A couple of weeks ago I shared a sweet metamorphosis that was happening out on my front porch.
right down here inside the basket of flowers on my front door.
Remember these sweet babies…little house finches newly hatched.
Well, I’m happy to report they grew up big and strong and flew the coop to do little birdie things. Some of you guys left comments on that post that had me a bit worried about the condition my basket and door might be in when this metamorphosis was complete. :-{
I’m happy to report all is well. Guess there were enough flowers between the door and the basket because, thankfully, the door still looks fine. I snipped a couple of flowers out of the basket and it was in good shape, too. For a little change, I moved it to one of the doors going out onto the screened-in porch where it used to be.
See…still good as new.
Now, I’m trying something new out on the front door…and I need your help.
Besides needing your help, the main purpose of this post it to let all you Hobby Lobby fans know that it’s time to hop in your car and get yourself to HL, posthaste. Why? Because they have lots of stuff on clearance 80% off! Whoo, hoo!
This large, painted, iron basket was originally…
But, I got it for…
I originally thought I’d use this piece out on the screened-in porch, but I may try it out here on the front door for something a little different. Here’s where I need your help…what should I put in this ironwork basket? Any ideas? Added update…wonder if I should paint it black to go with the lanterns on either side?
Ok, before you go…tell me, what should I do with my new basket? I’m sort of missing the daisies. Give me your ideas and we’ll see what I can come up with. We can always move the daisies back if we miss them too much, right?
I had such a close copy doorway on my house when I lived in Texas! Even had the double topiaries! It looks lovely!
How are you holding it in place so that it doesn't swing and leave scuff marks when the door is opened and closed? My door is metal and I can't use nails and I have so many coats of paint on the door that I don't have magnets that are strong enough. It really looks beautiful on your red door!!
Jo
I'm thinking the most obvious would be like moss in the bottom then an arrangement of flowers. However that would cover up the pretty design, so I'm still thinking. I might be back if I get a brainstorm!
Hi Jo,
My house is almost 20 years old so it has an old fashioned wooden door. Currently it's hanging from the nail the basket hung from and I've put some sticky padded thingies on the back, so it won't scratch the paint. Thanks for the warning…after surviving the birds, don't won't to mess up the paint now. 🙂
Susan
Hmmm, if I couldn't think of what to do, I'd come look at your blog for ideas, so I guess I won't be much help to you! I tried replicating your look with the basket of daisies but never thought of sticky padded thingies! Now I have swing marks on the door. Live and learn!
I am so glad your beautiful basket of flowers survived the birdie habitation. It indeed is still lovely 🙂
I have NO IDEA what I would do with your new treasure – can't wait to see what you and the other bloggers create.
I agree that it only seems logical to do moss and flowers. I think you could do something that doesn't detract from the pretty design of the basket. A colorful arrangement of mixed summer wildflowers would be pretty.
I know, I know. I would put greens in there.
Good for you – great deal on your new find! A Woo Hoo fist bump!
I think you should put a nest with faux eggs in there, so no other birds will consider your front door as a future home! It will appear taken already! Kidding!
Hi Susan! I'm glad to hear that your little birdies have moved on! My bluebirds and robins are both on round two of eggs…no babies yet! I love your new basket! I immediately see lining it with moss and then adding flowers. Too traditional? Or how about some green plants to which you can add flowers as the seasons change? Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie
Hmmm…
How about something traditional (florals) mixed with something unexpected and whimsical? Maybe some bright summery flowers and a pair of vintage roller skates. Or seashells to remind you of the beach. Maybe tuck in something that normally isn't expected outdoors…like a mirror or some framed photos. Or some pieces of a tea set, some roosters, etc. The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity!
Amy
Oh, PLEASE don't tell me about a sale like that at HL!!! I LOVE HL…but we had a call from a collection agency today and we just CAN'T spend on decorations right now. Much as we NEED to. And HL has such wonderful things…and 80% is fanTAStic!
Susan, great finds! I think I'd do moss and greens that cascade over the edges just a bit, then fill in with some colorful flowers with the different seasons. It's looks so nice against the red door! Whatever you do, I know it will be perfect. That's how you do things!
Hugs ~ Sarah
Hi Susan, So as not to hide the pretty scroll work, maybe line with moss and then add a trailing white geranium and/or ivy. I am sure that whatever you do it will be gorgeous! I am a big fan of your lovely blog. Can't wait to see what you end up doing!
Karen at Pine Cone Retreat
Perhaps some faux fruit?
Definitely pumpkins when the time is right!
Have fun!
I loved the daisies – they looked so fresh and welcoming.
However, I do understand change. Hm…What if you tried simple greenery. You could place it low in the "basket" and have it flow down and through the scrolls. This way, you wouldn't cover the ironwork on top or at the bottom – it's very pretty. This "unstructured" placement would compliment your tailored topiaries.
I'm sure that you will find your solution. Your home is quite an example of beautiful design.
Keep us posted!
Sharlotte
I think I should start a franchise of Hobby Lobby in Canada. These deals are so hard to hear about when we don't have access to them. Fantastic deal by the way and so pretty!!
I'm sure you will play around and find the perfect little goodie to show off the door as well as the beautiful pattern on the piece!!
Have a great evening!
Hugs, Nerina 🙂
I'd line the basket with moss (love that look)and then change plants for the season . . . I like the idea of the bird's nest and eggs — as homage to what happened their earlier!
You bloggers are all trying to make me crazy, I'm convinced!! They are putting a new Hobby Lobby in an old grocery store here but it's not done yet! Argh, the anticipation is killing me. I drive by weekly and look in the windows to see if I can peek at their progress. I've never been to one so I really can't wait.
I love your door basket, so pretty! Hmmm….what to put in it. I'm having trouble thinking of something summery but I can come up with a bunch of fall ideas!
~Michelle
The basket is such a find! Thanks for sharing Hobby Lobby's great sale! I'm going to check it out this weekend. Greenery in the basket sounds lovely for now. Then, as fall approaches, stems of dried berries and "wheat." Your house is so lovely. Whatever you decide will be perfect!
Blessings,
Marilyn
hands down the white rod iron one! I love it! and it goes really well with your big black light sconces!
What a find Susan! Mom just went to HL Saturday and got some great deals, including a beautiful ceramic bowl that was originally 60.00 for 6.00! And no, I did NOT sneak it out in my purse lol. I love the basket, I like the moss and "trailing" flowers idea. Would hate to hide that pretty scrollwork. Great idea on the "sticky" things, those little clear rubber picture frame bumpers work great too. Kathy
I have to admit that I am a "matchy, matchy" kind of gal, so I would probably paint the white iron basket black. I'm not sure what to put in it. Would clay pots fit in it? You could put them in there with some individual flowers or greenery in each pot. Just an idea.
Traci
I would never give you advice on how to decorate something. That would just be silly of me.
I can't wait to see what you will do with it though. I am just taking the lazy way out.
Susan,
The white basket looks nice as it looks like your house is white.(maybe it's a pale blue, but it still looks nice with it).
But, I love black, and I love white, so I'm sure either would look great!
How about if you put daisies in that one too?
You could line it with the ever popular burlap.
blessings,
barbara jean
Hi Susan, the basket is lovely.
I would paint it black and fill it with red geraniums. As long as there are lots of green leaves, it will not fade into the door…but be stunning in my opinion; very elegant.
I'm sure whatever you choose will be lovely.
Barb
Hi Susan love your blog and your great ideas for decorating.
The basket is neat. I would paint it black and take it off your door. Your door stands out all on its own. Attach it to your house and put in cocoa mat, soil and some trailing plants with some blue and red flowers.
Oh, I don't know..all the good ideas have been taken..plus I bet you already know what you are going to do! You need no help!
No HL in NY, maybe someday!
Great buy!
I agree that it would be best painted black and then you could maybe put some stunning white flowers in it with greenery– hydrangea come to mind.
I LOVE the daisies – but fall is right around the corner… I'd paint the white basket black. The white seems to pop out a bit too much & reminds me of valentine's day on your red door.
Okay you lucky folks who can visit Hobby Lobby – they haven't moved to California yet & I have a bit of a green tinge to my skin right now because I can't go shop their 80% off sale! boo hooo!
☺♥☺ Diane
Paint the basket black and put something fun in it.
Susan, I totally agree with Joan. I'd paint it black, place a moss layer and start with hydrangeas! ~ Robyn
What a pretty basket! I went HL here and I didn't see anything like that. I can't wait to see what you decide to do. 🙂
Blessings,
Sandra
Really pretty ironwork basket. I think I would leave it white for the summer and maybe paint it black for the fall/winter. I like the idea up thread of the cascading green ivy and maybe white flowers or summer wild flowers, but I definitely would do something where the flowers are coming out the front and sides so as not to cover all the pretty decorative work of the basket. What about stephanotis? That's a pretty white delicate looking flower that looks pretty trailing down.
Happy decorating! I'm sure whatever you do will look wonderful!
Susan,
You got a great buy on your new metal basket.
'DUNNO' what I would put in this, but I know somebody who would know…y o u!
You are so very good at this thing.
God Bless and I will check back later because I know you will have come up with a great new look.
Blessings,
~D~
from Kansas where the Buffalo roam.
Susan- love the basket… and EVERYTHING you do!
When I saw the basket, my mind immediately went nontraditional for some reason… here's my suggestion… Its kind of different… while traditional greens, flowers, etc. are always beautiful… why not go the opposite way and string some gorgeous beads from it and place battery opperated tea lights in it… like a chandelier for the door/entryway! Totally unexpected! LOL… kind of whacky… but I'm picturing it w/ your elegant touch!
I know whatever you come up with will be gorgeous!!!
Can't wait to see what you do!
~Amy
That has so much potential! Oh it could even change with the seasons. I see ribbons and moss with seasonal flowers. We are having a give away over at my place hope you will come check it out!
http://thoughts-of-a-bama-belle.blogspot.com/2009/07/we-are-having-give-away.html
Hi Susan,
Love the white basket on the door!Did you see mine on our front door? I did something similiar with a red Tuscan style metal basket from Kirklands. I am certainly no expert compared to you but you can see if you like it and maybe get an idea of other looks for it. Let me see if I can link the post to my commment here.
http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/2009/05/whats-on-your-wall-wednesday-basket.html
Thank you so much for your nice compliment our MC Ball picture. You are such a sweetheart with your thoughtful words. I do appreciate it.
My latest post is all about tassels! Check it out if you have a moment. Thank you for sharing "The Tassel House" with us. I went a bit crazy ordering from them. We've got to have our taessels don't we? LOL! 🙂
Have a great evening.
~Warmly, Melissa 🙂
Well I don't think the link worked….It's a "Wall Wednesday" post from May the 19th called "Basket and Blessings".
Great finds,
can you leave 'fake mail' in your door ?
Felt pads on the back should take care of any scuffing.
I am picturing moss oozing out of that gorgeous basket.
Also, I picture the doorhandle, doorknocker, and kickplate all spray painted to match the iron lamps on either side.
Then the white basket and green moss will look simple, yet elegant – just like your topiarys.
oh my! I bought the exact same one but in dark brown and here is what I did to mine in my powder room. I used old garland sprays and added beautiful roses and put a moss mat in the bottom! You can see it here: http://www.pamieg.com
you already have so many good ideas, but I'll tell you my first impressions. Because of the shape of the planter, I think you might find yourself brushing up against it upon entering. Now you could make that a plus, as long as it is secured well to the door.
You could plant fragrant herbs that would release their fragrance when brushed against.
You could also put an object inside your plantings. A dog statue comes to mind. I notice you have lots of them inside.
Another idea which I've found nice on a friend;s porch is a little note pad and lencil tucked inside her basket so unexpected visitors can leave a message. Although this is on her back porch and might be too casual for your formal entrance.
At the holidays I could see christmas balls and beaded garlands swagging from it.
I tend to think filling it with moss and flowers, while pretty, might not take advantage of the shape and openness of it.
Can't wait to see what YOU come up with!
Definitely plaint it black as soon as possible. It's too much contrast against the red to be left white. I would put 2-3 small pots (paint them black) in it, with plants that could be changed out easily if they don't do well in that location. Use things that grow low and droop and cascade, (such as ivy or herbs)rather than anything that will get a lot of height – so as to not block the look of the wrought-iron.
Susan.. I wish I had some fabulous ideas to share.. but I don't… I think the basket looks beautiful just hanging on the door like it is.. .empty…
I went to Hobby Lobby today to pick up one thing.. ran into the sale.. .and well.. the rest is history! LOL
can't wait to see what you're up to Thursday!
I think I would paint it gold to match the brass on your door! I also like the idea of black.
I love that daisy basket! If you are tired of it, you can send it to me!! Hee-hee!!
Katherine
I would leave it white and put lots of greens in around bright red geraniums.
I am sure whatever you decide to do with it will be breathtaking.
It's a beautiful piece..and I am going to ck our Big Lots for that flatware. Thanks so much for the tip.
DAMN!
No Hobby Lobby in California!
I love that piece! No Hobby Lobby in NY either! Black would look good, but the white still looks so pretty. I think moss and traling greenery and add to it seasonally. You could even tuck in a few daisies, now. Look how nice the door looks on the right side of your blog! (sigh)
~Nancy
I didn't read all of the comments, so I don't know what everone else said to do, but I think you should leave it white. It goes nicely with the woodwork on each side of the door which is also white…right?
I would use the basket to fill with seasonal decorations according to whatever season or holliday it is. For example, fill with mini pumpkins, autumn leaves and indian corn at Halloween and/or Thanksgiving….Pine branches and a cute santa at Christmas…etc etc.
That's what I would do. 🙂
Hmmm.. I see some kind of ivy arrangement… maybe some beautiful faux fruit…grapes, apples…either way I love the look of your red door!
I would leave it white and create a 'living' display.
Margaret
To be honest, I think the two topiaries beside the beautiful red door is enough. Adding the basket makes it too busy for me, but that's just one opinion.
You have a beautiful home and I can't get enough of your porch. Oh did I mention your tablescapes outstanding.
I would definitely paint the basket black. How about yellow daisies with brown or black centers. That way they could transition into fall too. The yellow would look good with your red door.
I'm glad you got to save your basket! My wreath and door were a mess after the bird invasion.
Ohhhh, good stuff! We have no Hobby Lobby or Big Lots. 🙁
Susan..isn't the HobLob a wonderful place? 🙂
Okay just my little opinion – here goes. I would put the daisies back for the remainder of the summer – they just scream summer.
Then I would paint that iron basket black to coordinate with your lanterns and then when time to put fall stuff out I would fill it with moss and then lots of fake or tiny pumpkins and gourds…it would look very nice that way.
~tammy
Hey Susan-
Love checking in. Sorry I didn't get anything posted on Monday-I am so busy working on my second blog http://www.itssoverycheri2.blogspot.com that I didn't get anything on here. I would paint it black and I would do something totally different than the typical expected flower arrangement but that is just me. Since it is almost time for back to school and I have kids I might do an "arrangement that included faux apples and a school bus with "report cards" and " a page full of "school pictures" from a year book (both lamanated and I wouldn't use a real report card") You could fill in with flowers and/or greenery for filling it. I have left my small Christmas trees out on the front lanai all year and I have been decorating the trees for each holiday or season. Since Aug doesn't have a holiday you could do "fall cleaning-like spring cleaning and have kids sized cleaning accessories. Or you could go gardening and have gloves and gardening tools with packages of watermelon seeds and a fake watermelon in it. It would be cute to get some removable stick on vinyls with ants and make a trail of ants heading to the watermelon-just a few ideas off the top of my head.
Chero
http://www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
I'm thinking it might look better black. However, your basket was beautiful on the door & it wasn't black!
This time of year I like to use sunflowers & Queen Anne's lace (I think HL has the fake stuff!) but I'm not sure if the sunflowers would look right against the red. Moss with overflowing greenery. And I also thought of the clay pots you could change out.
Good luck! Can't wait to see what it will end up looking like!!!
Love the Basket and LOVE the price tag. I love it the way it is, but it would really set it off if it were black. It goes very well with the lanterns. I would put some spanish moss tricking out the bott and then some ivy… but keep it low so as not to compete with the basket. Its too pretty to be overcome with flowers. I'm sure whatever you do you'll do it up right!!
Lisa
Hi Susan,
I would probably paint it black then put real green moss randomly, well rinsed of course. Then I would put larger fruits & veggies in like faux pineapple so it doesn't get too heavy, …all the interesting ones full of color. Nothing says welcome more than pineapple greeting your guests! Have fun with it!
For me, I love the old look of your porch. However, new designs and ideas is also good. By the way, i like the new basket you recently buy.
Once again I am envious of your comments! But that is so gorgeous that you had birds in your basket – I'd even go as far as saying tis a good omen! xxx
Definitely go black!
and like everyone else said, line with moss and then I would have to play around with it to see what looked good in it..
Can't wait to see!
I loved the daisies and your red door almost gives me the courage to paint my white door red. Our lanterns are white too, white trim on the house, etc. I adore your black lanterns. How about big, beautiful sunflowers? They are summery but transition into fall very well. I can't wait to see what you do because it is going to be fabulous!!!
Hey Susan… Love the basket and with all the wonderful ideas you have gotten I just know you'll come uo with something great… You just have the knack! Have a great day…
(((HUGS)))
Donna
I am so diappointed that we don't have HL's here in the northeast!!! I hear they are wonderful stores and are kinda like our Michael's???? Anyway, I would SO be there if we had one! Now for your front door: I sure wish I lived closer to you, I am a floral designer and could DO something in your wonderful basket. I, personally HAVE to change my door decoration for every season, so I would do a nice summery arrangement for now and change it out each season. I am gonna go against the grain though and say paint it black….onky cause I am REALLY "into" black right now and it would match your lanterns. I am TRYING to post a table on RMS right now to post on TT for tomorrow! TTYL, love, Pinky
I can't believe the birds came so close to the house. Interesting. I love your new purchase….what a deal!! I think I would paint it black. You have very good ideas:)
Susan… I love the basket on your door! It looks great… I can't wait to see what you fill it with!
xoxoxoxo
Donna Marie
I love HL too! In fact just found the funnest white (for now) bird house for $4.00 –!! woo hoo.
As for you front door. *sigh* for now I like the simple, the white — dunno its just simply charming the way it is.
But tomorrow i would feel different.. 🙂 thats just how my brain works.
TTFN ~~Claudia ♥
Susan, I think I hae my nerve tellin YOU how to decorate, since you can't put a goat or turkey, I like the ideas of objects.
Sea shells;different size,shape and initials with different colors and patterns; straw hats, and here in Texas we could use boots and a rope; fishing stuff; bird houses; pictures of you and your family in small frames in different colors; a bunch of differnt size and color welcome signs.
Well that is all my poor mind can come up with sorry I wasn't any help.
Barbara
Love the planter! I vote for painting it black, only because I feel it would stand out more…the white gets a bit lost with all the white around the door. I too vote for moss with fresh fragrant herbs. You can add a few seasonal pieces easily, or just weave a seasonal ribbon through the iron work.
I really like the iron piece but I love the basket. The nest was so sweet. Your front entry id gorgeous.
Love the basket….how about filling the bottom with moss and then arranging thrifted platters/plates, maybe teacups etc? Or books and a chalkboard? Or even wire birdies to the edges with nest/eggs, etc? I know whatever you decide, it will be classy and wonderful! Have fun playing!
Susan,
I subscribe to your blog without having one & feel unworthy of all you bloggers. With your red front door with accents of elegant black SUNFLOWERS would show up really well & accent your surroundings. Add a few birds or seashells. Glue gun the seashells on bamboo chopsticks for added height. Good Luck!
Cyndy
Cyns Beach House
I love the burlap and daisies idea someone had.
And please people. School starts in some areas in 3 weeks, but summer traditionally isn't over until Labor Day. Leave up the summer decorations until then. We have enough problems with the retail stores moving their summer stuff out over the July 4th weekend without bloggers adding to the fray.
Sorry Susan, but there were so many fall ideas that are great, but wait until fall!
I probably need to post pics of my front door and get some ideas too….I love your door, but I miss the daisies. What can I say? I'm a HUGE fan of daisies…although I'd LOVE bluebonnets to put up there…and they are not to be found here in Co. I have to send my sisters to HL or Michael's to get the for me.
I like the idea of painting the item black with greenery. I tried to picture the outdoor lamps with this item black and I think it will work for you. Keep us posted on what you do.
Hey Susan, Here's my two cents… I would definitely paint it black… then I would line it with moss… and change out the flowers seasonally… I hung a metal basket on my door and hubby hates it.. he said he needs a machete to get in the door… Ha Ha… Its still there…
I hope you have a fabulous week!
~Really Rainey~
Hi Susan! That basket is so pretty – it will look good no matter what you do with it! But I'd have to vote for painting it black, and using moss or greens, to make it coordinate with your lovely topiaries and lanterns. I'm jealous…my hubby would have a FIT if I hung something like that on the door…
I always love the look of daisies against red… so, I guess I'd vote for putting them back.
However, as creative as you are I am also curious as to what you would do if you kept them out.
I guess that is not much help. 🙂
The daisies were beautiful and so glad you let the birds stay until it was time to move on.
I think the basket would be great painted black. You could try changing the color in your photo using Photoshop or Picasa or whatever photo editing software you use. That way you could see how it would look without actually changing it!
Now if you were a die-hard UGA Bulldog's fan, you would have a little UGA sitting in there and peeping out over some white flowers waving a UGA Bulldog's pennant…I so hope you aren't and even if you are, please don't! LOL
I believe I would paint it black and fill it with a variety of greenery.
Your entrance looks Wonderful. I like putting florals on my door and depending on what the time of the year I go with those.
Willow
if you keep the white iron basket there you must paint it black. it fights with the surroundings otherwise. it is not quite the right shape for that area but if you fill it with overflowing flowers it could work. too cute with the birds! what a nice place for them to nest.
I love the white iron basket on your door. What about clay pots with flowers? In the winter moss in the basket with Magnolia leaves and pine cones.
Gretchen
I love Hobby Lobby. They don't have them back East but here in Texas, they're everwhere! By the way, I like your little ceramic pig too. Is it me, or does anyone else thinks he looks like Yoda? I'm not artistic so I can't offer any great ideas for your door, but I'm sure there's a lot of folks bursting with suggestions. Love your blog. It's like sitting down with a copy of Better Homes and Gardens …
I'm late in sending a comment, but here it is. The FIRST thing that drew me into your blog was the wicker basket on your door. The new basket is beautiful, but I'm still partial to the wicker. There…that's my opinion. Whatever you do will be beautiful!
Susan, you can either moss it and put flowers in it, or put pots in it with live flowers… like gerbra daisies or something like you like. I can see all sorts of possibilities, and it can either go black or white. Your call.
XO,
Sheila 🙂
What a great deal! I think I would paint it black and put a few pots of live flowers in it.
Love the nest and finch babies! 🙂
Hello Susan – love your new basket! I think it would be fabulous painted black, with moss and greenery!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
I would paint it black and I like Barb;'s idea of putting red geraniums in it.
I liked the shape of the other basket, not this one. If you painted it black, what color flowers would you put in it? If you painted it black, would the black show up, after the flowers were arranged in it? Maybe it's the shape of the basket that bothers me..that cone shaped basket seemed to be just perfect there. I'm sure anything you decide to put there will be beautiful, elegant and perfect to anybody's eye!
I'm sure whatever you decide to do will be beautiful. You have a lovely home and a great eye!
Christi
I think you are in danger of gilding the lily. I would put it somewhere else, it is nice but too much on your lovely door which I think would look better without anything else. Just the occasional seasonal wreath. I would also move the topiary urns further apart to line up with the fluted pilasters.
I would definitely paint it black. But I also agree with others that your door would be elegant just on its own with the brass elements.
I'd spray paint your basket black and add in some sunflowers. They would look great against your red door.
Awww, now I want to know what you did. 🙁 Is there a link? 😀
I ended up not being able to use the metal basket, it was to heavy and pulled down on the door. I’ve just been using wreaths and baskets. Nothing there now, need to get on that.
I’m a hopeless romantic…I would put pussy willows (height about same as basket twice), red and pink roses, and small sprays of wisteria floating and hanging out of the basket. Tuck in a few sprigs of bright blue hyacinth (if it’s Spring) or gerbera daisies or even regular daisies. Put the moss in the bottom. For magic, I’d find a fairy ornament hooked to the basket.