

“What do you mean you don’t have any more mini pumpkins?”
“Ma’am, we have our Christmas Decor out now.”
“I can see that. Did I miss the whole month of November? Is it actually December and I spelt through Thanksgiving? Would it kill you guys to actually celebrate one season at a time?”
Yea, that’s pretty much how my whole weekend has gone.
All I wanted were a few bags of mini pumpkins and some gourds.
In the big scheme of Fall Decor, I didn’t think it was too much to ask for.
I have come to the conclusion that I am a late starter. While everyone else has been parading around their Fall Decor on all the Linky Parties, I have woefully stared at my unadorned rooms – feeling left out.
I hate feeling left out.
Well, this past weekend I put a major dent in my Fall decor. At least the outside.
Remember I shared with you my trip to California to visit with Kathysue at Good Life of Design and our friend Jeanette?
Well, one of the places I loved visiting the most was Carmel-by-the-Sea. We went inside this very Frenchy flower shop –
They had an interior courtyard overflowing with goodness and inspirations.
But this is one of the things that caught my eye…
Beds of straw at the bases of topiaries.
Just look how the straw plays against the bright orange of the pumpkins.
And this was my fave….
Fall perfection.
Well, I knew the perfect topiary at my own home.
Several years ago we planted a bay tree in our front yard. We actually planted two, one in topiary form and another in bush form. The topiary form cost way more than I knew I should spend on something that could die.
But, I couldn’t think of anything more beautiful in my huge Italian glazed pot.
For three years, it was beautiful. I harvested many batches of bay leaves…for both decorative uses and for cooking purposes.
But this past Winter… 🙁
So, Plan B. I am going to plant some hummingbird vine and create a Hummingbird Tree. 🙂
Until then, I used my Carmel-by-the-Sea inspiration and created this…
I don’t even mind the bare branches. It kinda adds to the Fall effect.
I added some straw and pumpkins…
I didn’t have a rusty, Frenchy Roo…
– but I had Mr and Mrs Roo –
Some pumpkins and pansies and those almost impossible to find mini pumpkins.
This was one of many projects I completed this weekend. Oh my aching back! 🙂
I can’t wait to show you the rest of my porch. And for the record… I still think its way too early to have out Christmas decorations. 🙂
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
Kristen at Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations.
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
Kristen at Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations.
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
I love your arrangement under the bare tree. I have not bought a pumpkin yet. I hope I can still get a couple. Geez. I about had a fit when I walked in Hobby Lobby last May and the Christmas stuff was being put out. Seriously?? I’m like you. Can we enjoy one holiday at a time. I still haven’t added any more fall to my porch besides the door basket. I am so behind, too.
View CommentWell, it’s never too late, especially if it looks THAT cute. Love this idea.
View CommentD
Perfection!
View CommentBarb, it is perfect!! It is so perfect for your home!! I just love your Rooster and hen! great job my friend. I went to Michaels to find a black crow today and Nothing there either!! Too late!!
View Commentxo Kathysue
So adorable, and I like yours best! Speaking of Christmas…those bare branches would look so cute with a strand of white lights!
View CommentI love, love. love your topiary with the pumpkins and straw and your CHICKENS!! Gosh, I love your chickens. 🙂 I’m with you – it is too early for Christmas stuff. I mean, really? Can’t we wait until after Thanksgiving to deal with Christmas stuff?
View CommentLove your fall roos. It is WAY to early to be decorating for Christmas. I do not start until the day after Thanksgiving! I leave my stuff up to Little Christmas (January 6th). xo
View CommentI love your arrangement! I think it looks even better than the original. I am with you about shopping for “seasonal” decor. It is out so far ahead of time and when I actually have the funds EVERYTHING is gone, although the actual season or holiday has not past. Retail….
View CommentVery cute! Love the idea of using the straw and pumpkins. I know exactly what you mean, everything is always too speeded up for me too. (-:
View CommentPretty soon everyone is going to leave their christmas, spring, summer, and fall decor out all year long and just mix and match!
View CommentHi Barb! Well, lookie at what you did! I love it! Love the straw and pumpkins and I’m totally in love with your Rooster family! How cute. If I did that at my house, someone would steal the Roos! 🙂 I’m running late on the Falling around too!
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Hi Barb! Well, lookie at what you did! I love it! Love the straw and pumpkins and I’m totally in love with your Rooster family! How cute. If I did that at my house, someone would steal the Roos! 🙂 I’m running late on the Falling around too!
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Barb, Carmel is one of my favorite places, too! The flowers are so huge and pretty there. Your pot looks even better than the inspiration piece! Can’t wait to see your porch decorations!
View CommentI absolutely love this Barb. Pinned it!:-)
View CommentYou have some awesome decor!
View CommentBarb, you got the look down perfect…looks great! The stores around her have had Christmas stuff out since July/August…no kidding!
View CommentThat looks great Barb! I went looking today for a large pumpkin to carve and came home empty handed! Going to try the nursery tomorrow.
View CommentYour outdoor fall decorating is inspiring Barb, one of the most unusual (in a very good way) displays I’ve seen in a very long time. I think I’ll go pick up some hay this morning and add to my front porch display, thanks so much for sharing such a great look.
View CommentI love it! I live on a farm, now why didn’t I think to incorporate some farmness into my fall decor??!! Looks great and unexpected!
View CommentThat’s a very cute idea! I totally agree with you on Where’s Fall decor in the stores! They just totally jump right over Thanksgiving! I mean seriously, back up people and let the seasons happen in order. I was seeing Christmas peaking itself about back in late August. I refuse to cave at this point! Go pumpkins….show yourself! Love your Roo’s!
View CommentFantastic idea Barbara. I love roo’s and those could not be more perfect.
View CommentLove the inspiration pics, and what you created at the base of the tree with Mr. & Mrs. Roo! Just perfect! I went shopping for real gourds last week. There were two left at the local gardening shop. Two. I kept saying, “But it’s only October 16th!” over and over again in dismay. I only finished our Fall decorating this weekend too. 🙂
View CommentWhat a great idea! Love your vignette with the bare tree! Don’t you just love Carmel! I used to live in CA. I miss the weather and the beautiful scenery. Anyhoo, saw you over at Boogieboard. Wishing you a grand week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
View CommentNever too late…I am still Fall decorating!!..:)….love the Roo’s in the planter!!…such a cute idea!!….
View CommentAmen sister!!! I totally agree with every word you wrote. I love November. And to me, November is the month to transition down. No more yard work as the ground freezes and the plants go to sleep for a few months. I feel like I can slow down a bit and enjoy the warm coziness of home. And Thanksgiving is a fabulous day. No expectations…no worrying about what perfect gift to give, just family getting together for chatter, good food and giving thanks. It’s a fabulous month!
And as another commenter said….why didn’t I think of that. I live on a farmette….with chickens and I never thought to incorporate them into the Fall decor. LOL….But thanks to your beautiful vignette I will now. After next week I will pull the crows and bring on the chickens. xoxo Great post!!!!
View CommentIt looks great. Mr and Mrs Roo look so cute resting among the straw and pumpkins.
View CommentOh I love it. I just gave up and didn’t do anything. Seems like all you can find is Christmas. Your roos and the pumpkins are fabulous. I love it. Hugs, Marty
View CommentLoving your blog. I am getting the hankering to find me some roosters. I agree why can’t we fully enjoy thanksgiving instead of skipping right to Christmas. I would love to have you as a follower. Happy Fall~Jen
View CommentLove the roosters in with the straw and pumpkins. Looks fabulous.
View CommentThis looks so cute!! You did a great job transferring your inspiration to a project well done!!
View CommentVery nice decor!
View CommentOn the positive side, real pumpkins (large size) are now 3 for $10 at our local grocery. And I still haven’t bought any! — Min
View CommentSeems to be my problem lately…a day late and a dollar short!! I love your straw filled topiary!! Mr and Mrs. Rooster are very cute, and look very appropriate!! I just found your lovely blog and I’m now following!! =) All the best~ Deanna
View CommentHi Barb!! I love your decor – so pretty and you really captured the fall season so beautifully! Thank you so much for linking up to my Linky Party “IT’s Party Time!” I would love to feature your fall porch decor! I was wondering if you could please add this link to your post: http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/10/ive-got-big-announcement-today.html
View CommentJust shoot me an email to let me know! Have a fabulous weekend!