention the way Captain Ward did. Instead, it settles quietly into place, as if it were always meant to be part of the stone fireplace.
And while I will never be a minimalist, I am craving a simpler aesthetic these days. The world feels loud and acrimonious, and I want quiet and harmony here at home. Right now, this sweet little carved ship with its rope detail represents that for me. So she stays.
Still, I am noodling on a few ideas for how to add a subtle touch of fall—stay tuned!
Entryway Notes: A September Remembrance
Some of you may have noticed in my IG photos that I still have patriotic bunting hanging on the shelf of blue-and-white transferware in the entryway. That’s intentional—not lazy.
Before I was Molly in Maine, I lived in the D.C. area and worked at a government agency affiliated with the Defense Department. While I wasn’t directly affected by the terrorist attacks on 9/11, they felt deeply personal. I will never forget the eerie silence of the no-fly zone in the bright blue skies afterward. Or how my young son was afraid to be in any large public space. Or how my workplace pivoted overnight to an important new mission. Life—and the world—shifted on that date.
So as a small token of remembrance, I leave some of my July 4th patriotic decor up through September 11th. It’s a memorial to those lost, gratitude to the brave first responders, and acknowledgment of those who have worked in anonymity ever since to keep us safe.
Never forget.
Summer Into Fall Fashion
Wow, that got a little heavy there. Let’s lighten things up with some summer-into-fall fashion!
I’ve picked up a few transition pieces for fall that I’m enjoying now and will layer as the temperatures drop.
Classic Button-Ups
I love a button-up shirt. They’re classic, dress up or down, and look great in solids, stripes, or a pretty floral. Roll up the sleeves and pair with shorts now; wear with jeans and a sweater later.
I recently picked up a red and blue floral shirt at J.Crew Factory. It looks like a Liberty Print—for a fraction of the price. I have broad shoulders, so I sized up for a roomier fit.
A Poshmark Find
I’ve had my eye on the Frank & Eileen white denim shirt for a while. The heavier-weight fabric, relaxed fit, and distressed hemline are laid-back style perfection. Something I was even willing to pay full price for.
But then I found it in my size on clothing resale site Poshmark—for less than half the original price! I had never bought clothing from Poshmark before, but I don’t mind gently used. It’s a great sustainable fashion find—you can score amazing deals and it’s good for the environment. So I went for it.
The shirt arrived looking brand new, and I know I’ll wear it endlessly. I was so happy with the purchase that I ordered two other shirts from Poshmark. Have you shopped with them?
Blue and White Forever
I’ve pretty much never met a blue-and-white shirt I didn’t love. I have a drawer—and a closet—full of them. That didn’t stop me from adding to my collection with a heavyweight long-sleeve tee from AYR.
It’s not inexpensive, but the quality is fantastic. I know it will be something I reach for again and again.
Casual Jeans for now and the Season Ahead
Lastly, I’m loving the casual jeans styles that are everywhere right now. I had my eye on the Jameson Jogger Utility Jean from Frank & Eileen but found a similar pair at J.Crew Factory at a much better price point. I suggest sizing down for a slimmer look.
Ready to give your own fall wardrobe a refresh? You’ll find all the links below.
This Week Into Next
I had the best visit with my son and daughter-in-law in Michigan last weekend. Their new home is comfortable, colorful, and so very them.
Friday was a mother–son day. We headed to Northville, popped into a few shops, and grabbed delicious sandwiches at Tuscan Café for lunch. Saturday we were up and out for the massive Arts, Beats, and Eats festival in Royal Oak. Sunday we visited a nearby mall so I could check out a new Apple Watch, and then figured out the record gallery wall they’re creating in their music room. (It’s not done yet—they’re waiting on some display ledges to arrive from Etsy.) And Monday I had my requisite lunch at Sweetgreen before heading to the airport. Sadly, there isn’t a single Sweetgreen in all of Maine.
Back at home this week, it was all about settling in, making a few small decor changes, and getting this blog post written—plus lots and lots of U.S. Open tennis viewing. I’m excited for the finals this weekend! This tournament always evokes a sense of nostalgia in me. I remember watching it with my mom and aunt when I was growing up, and later with my kids when they were young. For me, it’s a seasonal touchstone, marking the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
This Saturday, I’m headed to the Fairfield Antiques Mall—“Maine’s largest antique and salvage destination.” No, I haven’t double-checked that it’s open, ha, but I’ll take you along with me in next week’s post!
Until then, have a wonderful week and be well!
