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10 Seasonal Nesting Tips

by | Sep 4, 2008 | Fall Decorating, Traditions & Memory Making

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10 Seasonal Nesting Tips

With all this talk about fall nesting, I thought it would be a good time to share a bit about my philosophy of decorating for those who are new to The Inspired Room, and then share a few “nesting tips.” My motto is:

“When life inspires our home, our home inspires our life.”

What my philosophy basically means to me is that I don’t really like to decorate my home for the sake of decorating or following the crowd. There is a reason behind my decorating madness! I decorate to inspire myself to live the kind of life I want. The change of the seasons is always a good time for me to reflect on blessings and get my home in order to further inspire my life. Seasons inspire my home and my home inspires my life.

When I see evidence of a new season in my home, whether it is a wreath on the door, candle burning in the entry, or pumpkin bread in the oven, I feel renewed energy for life and my family. I get excited about the process of seasonal nesting because each change of season represents a new way to love my family, a new reason to feel blessed and it gives me new inspiration to keep my priorities in order.

Nesting brings out my passion for my family and my home, whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall.

10 Seasonal Nesting Tips

10 Seasonal Nesting Tips

  1. Take your decorating cues from nature each season. Even if your corner of the world doesn’t show the seasons, create the impression of seasonal freshness and ambience yourself with simple changes around the house!
  2. Enjoy the bounty of the season. Fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables and traditional recipes break up the monotony of year-round sameness in our diets.
  3. Create family rituals tied to the seasons. Pick a few special traditions for each season to enjoy with your family.
  4. Create a seasonal gratitude journal. Have everyone in the family add pages to it each season.
  5. Create a simple nesting notebook filled with your family traditions, recipes, and decorating ideas for each season.
  6. Designate a four shelf storage unit for seasonal decorations. Label one shelf for each season and find a separate area for Christmas.
  7. Keep the seasonal decorations simple. A basket of apples on the counter, pumpkins piled on the front porch in the fall or a seasonal wreath on the front door can be enough to make a statement.
  8. Incorporate seasonal scents. Engaging your sense of scent in each season is as important as bringing out the decorations.
  9. Enjoy the sounds of the season. Create seasonal play lists and pump up the tunes so you can whistle while you work! Sounds of nature (Birds, rainfall, ocean waves, rustling trees) can be effective too!
  10. YOUR IDEAS

Now it is YOUR turn!
Add your seasonal nesting tip in the comments to round out our top 10!

Reader contribution:
See a great post on simple Fall decorating here, and a cute idea from her here. Big thanks to Teresa for the ideas and for sharing her beautiful photos today!
Photo credit, used by permission: Teresa

44 Comments

  1. Maven

    Love these and again want to thank you for nesting week – it caused me to write about my dad and I know he appreciated it :-)

    Mavens last blog post..The Nesting Blog

    Reply
  2. Eleanor

    Lovely nesting tips. It is spring in this part of the wee world but what you have suggested can be applied to any season. I especially like the idea of the gratitude journal. Your site is always a treat to visit.

    Eleanors last blog post..Wednesday, 3 September: Exploring the art of happiness

    Reply
  3. CatHerder

    I agree. As soon as the seasons begin to change though, Im all ready to start decorating…..I kind of have to sit on my hands right now and stop it. I have to remember fall has NOT started, and to put away those pumpkins and fall leaves for a few more weeks!

    CatHerders last blog post..one more day

    Reply
  4. Rachel

    Melissa,

    Thank you for visiting my blog a few weeks ago. I was trying to email you directly to say thanks instead of posting in your comments. I am new to blogging and still figuring out blogiquette, sorry. I am running late now, but just posted a little thank you to you on my site.

    Gotta run!
    Rach

    Reply
  5. Joyce

    Melissa,

    I enjoyed reading your nesting ideas! I love presentation and believe sometimes simply is better.

    Enjoy!
    Joyce

    Reply
  6. Beth

    Melissa,

    Every since I came upon your page I am loving it. I have gotten so many ideas from you. From one who knows nothing about decorating thanks for all the hints and secrets to make a home a home.

    Reply
  7. Susan at Black eyed susans kitchen

    Melissa, My favorite way to transition from season to season is to change the colors around the house. Warmer pumpkins, oranges, browns and cinnamons in the autumn brought in by colorful tree leaves, gourds, and mums. In the winter, I will bring in some holly branches and other seasonal arrangements. It is a nice welcome change from the seashells and cool greens and blues of the summer. I also like to change out the throw pillows and other linens seasonally. This was a lovely post. Susan

    Susan at Black eyed susans kitchens last blog post..CRAFT FAIR IN OCEAN GROVE PROVES TO BE PRETTY FISHY

    Reply
  8. sherrieg

    I always like to have something seasonal at the door, so I’m reminded of the seasons every time I come home, and friends are welcomed, too. It’s sometimes a wreath, a pumpkin (or several) on the step, or a planter with rotating seasonal greens. The other place I must have something seasonal is on the windowsill by the kitchen sink, since I spend so much time there!

    sherriegs last blog post..stopping to smell the flowers

    Reply
  9. Terri Steffes

    Start simple. Tie a bow of fall colored ribbon around a lamp. Replace a pillow on the couch with one of fall inspired colors. Welcome people into your home with scent: in the spring: lilacs, in the summer: limes and lemons, in the fall: cinnamon and in the winter: pines. I will set baskets of these items right by the front door so whomever rings the doorbell gets a nice whiff when I open the door!

    Terri Steffess last blog post..A little Fall decorating…

    Reply
  10. Penny

    Wonderful tips…I am absorbing all of them. I never was a seasonal decorator, with the exception of Christmas. I do like natural decorations… fresh fruit, seasonal flowers. Like tulips in the spring or mums in the fall.
    Penny

    Reply
  11. jennifer

    I found you site through MMP and Dawn at The Hydrangea Home. Your nesting tips are great. I like the note keeping ideas. I love summer too and plant my window boxes the minute the threat of frost is gone here in CT. Soon my boxes get filled with pumpkins and other fall berries and leaves. Christmas is a mix of greens and holly. I love to decorate the inside for Christmas in pinks an turquoises. Thanks for the great tips.
    Jennifer

    Reply
  12. Stacey

    Great tips, Melissa! One thing I do is go through the bins for each season (right now fall) when I pull them out/put them away and decide what I still really want to keep. Then I earmark the leftovers for a garage sale or Donation. Styles and tastes change, and no sense using precious space to store something you don’t like anymore!

    Stacey @ The Blessed Nests last blog post..Creating A Welcoming Home – 5

    Reply
  13. teresa

    A few weeks before all the holiday’s are here- I prepare a few extra meals/treats to freeze to have on hand for extra company. Makes life a lot easier for me-
    Thanks for making me feel special today- :}
    The seasonal tips were great- I’m going to take on tip #6, great idea!
    Thanks
    Teresa

    Reply
  14. Claire (Little Miss Sew N Sew)

    I love your philosophy. I didn’t know I had a philosophy about nesting until you wrote out yours. Mine is very similar. I get renewed energy by changing things up – and often I don’t have funds to go get new seasonal decor or fabrics, but there are still things I can do, like moving the sofa or even “fall cleaning”.

    Reply
  15. Courtney

    Great tips as always, Melissa! For my tip…I have certain seasonal goodies that I like to start baking as the weather turns colder…pumpkin spice bars, pumpkin breads, apple pie, etc. It helps create a “feeling” of fall in addition to just the look of fall. Hot spiced cider is another thing I make every time I entertain…I leave it simmering on the stove or the crock pot for a few hours before guests arrive, and the house smells AMAZING when they show up!

    Courtney @ Nesting Instinctss last blog post..a slow beginning to Fall Nesting

    Reply
  16. DebbieCalif

    Melissa, I loved your post today. What a great idea…the gratitude journal and the nesting notebook. What a lovely idea. The front of the notebook could have a picture of a nest/eggs with that scripture about the sparrow and her nest! It’s on my blog somewhere…can’t remember, then all the lovely ideas and recipes everyone is sharing…what a GREAT idea. You have inspired me….thank you.
    Blessings, Debbie
    This decorating party has been FUN!!! BIG TIME FUN!!!!

    DebbieCalifs last blog post..FALL NESTING WEEK, CONT….

    Reply
  17. pam

    Isn’t she great! too bad she didn’t share (leave) any of that talent for me. (hahah)

    pams last blog post..Watermelon

    Reply
  18. Lisa

    These are great ideas! I don’t have any ideas to add – I’m still trying to get the hang of it all.

    Thanks for giving us so much encouragement for Fall nesting!

    Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess last blog post..Tea for Two-sday ~ Tea Party Favors

    Reply
  19. Mrs. B

    Hi Melissa! Wonderful tips and beautiful photos! I love the topiary in front of the mirror. I guess what I would add to those things is (1) incorporate texture into seasonal decorating. Cooler months make me want things to feel warm and cuddly, and in warmer months I want just the opposite. I also like a more sparse look in general for summer, it just makes things seem more breezy. (2) Incorporate seasonal decorations that work with what you already have in your home. Oh, and one more things, although it’s not so much about nesting as it is about getting in the mood for the season… I like to read books and watch movies that have seasonal themes.

    Mrs. Bs last blog post..Floor ~ Finished!

    Reply
  20. Sue

    Lovely post and so inspirational. I linked back to you again today. Thanks for organizing the party yesterday, there were several new visitors on my blog and I have so enjoyed visiting a few of the other bloggers.

    Sues last blog post..Welcome, So Glad You Came By

    Reply
  21. Pat

    It’s cooled off this week at the lake. That makes me want to do more for fall. I’ve done a couple of things here at the condo. The rain from Gustav cooled the temps into the 60’s, daytime…yes, there is a definite hint of Autumn in the air, here in Missouri.

    Great post, Melissa!

    Pats last blog post..~A White Rose~

    Reply
  22. Mrs Holter-Hovind

    I love to redo my home for each season, including books, films and music where possible. Does anyone have ideas for Fall themed music please? Thanks for such delightful posts, Gill.

    Reply
  23. ezia

    i have only one word for you “WOW” everything is amazing! i am not an interior designer, but i design my apartment and every day i make it my nest, i love the words that you used “When life inspires our home, our home inspires our life.” it is sooo true.
    bye. am so glad that i found this blog, good luck to you.

    Reply
  24. Debbie/Four Angel's Momma

    Wow Melissa,

    I miss some time on your site and when I come back, everything is different! I love it, I really do! It’s so bright and cheery, just like my dear BFF! Beautiful. I will take some more time to look around later, but for now I just wanted to say that you are fantastic!

    I love your latest tips. You are inspiring me to get going on my most favorite season of the year. Autumn. I will have to get Mark to pull out my decorations so I can get started.

    Love you, friend,
    Deb

    Debbie/Four Angel’s Mommas last blog post..Can I Get a Hallelujah?

    Reply
  25. Pearl Maple

    Thank you for hosting the Fall Nesting Party.

    As an expat who’s washed up on beach far from ‘home’ with the seasons all upside down it has been hard to create a nest. Reading the your posts and from the others who have joined your fall party I have been inspired to find a way to feather with what we have and it feels soooo good!

    Pearl Maples last blog post..Sky Watch Friday

    Reply
  26. Nichole

    Thanks for all the ideas! I’m going to start a nesting notebook as you suggested. I think it’ll be a fun piece of family history to have too :o)

    Nicholes last blog post..So I’m not the only one….

    Reply
  27. Shelia

    Hi Melissa! This has been so much fun and inspiring! I’m honored you would come to see me and thank you for your kind words.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    Shelias last blog post..I’ve Been Falling Around! ;)

    Reply
  28. Buzzings of a Queen Bee!

    Great tips. I can’t help but comment on the photo with the vase and greenery on top of the dresser…reflected in a mirror. Is that your bedroom? Gorgeous! I love the colors you picked out!
    Carrie

    Buzzings of a Queen Bee!s last blog post..Faux-polstery

    Reply
  29. Janet

    I decorate the front entry wreath and fall colored flowers. Change out the pillows and throws to fall colors it will change the whole look of your room.

    Janets last blog post..

    Reply
  30. Kirstin

    I love your philosophy. Living in a home that’s not my own for 2 years in a way I normally wouldn’t live has definately put a Kink in my inspiration and even passion for things that I normally love to do. I think that even if someone can’t go out and always buy new things, or have a lot of furniture your house can truly be an inspiration and a haven for those who enter it.

    Kirstins last blog post..Works for Me Wednesday: Day Planners

    Reply
  31. Beth

    You have a great blog and site, Melissa. Krista Colvin and Brandie Kajino were raving about you today so I had to check it out! Thanks for all the great ideas and tips! My nesting habit is getting my holiday card list updated and picking out this year’s Christmas card. I do it in September, because it’s a job hazard working with them so early in the season! By the time December comes, I have forgotten which ones I picked.

    Beths last blog post..Nesting and Giving Thanks

    Reply
  32. Robin

    Hi Melissa!! I agree…I thought I was the only one that liked how I decorated my house…(the others just live here and put up with it…)
    UNTIL..one of my DD’s friends got dropped off here the other day and he asked if his Mom could come inside and see my house… he told her how “cool” it was and how much “neat stuff” I had…I was so thrilled!! She came in and had a look around and said the nicest things….I was so surprised that my decorating style had an effect on a 15 year old so much so that he told his mom about it….she asked me where I got all my “stuff”….LOL. Today I put out a sprinkling of Fall….it’s a constant work in progress.
    Hugs,
    robin

    Robins last blog post..One Year Blogaversary….

    Reply
  33. Org Junkie

    Well I’ve got no tips to share cause I’m a little challenged in the decorating area but I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your blog!

    Org Junkies last blog post..It appears I’ve lost something…

    Reply
  34. Kristen

    I like to host and Autumn Tea or Harvest Coffee for 5 of my friends. Each guest gets a fall goody bag before they leave. It could be a candle and some cookies, or a handful of acorns in a cello bag tied w/ a ribbon. I am looking forward to this years gathering.

    Kristens last blog post..A Birthday… Prayer Request

    Reply
  35. nel

    I like your motto… I also like to decorate with things that show a connection to the people that live here and who we are and our lives. I want my friends to walk into my home and know who I am and feel welcome. I am simplifying my look as I get older because I have had enough of clutter getting me down and taking up too much of my time. For me, clutter in the house = clutter in my headspace.

    I love to have things of nature or that represent nature around my home, shells collected on holidays and driftwood and flowers. Plus lots of photos and candles. They seem to bring a peacefulness to my home. I have also been wanting to frame some drawings I did a while ago, I think it’s just about time to do it. Thank you for your inspiration and reminder to get back to what really matters to me in my home. Wonderful post.

    nels last blog post..my heart’s not in it

    Reply
  36. Esther Sunday

    Well, lookee here at the fancy new diggs! Wow! Super! This all looks so great! Course, I ain’t surprised!! Love, Esther

    Reply
  37. Pamela

    10. Fill the windowboxes with white chrysanthemums, little fir trees and white baby pumpkins. Put on an enormous pot of chowder whilst listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Dig out favorite sweater, the brown turtleneck with the little diamonds all around the shoulders, and take the big, white dog for a long walk when the wind is blowing extra hard. Put an extra blanket on the bed and sleep with the windows open, listening to the wind chimes sing in the trees. Be grateful. It’s fall.

    Pamelas last blog post..

    Reply
  38. Jessica

    Love your blog! Love the topiary!

    Jessicas last blog post..Project a. d. d

    Reply
  39. cherry

    so many good tips…don’t know if this has been mentioned but I like to add some of my everyday items with seasonal…plates, nests, baskets etc. My son has kinda outgrown this..sigh…but doing seasonal crafts w ith him was always a highlight. I still have some papers that we had stamped Hallween images on….they mean a lot and bring back previous Holidays. cherry

    cherrys last blog post..A Tale by Poe….

    Reply

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