Designing at Carols: Life Is Gourd

Abby McIntyre

Oh my gourdness, friend! It’s November! Welcome to the peak of autumn where warmth emanates from our kitchen tables instead of the blazing sun outside. It’s the hot apple ciders and fall décor that really gets me excited about this season. This year, it seems as though we are anticipating the holiday season with more excitement than ever. Visions of the family gathered around the table with smiles all around just make you feel warm and fuzzy. This month, I want to give you a few helpful tips on how you can spice up your tablescape this autumn to perfectly capture the warmth the season brings, and how to transition it between holidays.

For starters, let’s think about the textiles on your table. A great way to bring pattern and texture into your room to celebrate the season is through your table runner or placemats. A classic print to try is a warm fall plaid full of cherry apple reds, golds, and tones of spiced orange. Drape a plaid table runner along the length of your table or built in hutch in your dining room to create the base of your tablescape. Next, get the family together for a fun trip to the pumpkin patch! It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with the grandkids and have them help with the decorating. Select a few happy little pumpkins and gourds to arrange as a festive centerpiece. If a large centerpiece isn’t your style, you can still embrace the concept, but opt for a smaller scale. Try a patterned placemat to use as your canvas to create a small-scale, individual table setting for your guests. Both options are a wonderful way to add a designer touch to your space.

One of my favorite parts of autumn is the crisp weather. Mid-autumn in Texas brings the perfect weather to leisurely stroll among the local farmers markets on a Saturday morning. With all the different flora and fauna at the market, it is a fantastic place to gather fresh botanicals for topping off your dining room tablescape. Bringing in a fresh cutting is a great way to bring life into your space. This also allows you to get creative with your arrangements from week to week. Perhaps one weekend you will find bright sunflowers to place in your centerpiece, and the next you find a lovely arrangement with sprigs of green and blue. Keeping the base neutral and introducing pops of color with the gourds and florals will create the perfect seasonal tablescape you can transition from holiday to holiday. Keeping your pops of color similar throughout the dining room and living spaces will help spread holiday cheer as well. Try adding festive throw blankets and pillows to achieve uniformity throughout your home.

The holiday season is upon us friend. Let’s welcome it with open arms and try to remember that life is gourd despite this year’s challenges. We would love to help you with your festive décor this season. Whether it is decorative pillows, or a total transition, give us a call at 940-565-8337 today to schedule an appointment.

As always, happy designing!