by Randi Destefano
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for. – Georgia O’Keeffe

When I think of Santa Fe, I think of Pueblos and pottery. I think of art. But mostly, I think of the beautiful colors of the earth, sky, and mountains at Ghost Ranch and the surrounding area. Each time I visit, a sense of calm washes over me and I feel at home walking around looking at the turquoise and blues, the corals, purples, and tans. They remind me of Fall…my favorite time of year.



So it was no surprise to me, when we moved to our last house and I discovered that everything I unpacked was turquoise, coral, blue or tan! People who know me best could see it, but it took starting fresh…with a clean slate…to make me see it. Now I realize, that except for the years of trying to follow the latest color trends, I always seem to go back to the colors that make me happy. Maybe this is why I get so excited to decorate for Fall. It’s the time of year when everyone wants to make their home a little cozier by adding deeper, richer colors and textures.


Here’s a checklist of some favorite ways to bring the colors of Santa Fe home this Fall:
- Add a bit of nature by collecting pinecones, acorns, or wildflowers and placing them in bowls or vases.
- Visit your local craft store for dried or silk flowers to add to your favorite piece of pottery.

- Change your pillows from summer colors to fall colors and patterns.

- Mix and match your dishes by adding salad plates with beautiful Fall colors. If you’re lucky enough to find 2 or 3 patterns with the same colors, your table top will have more interest. I found a really nice collection at Pier 1, but it’s even more fun to search flea markets for the perfect plate.

- Coordinate your new dishes with colorful, Fall placemats and napkins.
- Add a textured throw to your sofa or favorite chair to snuggle in on a crisp Fall evening.
- Bring in nature’s own with heirloom pumpkins and squash. I love the new colors of heirloom pumpkins ranging from sage to deep greens, white, and deep orange.

- Remember that anything you add to your home should be more about being true to your lifestyle and budget than trying to out-decorate your friends…it’s all about Authentic Living Interiors!!!
by Randi Destefano
I have to admit that Fall is my favorite time of year. Why do I love it? Because, finally the temperatures begin to cool down and the leaves change to vibrant gold, orange, and red. I love spending time on the porch having a glass of wine with my husband in the evening, enjoying our tree house view that changes daily with different colors. But most of all, I love entertaining and creating Fall table settings that set the mood for the evening.
The moods you create can be endless…completely your choice! One mood might be warm and cozy like the table setting above. I loved it the minute I discovered it on One Kings Lane. The swag draped down the center with glowing candles and fresh flowers make me want to pull up a chair and sit there all evening!
Have you ever gone to a dinner party at a friend’s home and they’ve really taken the time to create a beautiful table setting? How does it make you feel? I hope that it makes you feel as if you’ve entered a special place that welcomes you, because they want you to feel special.
Remember that you don’t have to hire a professional floral designer to create it for you when it’s so easy and so much fun. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to learn how to do it yourself.

MOOD: Do you want your dinner party to be formal or casual, rustic or festive, simple or elaborate? The food that you plan to serve for the evening may be the deciding factor. Don’t you love how the rustic setting above uses food in fall colors as part of the setting? Even the use of fresh herbs in a vase adds to its farm-to-table appeal. But I especially love how this table setting makes me want to sit down with friends, share a delicious meal, and have great conversations.
The table setting below, shared from Better Homes and Gardens, takes the opposite approach from the traditional settings above. I call this “opposites attract” with its use of the sky blue tablecloth pared with a simple arrangement of autumn leaves. Doesn’t it make you feel a little more festive and ready to party?


FOCAL POINT: It’s important to have a focal point to your table. And it’s a lot more fun to ditch the traditional floral arrangement to be a little more creative. That’s right! It’s time to think outside the box. Take a walk in the woods. Shop your pantry and cabinets. Stretch your imagination!!!
Keep placement in mind when you create your focal point. Remember that guests like to see your face when they’re talking with you. Arrangements that are too high or too wide are beautiful to look at when you enter the space, but not so practical during dinner.

INDOORS OR OUT: When the weather is beautiful and the air is crisp, it’s nice to have the option of setting your table outdoors. My friend, Donna, has a lovely front porch that’s perfect for a long table to fill with friends. Tom and I love serving cocktails and appetizers on our porch since the table there is too small for a large dinner crowd. But that doesn’t stop me from creating a Fall table setting that sets the mood for the evening!
Each time I see this Southern Living outdoor dining space, my heart sings! I love the lights, the pots filled with mums and grasses, and the rustic setting. What a fun way to spend an evening with friends!

Planning your table setting can be fun. But if the rest of your holiday is beginning to stress you out, or you feel like your being pulled in a million directions, be sure to check out this post. 9 Easy Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress and Distractions offers ways to help you get out of overwhelm and into action.
In the end, when all is said and done, the table you set and the food you serve is never as important as the people who share the table with you. Remember that life is about the moments spent with people you love, the laughter shared around the table, and the memories you create when you’re together. Happy Decorating!!!!
by Randi Destefano
After extreme heat, high humidity, and two hurricanes, the Fall season has officially arrived. It is finally cool in the South!!! We home décor lovers are ready to go, and excited to get moving on our Fall decorations. Are you someone who loves to use hand-picked apples, Indian corn, and autumn leaves? Or are you like me, and are addicted to adding pumpkins in every size, shape, and color? I don’t know about you, but the minute PSL (pumpkin spice latte) arrives at Starbucks, I’m ready to decorate for Fall.
Saving and re-purposing fall decorations from one year to the next gives you a jump start on your holiday prep. But I always go back to these 3 Designer Tips for Pumpkin Décor when I’m starting my list.
Pair It With Fall’s Bounty
Colors found in nature play well together for your home’s decor. Consider incorporating deep, rich colors like persimmon, rust, amber, and butterscotch. Remember that’s it’s all about variety. So play with it and have some fun!

Anything that reminds you of fall can be used.
- Autumn squash
- Indian corn
- gourds,
- colored leaves
- pinecones
- mums
- apples
- cornstalks

Plan It to Last Until Thanksgiving
If you want to create a lasting impression of Fall, remember to use items that you can add or subtract for each holiday. The perfect carved pumpkin or scary witch for Halloween can be replaced with pilgrims and cornucopias for Thanksgiving.

When you’re taking the time to create something beautiful, why not plan ahead to make it last for a few months. Don’t be afraid to use faux pumpkins, vines, and leaves. The money you invest today will save you a time and money year after year.


Place It Creatively

Mixing pots of beautiful mums with colorful heirloom pumpkins is a super easy way to decorate your porch. With so many shapes, sizes, and colors available at markets, it’s fun to get creative.

Using a large platter or tray as a base, it’s easy to add small gourds and candles. Take a walk in the woods to bring the outdoors inside by adding some pinecones, leaves, and acorns.
I love finding examples of how creative people can be. Here are my favorite finds for this season:

I discovered this unique jack-o-lantern appetizer on Pinterest, and can’t wait to make it!

Pumpkin man on his tractor just makes me smile!