Weekly Wednesday Wish List #218

ByYvonne Pratt

This week’s Wish List features a curated collection of early summer ideas for your home, charming free printable frame-worthy fall pictures, easy DIYs, delicious recipes, our favorite home decor picks, lovely homes to visit, and much, much more. We have a little something for everyone.

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Welcome To Home Style Saturday

Many children are heading off to school, if they are not settling into their classrooms already. September feels like the beginning of the year for me, as I was a first-grade teacher. This time of year is full of anticipation and excitement for the first cool-ish breeze in the morning, or seeing the tops of red maple trees just slightly tinged with their iconic scarlet color. Fall is around the corner. I’ve also come to appreciate the remains of the summer season, as well. The late blooms in the garden, lingering warm evenings on the porch, and the way the seasons gently weave together, giving us the best of both worlds for just a little while longer. Wishing you a mix of beautiful summery days and thoughts of cozy fall.

graphic for post
colorful living room

1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: As we approach the end of summer, it’s only natural to start thinking about cozying up our homes for fall. But here’s the debate that gets many people all up in arms every year – when is the right time to drag out those fall decorations? And the answer is….whenever YOU want to!

Along those lines, I created a handy printable timeline, for my email subscribers, that is designed to start whenever you like. Why this works: The timeline is broken into 4 weeks of doable “assignments” that will help you to ease into the fall season instead of feeling rushed to get it all done at once.

2. DID YOU KNOW? Speaking of fall – did you know that I have a free Fall Decorating Lookbook available for my email subscribers? It’s an online magazine that is filled with 25 pages of fall ideas that you’ll love!

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: I am super impressed with this vanity that we purchased for our master bathroom remodel. It has several features that you normally don’t find in vanity. Even our contractor commented that he is impressed with the quality, which speaks volumes to me!

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: I’ve never been to a Labor Day celebration that doesn’t include watermelon. Why not get creative and wow your guests by serving watermelon in a beautifully elevated way—think juicy melon that is lightly dressed in a sweet-and‑spicy pepper sauce. Yum. Get the recipe here.

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What’s the best way for me to mix in seasonal decor with the everyday pieces that I already have out? See #10 for the answer!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

7. WEARABLE STYLE: End of season sales not to be missed (as if this writing):

8. HOME HACK: Trying to arrange furniture? Use painter’s tape on the floor, in the exact dimensions of furniture pieces, to visualize spacing, flow, and traffic patterns. It’s an easy way to test different arrangements before committing or moving heavy pieces. We even used this method when figuring out our cabinet layout when we remodeled the kitchen in our previous home.

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: One of my favorite fall styling moments was when I completely filled a vase with faux hops stems. There was just something about the abundance of the over-filled vase that felt instantly cozy, which is exactly the mood I want for autumn decorating. The fullness made the display look intentional and lush, without needing anything else to complete the vignette.

10. ANSWER TO THE READER QUESTION (#5): The answer to mixing in seasonal decor with your everyday pieces is to swap out just a few key accents while leaving the rest of your decor in place. For example, keep your foundational items—like lamps, trays, or larger accessories in place, then layer in seasonal touches such as fall stems, pillows, or small decorative objects. This keeps your home feeling fresh for the season without having to completely redo every surface.

fall ornamental cabbage

1. EARLY FALL IDEAS: Ease into fall decorating and enjoy infusing the splendor of the season into your home. Cozy textures, natural accents, and fresh ideas come together in Fall Decorating Ideas Without Pumpkins That Feel Warm And Inviting. For even more inspiration, see how to refresh your spaces with Transitioning Your Home From Late Summer To Early Fall.

2. AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon.

3. WELCOME FALL IDEA BOOK: Get your 36-page, printable copy of the Welcome Fall Idea Book and enjoy seasonal ideas you’ll love using in your home.

4. THIS AND THAT: When a room in our home feels off, color is often the culprit. THIS post shares 8 very helpful color lessons that will show you how to bring balance and a beautiful, cohesive look to your room. THIS 90s storage staple is back! Learn how to use it and make it a “personal and character-filled space”. THIS classic color is having a moment. Get ideas to use it in your home. Do you look at pictures to find decorating inspiration? You will love this beautiful mountain home THAT is curated and welcoming.

5. FABULOUS HOME DECOR FINDS: A little bit of the best of everything!

6. BEAUTIFUL HOME TO VISIT: Visit this farmhouse kitchen of Good Housekeeping’s Styling Director, and this feminine 600 square-foot NYC apartment. This little jewel box living space is so charming. Let’s head over to the Low Country and visit this coastal home filled with historic charm.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: Why is a school bus yellow? What is the fear of going to school called?

8. CURATED CLOSET: Early Fall Styles

9. CULINARY CORNER: Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk 1½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup apple cider, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. For topping, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush warm cake with 3 tablespoons melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.

10. THE LAST WORD: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

ANSWER TO #7: School bus yellow, the iconic color of school buses, was formulated and adopted in 1939 for maximum visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The fear of school is called Didaskaleinophobia, which affects 5% of all children.

view of kitchen

1. FREE FALL DECOR: Yes, you read that right…free fall decor. I mean, how many things can you get for free these days (without any strings attached)?! But seriously, I’ve put together a set of beautiful, watercolor fall printables on the blog that are perfect for adding a little touch of autumn without spending a single dime. You can frame them, place them on a shelf, or even rotate them through different rooms to keep things feeling fresh all season long. They’re an easy, affordable way to make your home feel cozy and ready for fall. Grab your free fall art, here.

2. NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY: It’s National Bacon Lovers Day which means it’s completely acceptable to indulge in crispy, salty, savory goodness all day long. You could make my calico beans recipe or sprinkle a little (or a lot) crumbled bacon on this Cobb salad…because today, there’s no such thing as too much bacon!

3. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t be afraid to mix metals in your decor. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your space feel layered and collected instead of flat or one dimensional. As we move into fall think brass, bronze, copper, and a touch of black or silver all working together to create a warm, cozy feeling without feeling matchy-matchy. A few small swaps like a lamp or candle holders can make a surprisingly big impact.

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

  • The vase that literally everyone is buying.
  • These viral floral stems are finally back in stock, grab them before they’re gone and style them in the vase linked above.
  • I can’t believe how realistic this faux heirloom pumpkin looks.
  • I need a few of these French glazed pumpkins. Aren’t they gorgeous?!
  • Kitchen towels that are perfect for the summer to fall transition.
  • A vintage inspired piece of furniture that could be used in multiple rooms in your home.
  • I hit checkout on this as soon as I saw it. I’m in love!
  • Who let the dogs out? (Sorry in advance if that song is stuck in your head for the rest of the day!)

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: I’ve been spending a little extra time in the kitchen lately, and one thing our family can’t get enough of is mini zucchini breads. They’re easy to make, perfect for when you have zucchini overload in the garden, and just the right size for a quick breakfast or snack. Be careful, it’s easy to eat an entire loaf or two! And honestly, there’s something so comforting about the smell of zucchini bread baking in the oven…don’t you think?

6. UPDATING MY FALL WARDROBE…BUT ON A BUDGET:

  • The prettiest cardigan that you can dress up or dress down.
  • Layer it over this dress in a classic leopard print.
  • This set of bangles looks like Anthropologie but you won’t believe the price!
  • These earrings are the pièce de résistance of any fall outfit.
  • Proof that your feet can look stylish without spending a lot of money.
  • Because everyone should have one of these in their closet.
  • A cute, casual top to wear to work or a night on the town.
  • Burgundy is trending in fashion this fall, stay on trend with this bag.

7. THE MISCONCEPTION & THE TRUTH: There’s a common misconception that a neat, cozy home has to be perfect all the time. I know I’ve definitely felt that pressure myself, trying to make sure everything is in its place before I sit down on the couch with a glass of iced tea. The truth is, a lived-in home with small imperfections actually feels more inviting and authentic. Cozy isn’t about perfection; it’s about the little details, the layers, and the spaces where life happens. A space that reflects the way you actually live is the one that truly feels like home.

8. HOT OUTSIDE, HANDMADE INSIDE: When it’s too hot to do much outside, I like retreating indoors for an easy project. One of my favorites is my homemade Christmas (or fall) potpourri, which smells amazing and makes a great little gift with printable tags included. To make, toss dried fruit like oranges and apples, a few cinnamon sticks, star anise, pine cones, and cloves into a small pot or jar. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and let the warm, cozy scent fill the kitchen. It’s simple, smells incredible, and somehow makes your home feel instantly inviting.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Home is the kingdom in which we have the daily choice and power to make our tiny domain one of light in darkness.” ~Sally Clarkson

10. BACK TO SCHOOL HOME EDITION: Just like the kids are settling into their classrooms, it’s a great time to give your home a little refresh too, without buying a single thing. Think of this as a mini course to get your spaces ready for fall. No pop quizzes, no detention, just a few simple ways to make your house feel more intentional and cozy!

This Week’s Lesson: Texture is your secret weapon. Layers of soft throws, woven baskets, and a mix of fabrics instantly make a space feel warm and inviting.

This Week’s Homework: Look around your favorite room and add one extra layer of texture. Maybe a knit throw, a linen pillow, or a basket. Do you notice how one little addition can make the whole room feel cozier?

More WWWs To Enjoy

Happy Wednesday, friends…

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