Late Summer Decorating

Yes, fall is just around the corner. But it's not here yet! While we'll have plenty of time for fall decorating (and we'll be sharing some of those ideas later), we do have a few things to say about late summer decorating.

Photo courtesy of HGTV

Let's start with keeping the party outside just a little longer. Purchase a few throws that match your decor and have them available for guests (and yourself). You can use them to cover the furniture for a new look, or put them in baskets for easy access.

With shorter days, lighting becomes even more important. And what is more warming than candlelight - and lots of it! (Just keep the flame covered.)

While many flowers are on their way out, there are still plenty of beautiful fall colors - and we're not just talking mums. Many flowers last until first frost (sedum, lavendar and coneflowers), as do many beautiful variegated foliage plans (coleus). So change those pots with dead flowers to plants that will have color through a lot of the fall. And keep cutting the blooms to make bouquets for inside and out.

Bring a bit of the late summer indoors as well. While it may not be time for a fire in the fireplace just yet, it's still nice to add a bit of softness. Think about changing those summer pillows for ones with a soft texture and less bold colors. If you took up your rugs for summer, bring them back. Or change them from the sisal look of summer to something a bit softer. Or even try layering, which is the newest trend. Look at the beautiful selection and ideas offered by Cost Plus World Market (a great place to buy inexpensive home decor items.

I know it can be tempting to jump right into fall, but be patient. We'll have plenty of time for that in October!