First let me say that you should never underestimate the power of new houseplants. They are such an economical way to brighten up those empty spaces in your home. I made a quick trip to the WalMart and Lowes garden centers last week, and here are the treasures I brought home with me.
They instantly brought a breath of springtime into drab winter spaces.
My next transition into Spring involved a visit to the Potterybarn outlet store near my son's house in Memphis. I never miss a chance to drop in there when I'm spending time at Will's. Yesterday happened to be a bonanza for those of us searching for new pillows and shams.
Here are some of my purchases. If you have the spring catalog memorized as I do, you'll recognize these pillows as the ones that are still available at full price. What a surprise to find them at the outlet for a substantial savings, especially since I already had the down inserts on hand.
My final tip for spicing up your decor is to simply move things around. It is totally free yet gives your home a fresh feel. I had a long, blank hallway in the cottage that was driving me crazy. I walked from room to room at both houses and came away with a beautiful old table that was pushed into a corner, not getting the attention it deserved. For accessories, I once again delved into my closet stash and put together a group of green bottles from a Big Lots trip many years ago, some junk store candlesticks, and a couple of photos of family pets that I enlarged on my printer and stuck into antique frames (also from the junk store). See how easy this really is?
Using the things around your home and closets also works for an impromptu table setting. River Cottage hosted a small charity event over the weekend, an Italian dinner for six. I used a beige linen table runner on the dining room's farm table with chunky white pottery dishes. For a centerpiece I started with small terra cotta pots of fresh rosemary and called my empty Patron bottles into service as candle holders. (If you don't have friends who drink expensive tequila, Patron bottles can be purchased on ebay. They also make lovely vases.) Anyway, the effect was understated and just right for the occasion.
Since the accent color in the dining room is green, I decorated the sideboard with a rustic wooden bowl filled with fresh limes which can be eaten later- very practical.
Maybe these touches will satisfy my decorating fancies until Spring is truly here and I can begin planning my flowerbeds and pots of blooming things.
