I was looking for something to hang on my door this week to transition from fall to winter. I already have a wreath on my porch and plan to add some to my windows so I didn’t want to overdo the wreath idea.
In my quest to find something a little more unique, I found some really pretty frost covered twigs, pine cones and branches with red berries and some rusty jingle bells at a quaint gift shop near me. We don’t have any trees yet on our property (I know, that is sad) so I had to get some greenery somewhere! You could totally snip some out of your yard if you have anything pretty! I decided to use the greenery in a basket, with my own little twist.
My photos are not really capturing what this looks like at all … the camera is totally lying. The branches are not a strange color of green and it really looks better in real life. I promise. I almost didn’t even show you this project because it looked so funny in photos, but my husband insists it looks “dramatic” in real life and he loves it. Phew. That is all that really matters.
Ok, I stepped back to the front yard for another view. Our house is kind of craftsman style, a bit lodgey looking and since we can kind of see a lake from the front porch, I pretend we are on the water. And of course, we are in the NW which means we are surrounded by evergreens, water and mountains. Thus, I am calling my new style “NW coastal style.” Makes me feel more like I have a real direction in mind and lets me do all sorts of quirky decorating things and feel OK about it. Ha!
To customize the arrangement for my own taste and home, I wrapped up a few jumbo sized cinnamon sticks with some brown string and attached a giant white starfish. The addition of the cinnamon sticks not only gave it a bit of interest among the greenery, it also makes my front porch smell GLORIOUS! Like I might even be baking inside!
I think the starfish and evergreens work well with my home’s style and gives it a little more fun than the traditional evergreen wreath. To fill out the basket a bit more I added some other white shells and pine cones.
As you can see, not only is my front porch transitioning to winter, but I got a cute little sparkly tree at Target. It is sitting right next to my fall mums. Little by little, Christmas is on its way around my house! And with that in mind …
Starting next Friday (and you are welcome to start today if you’d like!) we will be returning to Holiday Linky Love Fridays! Last year this was great fun so I want to go back to it again this year.
Every Friday you can link up your holiday inspiration posts for all of us to enjoy! Next week I’ll try to have a button up for it and we can have some holiday fun! And to really kick off the holidays….
News Flash! ALL DAY GIVEAWAY!!
Next Tuesday The Inspired Room is hosting a full day of giveaways! I’ve got some great gifts and treasures for you throughout the day, so come kick off the holidays at my all day Holiday Extravaganza! Trust me, there are some great giveaways you will want to win!
So go ahead and link up your Friday posts to share whatever beautiful things you found this week! What made your week beautiful?
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
![]](http://theinspiredroom.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/3-fine-grains.jpg)
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Melissa,
This pretty basket arrangement is rustic enough to be perfect for you Craftsman home, and the starfish is a nice accent. Thank you for hosting A Beautiful Life!
Enjoy, Cathy
The Stylish House´s last blog ..Shopping at the Blue Souk
[Reply]
Thanks always for inspiring the new and the fresh ideas.
I am the type that really dislikes hearing Christmas music or christmas lights TURNED on until at least the week of Thanksgiving. I even try and put blinders on when I have to go into stores for fear of Christmas Commericalism over load. A little is fine… just not bombardment
But, like you I am working on my Christmas Door wreath… I will hopefully have it up by next Friday… Thanks for giving me a deadline.
TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥
Claudia@DipityRoad´s last blog ..Autumn Poems
[Reply]
Melissa, I love your front door decoration! I think it fits your new style perfectly. I posted a link to my fabulous Flea Market hunt last Sunday at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. We had a wonderful day with lots of other bloggers.
Have a great weekend,
Karen B. @ Elderberry Street
Karen B´s last blog ..Treasures
[Reply]
Once again you’ve inspire me. Looking beyond the obvious symbols and thinking outside the wreath — I LOVE the little basket and all of the items you’ve displayed in it. I’m heading off to hunt down some unexpected items for Quirky Cottage!
Rita´s last blog ..Tile Fun
[Reply]
Pretty door arrangement and pretty porch! Thanks for hosting Beautiful Life Fridays!! I am wondering if you have a button for Fridays. I am trying to get all the parties in blogland on my side bar.
blessings
mary
Mary´s last blog ..15 minutes–ok– 15 seconds of fame! and White Wednesday-
[Reply]
Hi Melissa!
Your hanging basket looks lovely. I am hoping to start on my front door wreath this weekend!
Have a great day!
Diann @ The Thrifty Groove´s last blog ..Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Recipes
[Reply]
Your new home via sneak peeks looks lovely. Your front door piece is the perfect nod to the changing season and the star fish was the perfect nod to your location. I really like that Christmas is making a slow subtle entry into your home. I think I will give that a try here. Thanks for sharing.
pam rosenberg´s last blog ..Jewelry Cabinet Minus the Before
[Reply]
I love it! And I love your sparkly tree! And I love your craftsman lodge-like home. And most importantly – I love you!
*swoon*
Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..Easy DIY Wall Art For Kids
[Reply]
Beautiful! I love all the textures in your door piece. What a fabulous porch you have!
Thanks for hosting this fun party, I’m looking forward to the Holiday version.
Karen – The Graphics Fairy´s last blog ..Free Fairy Tale Clip Art – Red Riding Hood Part 2
[Reply]
Great idea, Melissa! I’d like to reuse the pocket tin thingy I bought for Fall and put on my front door. I think I’ll just take the florals and fillers out. While I could cut some stuff from my yard, to keep it looking “fresh” I’ll probably go with faux. Love yours and I love your front door area!
[Reply]
I LOVE this Melissa! it’s beautiful!
Have a GREAT weekend!
~TidyMom
TidyMom´s last blog ..Love the Pie Reminder!!
[Reply]
I think it looks great. And I love your front door!
I guess I need to start thinking about the holidays, huh? I’m still in denial that it’s November already!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses´s last blog ..Do You Have a Clothesline in Your Backyard?
[Reply]
I love that- whatever you call it- hanging on your front door! It’s lovely, colorful and natural. We also don’t have evergreen trees- we’ve got 10 acres…all full of hardwoods. Somehow I’ll have to get a hold of some greenery. I love the style of your house. It’s beautiful! (and it has character..unlike my own house)
Astrid´s last blog ..New Game + Ice Cream = Happy Girls
[Reply]
Oh, Melissa! Your front porch looks beautiful! I love the way you decided on a theme for your decorating. “NW Coastal.” You just wait: I’ll bet we’ll be seeing lots of NW Coastal popping up, because people are going to want to do what you’re doing. It’s lovely and so inviting.
I had just barely discovered blogs this time last year. I saw a few holiday posts during December, but I missed most of the fun. So I’m really looking forward to your parties! Thank you for hosting. You are so kind to provide opportunities for us to share with each other.
Have a great weekend!
[Reply]
Can I come steal your front door?! It is gorgeous!!
Jessica´s last blog ..It’s November, Baby.
[Reply]
Pretty hanging baskets!
Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..What was or will be your Wedding Song??
[Reply]
Beautiful! I have GOT to get my Christmas stuff down. I know there is some stuff in there I could use right now.
songbirdtiff´s last blog ..Adoption News!
[Reply]
Your porch is just gorgeous!! I love that rope basket!
Also, I accidentally entered the wrong link the first time around. I don’t know how to delete it, but I figured you would. It is #26, the dollar store tray. So sorry!
Kara´s last blog ..Old Frame+Barn Star+ Spray Paint+Canvas=FABULOUS!!
[Reply]
I love the starfish- it’s that little bit of unexpected that takes something from pretty to wow- what a great idea!
NW coastal -I think you may have found a niche!
gina´s last blog ..like pier one. but vintage. and for less.
[Reply]
Ooooh, love NW Coastal:) Beautiful arrangement. The outside of your home is gorgeous, wow!! Can’t wait for Holiday Fridays, that’s going to be so fun. And a whole day of give-aways? I’m so there:)
Sarah from pewter+sage´s last blog ..Tablescape Thursday
[Reply]
Pretty house! I luv the pinecones on your front porch.
Charlotte´s last blog ..Ticket to Ride
[Reply]
Thanks for stopping by! I posted your book wreath link to my blog today, but I linked it back to you. Thanks for sharing that with us yesterday! Glad I’m not the only one getting in the Christmas mood!
Abbey G.´s last blog ..Book Wreath
[Reply]
Your new arrangement fits your front door so well! I love your idea of NW coastal.
My brother and sister in law lived in Gig Harbor— when we came to visit we were so amazed at the beauty of that little place.
-Angela
Angela @ ImagineCozy´s last blog ..Living Room Reinvented
[Reply]
that basket is beautiful! i love what you used to fill it- perfect for a craftsman style home overlooking a lake.
happy friday!
rachel
rachel´s last blog ..caroline
[Reply]
Your front door looks great, I love NW Coastal Style! And it does seem a perfect fit for that side of the mountains-now what would High Desert Sagebrush Style look like?
Gina´s last blog ..Projects, Projects, Projects
[Reply]
I LOVE what you did! Looks great!
Jocelyn Stott´s last blog ..Auction Fun
[Reply]
As you well know, I simply love The Inspired Room. Every visit puts a smile on my face. But more than that Melissa …I love your heart.
I made a mention of you in my post on Heart Choices today. Much has been going on in my life and maybe I’ll email you at some point but I hope you don’t mind the mention.
Love you hugs to you,
Debbie
Debbie´s last blog ..Our Heavenly Home
[Reply]
i would love to participate in your Holiday Giveaways…let me know what i need to do!
and your front door is so inviting! i absolutely love “craftsman style”…i was practically drooling!
cynthia´s last blog ..knee deep
[Reply]
Melissa, I LOVE the new look on your door! The basket is beautiful and I love that it’s overflowing with lovely treasures that so represent the area where you live. I’m leaving inspired…your job is done!
Susan
Susan´s last blog ..Welcome to the 64th Tablescape Thursday!
[Reply]
I like the arrangement especially because it combines the shells and this would fit fine at my home since we live near the East Coast
nannykim´s last blog ..Tablescape Thursday
[Reply]
Hi Melissa, the basket on the door looks so inviting and welcoming and I must say a little wintry. I think it will tie in beautifully when you add the wreaths on the windows at Christmas time. I am thankful for the abundance we all seem to have and I used it on my Tday table using fresh produce . Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch has so graciously posted my Tday table on her blog. I am also thankful for such wonderful, caring and sharing people in blog land as You and Susan , Kathysue
[Reply]
i adore your front door decor … the starfish are the perfect touch, too.
[Reply]
Melissa,
It’s a nice change from a wreath—-I get so tired of my same-ole wreaths. And I too, love your door! Thanks for hosting and for all the inspiration.
Hugs,
edie
edie´s last blog ..Thanksgiving Banner
[Reply]
Melissa!
Greetings from Bainbridge Island!
Don’t know if you remember me …but last year I emailed you inquiring about a place to shop for my kitchen island! Ended up ordering it from a fabo company in Maine.
Loving that basket of pines & the starfish! Very Northwest!
Also loving the looks of your craftsman/coastal style front door and porch!
Looking forward to linking up to your Holiday Fun on Fridays! Will pop over and grab the cute button when posted!
XXOOXX
Teresa´s last blog ..THE DOOG BARKS!
[Reply]
I am totally in love, drooling really, over your front porch. That is TOTALLY my style. I love the simplicity of the architecture, the colours, everything! Love your description of “Northwest Coastal Style”. The closest I have been to the Northwest is Wilderness Lodge at Disney World. But it is definitely a future vacation destination.
Elizabeth @ blue clear sky´s last blog ..Lest We Forget
[Reply]