Weekly Wednesday Wish List # 219

This week’s Wish List features a curated collection of early fall ideas for your home, decorating ideas for your home 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 Weekly Wednesday Wish List #219

As September begins to unfold this weekend, home decorators across the country know what that means: Labor Day, the first Monday, is not just a holiday. It’s the unofficial starting gun for fall decorating season. Many of us eagerly swap out summer’s airy linens and bright tones for cozy textures, richer hues, and touches of autumn as soon as the long weekend passes. You can get tons of fall ideas in my Fall Archives, all gathered in one spot to make decorating your home for the season easy and inspiring.

1). THE BEST FALL AT STONEGABLE: Fall would not be fall without making this delicious Raw Apple Cake. I’ve been making it for over 4 decades, and it’s everyone’s favorite! Get ideas for fall decorating and enjoy last year’s Fall Home Tour as I prepare for a new one coming soon. Get all StoneGable’s fall posts in one place HERE.

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: Flat surfaces are where most of your decorating magic happens. THIS and THIS will help you create beauty and reflect your style. Find the most beautiful taupe paint colors in THIS helpful article. THIS is full of fall beauty and inspiration! Get fall table ideas THAT reflect the bounty of fall.

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

• This beautiful pillow.
• I just got two of these handsome nightstands for one of our guest rooms. LOVE!
• Fall is the perfect time to refresh your candles. This one is so pretty.
• This stylish tufted upholstered ottoman.

• Don’t you want to jump into this plush chair?
• This sweet brown checked lampshade.
• I just got these pottery-ish lamps for the nightstands in the guest room. LOVE!
• This lovely pottery vase.

6. BEAUTIFUL HOME TOURS: Tour this restored 1930s farmhouse in Delaware filled with family heirlooms and antiques, then visit this Nancy Myers inspired home on Long Island. And don’t miss this lovely, redesigned, and fully functioning historic home in Madison, Ga.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What is the full moon in September called? How did the “no white pants after Labor Day” rule come about?

8. CURATED CLOSET: 

• My absolute favorite pair of pants. I have them in every color. LOVE!
• This long-sleeve cotton tee is perfect for fall- on sale and lots of colors.
• LOVE this simple black dress– on sale.
• Versatile schoolboy sweater blazer– on sale.

• Attractive button-down sweater– in various colors.
• This will be your go-to fall into winter jacket. LOVE!

9. CULINARY CORNER: Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy. Add 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup sour cream, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples. Pour batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. THE LAST WORD: This fall, forego all those bins of fall decor. Create one fall arrangement or vignette in every room, and add a few edited textiles, like a new fall pillow or throw. Done! Enjoy!

ANSWER TO#7: September’s full moon is called the Corn moon. It occurs on September 7th. The “no white pants after Labor Day” rule came about because of the stringent dress code norms at the turn of the 20th century. Thankfully, we no longer follow this rule. Now you know!

1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Something as simple as using the correctly sized table lamp is one thing you can do for an instantly polished look in your room. There are exceptions to the “rule”, but generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that the bottom of the lampshade should sit close to eye level when you’re seated. For two reasons – it not only provides the best light for reading and conversation but also keeps the lamp from looking too short or too tall for the space.

Why this works: When lamps are the wrong height for the space, it can throw off the proportions and cause a general feeling of “something’s not right” in an entire room. When you’ve been careful to use the correctly sized lamp, your rooms will feel more balanced thoughtfully put together.

2. DID YOU KNOW: Picture frames for wrapped canvas artwork can be quite a bit more expensive than frames for standard art prints. Because canvases are much deeper, they require a specialized type of frame. Buying them ready-made can get quite costly, but did you know that it’s easy to make your own? All you need are a few basic materials and tools and a little diy know-how to save quite bit of money. You can find a step-by-step tutorial right here.

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: We are nearing the end of a down-to-the-studs remodel in our master bathroom. The room is very small so good storage and functionality is at the top of my list. Last week I highlighted the vanity that we purchased (and some of you did too!), but this week I want to sing the praises of the recessed medicine cabinets we chose. Now that they are installed, I am over the moon impressed with their quality and features!

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Southern Living magazine asks the question, “Does anyone still use cloth napkins?’. I’m sad to say it’s a notion that seems to have fallen by the wayside. If you’ve joined the ‘paper napkin only’ camp, I hope you’ll reconsider! A cloth napkin doesn’t have to be something “fancy”. Even using plain white cloth ones can make the most mundane meal feel like something special.

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I’m so tired of arguing with my husband – I need help! When it comes to decorating, we have completely different tastes. I love color and traditional, but he loves neutral modern minimalism. Every time I try to decorate, we disagree, so I wind up doing nothing. How do we solve this dilemma so that we will both be happy? See #10 for the answer!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS: Now that we’re nearing the end of the month, I thought it would be fun to look back at the most popular items from August—the things that all of you loved and are worth a second look. If you missed them the first time around, here’s your chance to check them out.

• You guys must love good-smelling laundry because you literally ordered 100’s of these this month. Remember – just a splash added along with your regular detergent is all you need.
• Many of you are looking ahead to fall and scooped up these gorgeous faux acorn oak leaf branches.
• You definitely are loving this perfect side table.
• I’m glad to see so many fellow abstract art lovers.

• All of us must be in cleaning mode lately because this inexpensive gadget has been a hot item.
• There must be many of you who are making their fall wreaths as this cute ribbon was popular this month.
• Finally a countertop paper towel holder to love.
• Lots of us are going to have beautiful doors when we replace our old doorknobs with these.

7. WEARABLE STYLE: We’re currently experiencing what feels like an early fall here in North Carolina and it has me shopping for cozy pajamas, robes and slippers.

• Yes, this brand is worth the hype. I personally own this robe and it is the softest, coziest, comfiest thing I’ve ever worn.
• Oooh – this would be so comfy at the end of a long day. Comes in four colorways and currently 30% off.
• Everyone I know that has these for keeping their toes warm loves them.

8. HOME HACK: Ever get frustrated when artwork pitches slightly forward and won’t lay flat against the wall. A simple solution is to stick a clear rubber bumper (the kind made for cabinet doors) on the back of each corner of the frame. This usually provides just enough leverage for the picture to stay upright and lay flat against the wall.

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: I think that velvet is the perfect texture to add to decor for the fall. A favorite fall styling moment of mine was filling an urn with velvet pumpkins, then tucking a few realistic faux fall leaves into the vignette. The soft, velvet texture of the pumpkins paired with the structure of the urn and the free form of the leaves made such a pretty combination and turned out to be a real statement piece for the season.

10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): Dear Reader – I feel your pain! Juggling different tastes can be a huge challenge, but rest assured, there is a way forward. And it doesn’t mean giving up what either of you love or living with a look you can’t stand. This article is exactly where you need to start.

1. FROM SUMMER DECOR TO FALL: Now that we’re nearing the end of August, you’re probably starting to think about transitioning your home from summer into fall. My Summer to Fall Transition Plan makes it easy with ideas on textures and tones to bring out, how to make your home feel like fall, simple styling tips, and a plan to help your home evolve naturally with the season.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Look for decorating inspiration anywhere and everywhere. A little spark can come from the most unexpected places like a vintage plate (this happened to me recently), a walk through your neighborhood, or even a page from a free catalog in the mail. Keep your eyes open and your mind curious; you never know where your next great decorating idea will come from.

3. WEDNESDAY WELLNESS: Did you know that people who make their bed every morning are more likely to get a good night’s sleep and feel more productive? Plus, a tidy bedroom reduces stress and helps your mind feel more in control. So, if this isn’t one of your morning habits…give it a try!

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

• Updating your doormat for fall is an easy way to welcome the season and give guests a cozy first impression.
• Make sure to layer this plaid rug underneath for an even cozier look.
• Give your front door some love with a new seasonal wreath.
• This piece will bring the feeling of autumn to your entryway without feeling too “fall-ish.” 

• These cotton napkins will add a fun pop of fall to your table.
• And the matching plaid table runner pulls it all together.
• Ditch those plastic kitchen tools and replace them with wooden ones instead.
• Raise your hand if you’re excited for blanket season. Me, me, me!!!

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: If you’re hosting or attending a Labor Day cookout this weekend, my hashbrown casserole is the ultimate crowd pleasing side dish! Crispy on top and creamy & cheesy on the inside, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, our family knows from personal experience. I love making this casserole for get-togethers because it’s comforting, easy to serve, and pairs well with almost anything on the table. Just be prepared, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

6. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: Why do we celebrate Labor Day? Labor Day honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement in the United States. It started in the late 1800s as a way to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of everyday people who built the country. Today, it’s a long weekend to celebrate work, rest, and the start of the unofficial end-of-summer season.

7. UPDATING MY FALL WARDROBE:

• I want this cozy cardigan so bad!!!
• I wore this oversized sweatshirt the other day and loved it so much that I bought 2 more.
• Track pants are making a comeback and I’m here for it.
• A bedtime cold weather must.

8. MAKE THIS WITH ME: The weather has started to cool here, which means it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up indoors and get a little crafty. This pumpkin spice salt dough wreath is not only a great way to add fall decor to your home but to also fill it with that irresistible fall scent. All you need is pumpkin spice salt dough, an oak leaf cookie cutter, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. Roll out the dough, cut out the leaves, bake until firm, and then shape them into a wreath on a hoop form. Display your DIY wreath on a hook or hang on a door.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “The earth has music for those that listen.” ~ William Shakespeare

10. BACK TO SCHOOL HOME EDITION: September is the perfect time to give your entryway a little refresh. The kiddos are back in school, and with just a few simple tweaks, your front door area can feel welcoming, organized, and ready for the season ahead. Think of this week’s lesson and homework as a mini course in making a great first impression…no pop quizzes, no detention, just easy ways to make your home feel cozy!

This Week’s Lesson: Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. A tidy, intentional space at the door instantly makes your home feel inviting. Small touches like a basket for mail or shoes, or a seasonal accent like a pumpkin or wreath can make a big difference without much effort at all.

This Week’s Homework: Take five minutes to freshen up your entryway. Tidy up, add a seasonal accent, or reposition a basket or tray to gather things you use all the time (e.i. keys, shoes, bags, leashes, etc.). Notice how just a few simple changes can make your home feel more welcoming?

Happy Wednesday, friends…