One of the most anticipated treats of Fall for me is creating the front door decor! Capturing the colors of my favorite season is a form of therapy. And there’s always a bit of serendipity about this project…all the better if many of the makings come from our gardens. This year it’s the matched pair of miniature Gingkos just turning that yummy shade of yellow-y chartreuse, for which they’re known. These standards make the perfect exclamation point at the curve of the bottom steps. Their complementary color is so effective with all the shades of russet in the mums, pumpkins, and gourds.
And the view from the front door, across the festive scene, to the parkland in the afternoon sunlight adds immeasurably to the overall experience.
Adding fall leaves is a must do; this year we had enough to create a full arch over the front door…beech, oak, European little leaf linden, Japanese maple… with a small pumpkin teetering on the railing, just a bit of whimsy for guests to discover as they approach the front door.
It’s always a fun adventure picking out the pumpkins; all the color combos and funky markings make for those Eureka! moments.
The finished product is a wonderful contrast to the house’s stucco and limestone facade.
Part of this tableau is the urns at the entrance to the front courtyard, topped with evergreen cuttings and a pair of orange-y red pumpkins topped with a two-headed squash (it’s always fun when a search of the nurseries turns up a quirky “hybrid”).
The back courtyard deserves its fall vignette, too! Soft colored pumpkins contrast with a light merlot red mum just awaiting its turn to shine. A lovely contrast to the old wooden bench, covered in lichen and refreshed a bit with the variegated kale…another plant so associated with Fall.
Someone insisted on being in the picture…
Enjoy these last days of Fall, in anticipation of Thanksgiving.
Bettie~ The very best way to start my day is to open my email and see something spectacular that you have created. Your autumn tableaux is gorgeous! EE
Oooo, the possibilities… I JUST NEEDED a boost (“kick in the britches”) to get started…& THIS IS IT!! So beautiful…when you just…start shaking your head & O, my…full steam ahead! TY!! franki
Dearest Bettie! Your eye for beauty is unsurpassed! Ann Davenport
Absolute perfection! Once again you have created your magic!
Stunning!
Your garden finds are beyond reproach….
MAGNIFICENT!
Loving the use of the pumpkins! Just lovely as always!
LOVELY LADY,
YEARS AGO (20 PLUS), SHELDON & I ATTENDED A – BLACK TIE, ’10 ON 10′ PARTY IN D.C. OUR HOSTESS OFFERED A TOUR OF THE JUST COMPLETED ‘RESIDENCE’ (ON MASS. AVE. ACROSS FROM THE VP’S HOME).
IN HER DRESSING ROOM, THE SIZE OF A NYC STUDIO, SITTING ON HER DRESSING TABLE WAS A FRAMED (LIBERTY & CO.) MAGNIFICENTLY, HAND – SCRIPTED …
… ‘COMMENT’
“DARLING, I JUST LOVE WHAT YOU’VE DONE WITH YOUR *MONEY!”
GLORY BE: YOU’VE DONE THE SAME …
WHILE USING ONLY: “MOTHER NATURE”.
MERCI BUCKETS,
TOM
The symmetry of form and Autumnal color is flawless and just sings out the Season. Just love your use of kale in the mix…You never disappoint, Bettie.
Your pensive Kitty is taking in all the Autumn beauty you shared with us, what a colorful doorway!