Home Decor

‘Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice’

Jessica Crawford
Cotton & Co.

(9/2020) It’s hard to believe that the seasons are gearing up for transition and change. While this year has felt long and relentless, it’s also ironically flown by at the very same time. I’ve lately been waking up and enjoying cooler mornings and hot coffee on the porch swing, before the kids wake up. The trees in the shop’s parking lot are starting to show early signs of Fall color. And I can’t say that I’m disappointed to welcome the next season. Because Fall is my most favorite time of year.

Our vendors have been getting ready to switch the shop over for the changing of the seasons. And we’ve been working with some of our local Maryland companies, in our Maryland General store, to bring in some Fall Favorites. Pumpkin Spice this and that will be hitting the shelves soon. Warm, earthy tones will soon appear all over the shop. We’re working on putting together a beautiful outdoor living space too. Perfect for shopping with friends and family, and spending time reconnecting.

In retail, we generally tend to delegate September through thanksgiving for Fall, and quickly slip into the Christmas season. Fall is wonderful, because it truly is a long season to decorate for. You can really get a bang for your buck, so to speak. When starting to plan Fall decorating, Pumpkin Spice and everything nice is a great place to start. Because there really is no such thing as too many Fall pumpkins.

We’ll be working with one of our favorite local farms to provide natural, authentic pumpkins and gourds again this season. Both traditional and standard pumpkins, a well as the knobby, intriguing varieties of gourds and squash, that are full of color and texture. Real pumpkins are fantastic for decorating porches, patios and decks, as well as incorporating into fall tablescapes. Or helping to adorn an entry way or focal point in a home. Wiping down a pumpkin with a 3% bleach solution will also help vastly extend the life of a natural pumpkin and gourd. And many of these gorgeous specimens, are not only beautiful, but edible. Perfect for pies, breads and preserves.

Then there are the faux pumpkins and gourds. Made of many material and textiles, they definitely are a Fall must-have. I personally love a stash of velvet pumpkins. They add a rich, regal pop to a vignette or room. Full of deep color and great texture, they make quite the statement. Many of our vendors carry an array of these cuties. I’m also a fan of pumpkins made from alternative materials too. Depending on your style, there’s wood, cast concrete, resin, burlap, fabric, wood, etc…. One of my favorite vignettes that I created in my own home last year, was pairing a few mismatched pumpkins, of varying sizes and materials (teal velvet, concrete with a brushed gold stem, wood, and resin) together, with a few Fall floral sprays, to fill in the gaps. Dried and preserved grasses and cotton are a great compliment too.

Fall is also the beginning of the months of coziness ahead. If Fall had a smell, it would be pumpkin pie, campfires, and damp fallen leaves. We support a few local lines of soy candles, that encompass these scents. They’ll be coming into the shop shortly, and available to warm up a crisp, Fall evening on the back porch or patio. We’ve also started carrying a line of boho inspired throw blankets, perfect for outdoor evenings with friends around a campfire. Textiles such as light blankets are a great way to add a Fall touch to a room.

Lately, I’ve really gotten carried away with vintage and antique crushed velvet. Arguably my most favorite textile at the moment. It’s left me dreaming for the comfy, cooler months to come. Reminiscent of coziness and softness; perfect for snuggling up. I’ve been incorporating crushed velvet into all of my staging lately, and I just adore it. It has this ability to be rich and bold, but earthy and warm, all at the same time. And is an amazing way to make a huge statement in a room, without doing a total overhaul of a space. Unless of course you want to. Speaking from experience as someone that just scored an amazing, luxurious 1800s coral pink set for their own home. And has now planned an entire room around it. Paired with lush and green house plants, an antique velvet loveseat makes a bold impression in a space. We have multiple pieces in multiple colors and styles in shop right now.

There are no words to really, fully describe this year. But the changing of seasons brings me peace and makes my heart happy. Fall will always be my favorite season. And it leads directly into the season of giving and love and togetherness. Another favorite season. As always, if you need help finding inspiration for your home, space, vignette, etc… we are always happy to help.

We’re open every weekend at Cotton & Co in Keymar, Friday – Sunday. Cheers to the kickoff to a happy Fall everyone.