“And, all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”
Oscar Wilde once penned these sentimental words that so aptly describe this late summer season. The beautiful surrender of nature that occurs in September will soon give way to deep fall colors and fascinating textures. From fallen pinecones to prickly straw bales, the outside world of the autumn months is a wonderland for avid decorators. Slowly plummeting temperatures provide the perfect backdrop for cozy family gatherings.
"Fall is the best season to slow down and gather,” says Brandi Bosserman, owner of Bosserhouse Blooms in Argyle. “This is the time of year I love to make cozy spaces for my loved ones.”
Brandi has captured the hearts of flower lovers throughout Denton County with her Texas garden-inspired floral arrangements. Her decoupaged, custom pumpkins adorned with mini succulents are a fall staple.
“We build designs with moss and dried flowers on top of our pumpkins,” Brandi explains. “We don’t carve them so they can last for months at a time.”
When it comes to transitioning your home into the autumnal season, Brandi advises a mindset of gathering rather than decorating. Fall offers an abundance of rich textures and hues that can be collected from natural sources growing all around us.
“Think collected, not decorated,” says Brandi. “Gather what nature gives you. Natural elements from your yard can make incredible additions to your centerpieces and porch décor.”
Brandi recommends venturing outside and finding twigs and pinecones to set around flower arrangements and pumpkins. Large branches can also make a nice centerpiece and can be spray-painted to match your display.
North Texas is home to a variety of beautiful garden variety flowers that can be bought or grown in the fall. Brandi recommends heirloom mums, dahlias, garden roses, celosia, and zinnias. Each of these flowers brings a different shape, hue, and texture to a floral arrangement.
This fall, popular colors are transitioning away from bright reds and oranges and instead trending toward soft caramel, sage, plum, and burgundy. These can be layered together for event centerpieces or home accents. Paired with creamy white and deep green heirloom pumpkins, the result is an elegant look that transitions beautifully from early fall through Thanksgiving.
“Layer your colors together,” Brandi explains. “These soft fall hues don't hurt your eyes when they're next to each other.”
Pumpkins are also veering away from the traditional round, orange gourds of the past. Heirloom pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes provide more visual interest. Brandi recommends Cinderella, Fairytale, Jarrahdale, and Casper varieties of pumpkins, all of which can be sourced locally.
When creating a porch display or seasonal tablescape, Brandi recommends starting with a focal point, such as a statement vase filled with flowers or a large pumpkin, and then layering complementary pieces around it to create depth.
"I like to work in odd numbers,” she remarks. “Groups of three to five flow well together."
According to Brandi, some of the best places to showcase seasonal décor are the front porch, a kitchen island, and the fireplace, where natural elements can cultivate a warm autumn atmosphere.
"Pumpkins around the fireplace are incredible," she says. "You can even put pumpkins on your bookshelves. Or tuck them into flower beds."
To learn more about Bosserhouse Blooms, follow @BosserhouseBlooms on social media. Brandi can also be reached at Brandi@bosserhouseblooms.com or 509-554-9215.
Autumn Decorating Style Tips
- Layer in odd numbers. Group pumpkins and flowers in threes or fives for a naturally balanced look. Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye.
- Mix textures. Pair pumpkins with dried flowers, moss, pinecones, grasses, and branches. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Think beyond orange. Sage, caramel, dusty plum, burgundy and white create a timeless palette. Layer these colors together for more depth.
- Decorate where you gather. Dress up entryways, kitchen islands, and fireplaces for maximum effect.
- Think collected, not decorated. Gather natural elements from your yard and let the autumn season inspire you this year.