I'm back AGAIN from California and certainly happy to not be planning another trip anywhere for awhile. This time it was a business trip to San Jose. It was a very nice trip, great hotel, a whole lot of amazing food and wine - really, as business trips go, it was very, very nice - no complaints here. There's nothing quite like being at home though, especially at this time of year. I love fall so much that I don't want to miss any of the beauty that Minnesota has to offer. Green grass, leaves of burnt orange and burgundy, clusters of maple trees at varying stages and peaks of color, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hay rides, cool nights sitting in the back yard with a fire burning. It's a really great time of year here. I've taken some photos of the new items I got in California and mixed them in with a few fall displays around the house. Thanks for being patient with me being gone lately. I really appreciate it my friends.
I found this Halloween garland to decorate my tree in the entry. Not sure if you can see it, but I have hung old skeleton keys from ribbons and looped them over the branches. Skeleton keys...get it? It's all about the theme for me :o)
Gourd goodness.
Isn't he cute...he kind of falls into the same category as "pumpkin guy" from a couple of posts ago. There's just something about that silly pumpkin grin that makes me grin in return.
This basket is located on top of the below cabinet. My mom gave me the decorative garland, which I wrapped around the basket.
This cabinet is at least 100 years old, and was on my grandparent's farm. It's simplicity really appeals to me. It can be so easily embellished, and especially looks great with autumn accents. The apron hanging on the right is from the Farm Chicks, which my mom got for me at their antiques show last September. I love those polka dots.
I haven't gotten these hung yet, but they'll probably be in our bedroom. They are sketches from the 1930's. I have another in our room that is very similar, which I got last year.
A cute little tag that I'd like to try and mimic when I get a chance. I have it hanging from the lamp next to my side of the bed.
I'll be sharing more fall decorating pictures very soon, as well as a couple of other things I got in California. I can't believe we're already heading into the second week of October. It's still in the 70's and 80's here, which is amazing, but I'm sure it will be cooling off soon. Hope you're all very well.
Allison- It is always so nice to come home. Your fall decoarations look great. I love that cabinet from your grandparents farm. We have so many things floating around my family that were on my great grandparents farm. I am lucky to have a couple. I hope that you have great week. I have one of those busy work weeks coming up!
Bristol
Posted by: Bristol @ Cottage by the River | October 07, 2007 at 06:44 PM
Cute Halloween decos, Allie. I don't decorate for Fall, but do it up big for Christmas, but I enjoy seeing what others are up to.
Rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda | October 07, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Its great to have you back! And, you have more fall goodies to share! Love them!
I can't wait until this hot weather passes & we can really get into fall---hot cider & fires in the fireplace...I know that they are around the corner!!
Posted by: Kim | October 07, 2007 at 07:36 PM
I think your decorations look fantastic...as always! You do such a wonderful job with that!
And i TOTALLY agree..it is soo nice to be home and enjoying the season!!! :)
Posted by: Katy | October 07, 2007 at 08:17 PM
Oh Allie I love all the wonderful fall decor!!
Posted by: Meredith | October 07, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Love all your beautiful decor.
Posted by: Brenda | October 07, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Allison - Glad you got home safely! I like all your new fall touches and fun things you found in California. I really like the pumpkinhead man and the dog sketches.....too cute!
Have a wonderful week! Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | October 07, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Hi Allie,
Welcome Back! Love all your fall decorating. And that cabinet is very special!
Penny
Posted by: Penny ~ Mosaic Artist | October 07, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Wow, everything looks so beautiful!!! Love how you have decorated.
TFS,
Dayami
Posted by: Dayami Lauzurique | October 08, 2007 at 05:47 AM
Allison,
Your decorations are just beautiful! I love that cabinet. It's hot here in PA right now. Today's high is supposed to be 90! For October? In PA? That's just not right. I'm totally jealous!
Love,
Julie
Posted by: Julie | October 08, 2007 at 05:52 AM
Allison- I love it all and the idea with the keys is inspired. I'm so copying you girl! I really love your dog pictures too. I would not have been able to resist them and that apron, well I think you know how I feel about that!
I'm glad you are back home and settling into autumn. It looks like the weather will be changing this week. I can't wait. Jen
Posted by: Jen | October 08, 2007 at 06:41 AM
I've missed you Allie! Love all of your wonderful fall decorating! So inspiring! And those dog sketches are just precious - I'd love to have those too!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | October 08, 2007 at 06:53 AM
I am so in love with your taste and home. Being a nester, reader, and antique lover myself I totally connect. I am so happy I found your blog!!
Posted by: Kristine | October 08, 2007 at 07:28 AM
hi - found your blog through creative blogs - i will definately be back. love your style!!! and yes, you do have a "cozy home".
Posted by: traci | October 08, 2007 at 07:39 AM
I love all your fall decor. I know what you mean about not wanting to miss the fall. I grew up in Michigan and fall is just spectacular. I really miss it being out here in California. I really miss the Cider Mill!! I would kill for a dozen of those donuts!!!!
Posted by: Karin (creativechaos) | October 08, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Welcome back! I love all of your Fall decor. You truly have a wonderful gift and way of putting things together.
Karla
Posted by: Karla | October 08, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I love all the goodies you brought home. Although I am new to your blog... I am loving all your decorating themes. Very unique and beautiful as well.
Happy Fall!
Renee
Posted by: Renee | October 08, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I am a new reader and am throughly enjoying your blog. These autumn decorations are great and I adore your apron- so cute!
Posted by: Amy | October 08, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Allison, it was worth the wait to see more of your seasonal decorating. You have a real knack for putting your finds and treasures together. Love your style which definitely creates a cozy and beautiful home and also your sincere way of writing.
Posted by: Sandy | October 08, 2007 at 04:20 PM
Allison,
Glad you had a good trip. It's nice when you get back home though.
I love all of your decorations!! How nice that you have that great cabinet that was on the farm.
Can't wait to see more stuff you got in California.
Enjoy the Fall!!!
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | October 08, 2007 at 10:46 PM
A Halloween TREE! I'm jumping up and down right now, what a great idea! Wonder if I could spray paint my old Christmas tree? :) I'm glad you are enjoying a real fall, it is so hot here in the south, we cant tell that summer ended.
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 09, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Glad to hear you had a good trip - love that cabinet btw!
Posted by: Kirsten | October 09, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Very nice decorations. plese come by for a cup of apple cider at Dasiy Bouquet Mary
Posted by: Mary Isabella | October 09, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Hi Allie - glad you're back safe and sound - you were missed. Love all your decorating for Fall/Halloween - that's a great cupboard. I'm done for Fall but holding off on the Halloween stuff until I get back from England - leave next Monday, back Oct. 28 so will have few days to put the Halloween stuff out before the trick or treaters arrive!!
Have a restful week after all the traveling!!
Posted by: Mary | October 09, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Visiting via Daisy Cottage, love your posts. Your Halloween Tree is really cute, love your idea of the keys. Just wanted to say it's a small world...your back from a California business trip (use to live in CA) and you live in Minnesota. Hubby from Minnesota, travel there lots and lots. Just thought it a very small world indeed. Love your blog.
Posted by: Alice | October 09, 2007 at 05:14 PM