{{gasp!!}} I blinked and summer flew by! wow. Anyone else feel that way? Literally it’s like a switch was flipped because we went from 80° to 50° in a day. Not that I don’t love autumn, but I also love to have warm feet. haha. Today, I’m joining the ranks of fall and creating a farmhouse tablescape to celebrate the season.
Do you know what these are? I love to find these are flea markets, especially with the gorgeous patina like these have. I’ve had many fly out of my online shop. I’ll give you a minute to guess…and maybe they’ll bring back a memory. Minnow buckets! If you like to fish or know someone who does, they put their minnows in there (usually with an outer bucket to hold water). I envision them a bit differently though.
DIY TIME
First, to get my farmhouse tablescape set up, I’m going to wipe the slate clean on my dining table. This will give me fresh inspiration.
You can see my past tablescapes in previous posts HERE. I definitely am one to skip the box store decor and go for natural or thrifted finds. This time around, I’m following suit and using those minnow buckets as a base to my display. To make it easier to visualize, I’ve created a video tutorial for you to view later in the post. However, I’ll also explain in step form here.
Now with my space free and clear of clutter (trust me, there’s always clutter here), I’m ready to add my layers. First, I use a thrifted lace tablecloth as the base. Does it fit my table? No. But, that doesn’t mean I still can’t use it. Then, on top of the tablecloth I place my handmade burlap runner. It’s literally a piece of burlap I cut up and fringed the edges.
Next, on top of that I lay a few scrap pieces of reclaimed elm from our living room remodel. Talk about low-key! This will serve as my riser to create dimension and texture.
NEXT STEPS
Time to add some lovely fall features from out side. If you’ve hung around with me for long, you know I just love to garden. Whether it’s flowers to veggies, that’s where it’s at. My goal is to plant things I can enjoy in more ways than one. Take, for instance, my limelight hydrangeas. They are gorgeous for a bright snowy white display thru summer…
…followed by the pinks and greens nearing autumn.
In addition to these, I’ll be clipping some of my autumn joy (sedum) and my zebra grass to add to my farmhouse tablescape.
Here’s my garden loot ready for a new life as decor.
Flowers, a few of my gourds, and a white pumpkin from a local haunt. Before I start, I stick a battery-operated candle in each minnow bucket to use as a lantern. Then, drop in a plastic container like this. Though, I paint them first and add a flower frog (see video).
THE REVEAL
After some quick assembly and a few nature extras, here’s my DIY farmhouse tablescape for autumn.
Bring on the pinks and greens! All the colors of fall are just so amazing, aren’t they?
In addition, a few pinecones from our latest family getaway, a few mushrooms, and a couple of brown glass bottles from our vanilla and stevia in our kitchen.
See how that one zebra grass frond opened up when I brought it in? So pretty! I just love using those through the winter. Also, you can dry these hydrangea easily by replacing the water daily and just letting them do their thing. It keeps me sane in the winter months!
Oh, and here they are lit up with those candles inside the buckets. I love it!
They add ambiance and that soothing glow that welcomes in the changing times with the seasons.
This was so super fun for me. Truly, my goal is to inspire you. So many send notes and emails asking how to change up their home on a budget. It can be a simple as just starting fresh and using only what you can find. However, it can be a treasure hunt too! And, it’s even better when you get the whole family involved.
SHARING
Likewise, do pin and share my farmhouse tablescape for fall decor to inspire others to have fun too. In addition, I’d love to hear you feedback below or how you love to decorate too.
Up next, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! I’ll be making use of these thrifted sweaters. Come see what they became HERE.
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Rebecca - NC says
Soooooo much cuter than anything you can buy!! And the minnow buckets remind me of being a little girl going fishing with my Grandpa at the lake. What a lovely tablescape!! ?
Larissa says
yippee!! Thanks so much, Rebecca. 😀 Yes, they remind me of simpler days as child…seems forever ago!
Kaycee says
Hi Larissa, I love your tablescape. It’s got such a beautiful look at night with the candles lit. What a genius idea girl!
Larissa says
Hi Kaycee! Thank you so much. I just love bringing nature in.
Mary says
That is such a beautiful centerpiece Larissa. I love the use of candles. We sell tins like this at Michaels but yours look so much better and authentic.
Larissa says
I had such fun with it and I hope you can tell. Thank you, Mary! 😀
ColleenB.~Tx. says
How Clever. Beautiful Fall arrangements and such a great use for them minnow buckets. Puts a whole new light on things. :} Nice touch on adding the battery tea lights.
Larissa says
Thank you, Colleen. There’s so many possibilities using nature in decor.
Deanna says
What a beautiful autumnal tablescape! You are such a talented lady! Hope you get some time to sit there with some tea/coffee/hot cocoa and enjoy the moment.
Larissa says
Ooh…now that would be a treat. I’m having more fun watching my kids climb on a chair to peek at everything. They helped bring in the mushrooms and mini bouquets…melts my heart.
Tess says
Love the minnow bucket homegrown arrangement! The candle inside is extra cool!
Well done!
Larissa says
Wonderful! Thank you so much, Tess. So fun for me. 😀
gwen says
HI Larissa, i love my minnow baskets all summer long on either side of my walkway with small potted plants. i like them because they drain so well. this Fall update is great with the candle light! i think my buckets have styrofoam lining, so i’ll have to tear that out to illuminate for fall with dried flowers but that’ll be easy and will still look great outside lighting my path! thanks for the idea!
Larissa says
Love that idea, Gwen! I can’t wait to use these for all seasons. So many ways! I often sell them, but this pair imma keepin’. 🙂
Mary says
Soooo gorgeous Larissa! I’ve got to go “shopping” in one of my sheds…I think I have one of those buckets! And my limelight hydrangea and sedum were just waiting for an idea. Thank you again for inspiring us and creating beauty in your corner of the world! ?
Larissa says
You go girl!! I hope you find one. Have fun with it! 😀 And, my pleasure to share.
Becky says
Your bait buckets have never looked so good in their lives! ?
Larissa says
haha…thanks so much, Becky. 😀
Marie-Interior Frugalista says
I had no idea those were minnow buckets and I was raised in the summer months on a lake! What I love most about your fall tablescape is that everything is thrifted and forged from your yard. Now that’s a tablescape with a story! Love how you lit up the minnow buckets too.
Larissa says
haha. Too funny! I remember the first time I found one at a flea market after not seeing one for decades. It took me right back to my childhood. Crazy! I’m tickled you enjoy my tablescape, Marie. Thank you.