In My Haven: September 22
This week in my haven I've been thinking about how to get my home ready for hosting fall get-togethers. In the summer, hosting usually revolves around grilling a meal and hanging out in the yard. There's nothing much to do to get the house ready for guests. In the fall, however, it feels good to refresh my home decor a little in preparation for spending more time indoors. Since Joanna has the day off of school today and since we have guests coming for dinner on Saturday, that's actually what we're doing. We're spending the day getting ready by doing fall crafts, putting up fall decorations, and getting ready to make a delicious meal. And you probably won't be surprised to learn that our crafts involve using my Leaf Collection Appliqué pattern! Be sure to keep reading to see how I'm using this pattern in various ways to add an autumnal touch to my haven.
Haven Handmade Shop
Appliquéd Table Runner
Appliqué can be used to embellish a wide variety of project types. When I made this appliqué design, I knew from the start that I wanted to make a fall table runner. I choose fabrics that I love and that complement my kitchen. I'm so super pleased with the final result!
Hand Stitched Felt and Fabric Coasters
This easy project required no sewing machine at all—just felt, fabric, needle and thread! I cut a couple leaf shapes from fabric and stitched them to one layer of felt. Then I layered another piece of felt on the back and stitched around the edges.
Watercolor Place Cards
Joanna and I made place cards for each of our guests by using watercolor paints to create our colorful designs. Then we cut each leaf out and added our guests’ names.
Other Ideas
I have so many ideas for projects that my fall leaf appliqué pattern and svg cutting file could be used to make that there's no way I could get to them all. I'm still going to share my ideas with you though!
Cut the leaves from felt and string them together to make a cute autumn garland.
Cut the leaves from faux-leather fabric or felt and decorate a fall wreath.
Cut the leaves from vinyl and adhere them to candle jars, mugs, serving platters, tote bags, or even clothing.
Cut the leaves out of thin cardboard, remove the leaves, and then use the cardboard as a stencil to paint leaves on wooden signs or other objects.
Hospitality: Cozy Fall Entertaining
Each week this section of my journal will be dedicated to one of four broad categories: Heart, Head, Hands, and Hospitality. I will be sharing reflections and resources to help nurture our emotions, our practical lives, our creativity, and our relationships
One of my favorite things about hosting guests at my house is having the chance to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. I want them to feel totally at ease and taken care of. Whether I'm planning the menu or putting away clutter, I genuinely enjoy getting ready to invite others into my home. For me, hospitality is all about opening up the doors and welcoming others in, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Putting thought and care into all the preparations allows me to be my most open and welcoming.
Here are some links I think you'll like:
We're planning to serve chili and apple pie, a perfectly classic fall menu, I think.
This poem (Song for Autumn, Mary Oliver) seems to speak of how nature opens its doors in hospitality to creatures in need of shelter during the fall.
When you're hosting, do you have any “rules” you always follow? I thought these eight were interesting. I always follow number 6 and really appreciate number 7.
Gift Card Giveaway
All In My Haven email subscribers will be entered in a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card to the Haven Handmade shop! Make sure you're on the email list for your chance to win. The next winner will be chosen on October 6, 2023.
What's happening in your haven this week?
Warmly,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
