An Autumn Basket for the Front Door

Welcome to the 89th Metamorphosis Monday!

I need your help today…I can’t see the forest for the trees, so tell me what you think. I have a pretty fall wreath I sometimes place on my door…but this year I thought I’d try a basket instead. Here’s how my front door has looked all summer.

Nice, but time to put this look away and welcome in the fall season…

I found this large basket recently while out antiquing and I loved the warm, rich color of the basket…it just said autumn leaves, cozy fires in the fireplace, and warm, woolly mittens. Yep…that’s what it said…so I couldn’t leave it there…it had to come home with me.

I bought a bunch of fall silk flowers…more than I figured I would need…because it’s a HUGE basket. I knew it would take a lot to fill it. I even bought a few pumpkins/squash thingies in case I wanted to work them into the arrangement.

I stuffed newspapers into the very bottom…and added styrofoam on top. I stuck the stems of the silk flowers into the styrofoam. I left the tags on…just in case I didn’t like the look. I can cut them off later if I decide to keep them all. Silk flowers are soooo expensive, so I have to make sure.

Next, I put newspaper in around the stems to help hold them…and wedged in more styrofoam. These plants were pretty heavy and needed a lot of support.

I added floral moss from Dollar Tree on top.

Ready for the reveal? Be honest…tell me if it just looks too big.

Someone mentioned about removing the white flowers…I tend to agree. But they are part of the whole sunflower bunch…connected together. So maybe I’ll return that bunch for a different bunch. The white flowers do tend to stand out a bit against all the fall colors….not sure I like that. What do you think?

Update: I took a look at them and in person they don’t seem so white. I’m not sure why they look so white in the pics. I may leave them since they aren’t as white in person. 🙂

Here’s another alternative…a basket I used last year on one of the doors going out to the screened-in porch.

Nah…not crazy about that green basket against the red door. I think I’ll use this back on the screened-in porch again this year.

So, is the basket too large? Should I return all the silk flowers and go back to my fall wreath from last year?

Or will this work?

Addition: I just reworked it some…made it taller and less wide. Ann…a reader of BNOTP, just emailed and said a trick is to use chicken wire down inside the basket…I like that idea!

Oh, I should have mentioned…I’m going to try to make pumpkin topiaries this next week. Wish me luck. Anyone know how to get those babies to all stand up interconnected? I want them to last at least until Halloween so I’m kind of reluctant to go poking holes in them…to attach them with wire or dowels. I’d love to pull out the existing topiaries (temporarily) and reuse the urns I already have…but I can’t remove the topiaries from the pots…see THIS disaster post 🙁 and you’ll know why. So, I’ll need to buy new urns/pots for my pumpkin topiaries. Home Depot or Lowes…here I come.

 

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Comments

  1. Your front door arrangement is gorgeous! Makes me want to give mine the fall touch. Thank you for hosting!

  2. I LOVE THE LAST PIC, THE BASKET LOOKS GREAT AND DIFFERENT..

    SILVIA

  3. I think that I like the smaller basket the best! I sure wish that we could have a beautiful red door like that. 🙂

    Stinkin' Home Owners Association! 😛

    ~Liz

  4. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    I'm really liking the basket! Even though I have a wreath at the moment on my door I really like the idea of something different. This is gorgeous!

  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    OMG Susan, I love it. I have been wanting one of those baskets to hang in the house. So French country. I love your floral display and it is perfect!

  6. Judy @ In His Grip says

    I really like the green on the red door, but really, they all look great!

  7. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says

    I am voting basket because it is similar to what I did and linked up.

  8. Life on the Edge says

    Wow, I love it! I don't think it looks too big at all. I like that its substantial. Really makes a statement! It turned out so beautiful.

    Kady
    Life on the Edge

  9. I think the basket is perfect. I'd love to find one just like it! Sure enjoy your blog!!!

    Amy

  10. Chari at Happy To Design says

    Hi Susan…

    Ohhh my…your front door looks absolutely fabulous all dressed up in its new autumn finery! I actually liked each scenario, Susan! But…must admit that your new wicker basket full of autumn florals is my favorite!!! Love, love, LOVE IT!!! The wreath is fabulous as well! I'm sure you won't have any problems finding just the right place for all of these pretties! Thank you for sharing them with us today for MM!!! I also would like to thank you for hosting this fun filled metamorphosis party! I'm just tickled pink that I was able to participate this week!

    Well sweet friend, so sorry to hear about your posting/Blogger problems! It looks like you have it worked out now…thank the Lord! I have never had that happen to me. I hope that my note finds you well, my friend!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

  11. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    I love door no. 4.. but they will all work and are all lovely..
    Thanks so hosting this party for us.
    Sonny

  12. Glenda/MidSouth says

    I like the basket very much. I personally would take the white flowers out tho, as they stand out from the Fall colors. I need to change my wreath out. The one there now says Spring/Summer.
    First time I have joined in in a while – Thanks so much for hosting again this week.

  13. Grammy Goodwill says

    I really like your new basket, but I think I would take out a few things on the ends. I'd rather have the height that you have now than the additional flowers going past the edges of the basket. (I hope that makes sense.) But I would never have even looked at it that hard if you hadn't asked. I'd just think it looked good.

  14. I love the big basket. It has a WOW factor, in a good way. Especially if you are going to add pumpkins to the porch to balance it. Gorgeous!!

  15. I love it Susan! Not too large for me! I like that is it nice and full. I bet it really shows up from a distance.

    Mary
    From Virginia

  16. tales from an oc cottage says

    Oh! I really like that basket! Mucho!

    m ^..^

  17. I think you should go with your instinct. The basket arrangement is gorgeous, but the scale is wrong for the door. Why not spray the green basket the natural color, and create a smaller version using the new flowers.

    Just an idea (:

    P.S. This post is showing up on google reader

  18. I love it! I don't think it looks too big at all!! It's awesome!

  19. the cape on the corner says

    i love the basket idea, such a nice change from a wreath…altho that's exactly what i linked up, my fall wreath. maybe you can take out some around the sides, it may make the overall feel be a tad smaller. i love all items you chose to fill it with.

  20. the door arrangement is beautiful – i think you should remove the faux boxwood topiaries and replace them with a fall arrangement of pumpkins/straw bales/old crates or nothing at all – the boxwoods are taking away the impact and throwing the balance off. otherwise gorgeous!!

  21. That is simply lovely! Of course, when you compare it to the wreath, it does look awfully big. But, your guests won't be comparing!

    We don't have a front door. 🙁 Our home has only sliders. Of course, i love the light that they allow in. I put things like this (well, i don't have anything quite as beautiful as this) under our house number & light, which is beside the slider.

    Love your site, BTW. Been following a couple of weeks & it is like stepping into Victoria magazine. So very lovely.

  22. I had trouble with blogger today too. It had something to do with the change in the way pictures are posted. I ended up having to shut down my computer and start over. Fortunately my post was saved in drafts as I hadn't posted it yet.

    Your front door looks very pretty!

  23. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! I love them all, but I think I like your new basket best! I do believe that I have his little brother at my house, waiting to be filled! I found him at Goodwill! Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie

  24. that is 1 of the most beautiful arrangements for a door i think i have ever seen…i love the idea of the baskets…….just beautiful

  25. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    I love the large basket, it's gorgeous!!! I think the scale works well with your porch lights.
    Thanks for your sweet comment about my silly project, and thanks for hosting this fun party again!

  26. Graceful Moments says

    Susan, I love the basket. It is gorgeous but I would take out the white flowers. I also wonder if it feels a little too large because it is competing with the topiaries. It might not seem too large if they were moved out a bit or even taken away all together…just a thought. It's a really beautiful arrangement and looks fabulous against your red door but something's just the slightest bit off about it. I figure you want to know what I really think….right??? I hope so. ♥ Vicki

  27. Gardening in a Sandbox says

    Love Love Love the natural basket on the door. Fabulous job. The door looks so beautiful.

  28. I like the basket on the door -it does say autumn -I think your door and your home can pull off a large basket like that but the white flowers do not add to the effect -I think another color would be a better choice .

  29. I love the large basket and the flowers, but I would echo what the others are saying and pull out the white flowers. Also, I think it would look better to pull the topiaries out to the edges of the porch and fill in some smaller things like the pumpkins in between. I think that would open up the space and balance the scale of the basket on the door. Just my idea, but I love the flowers. They are beautiful.

  30. I like the new basket. I LOVE big!!! I don't like the white flowers though. Michael's had some goreous bundles that were the same type of flower as the white but in fall colors.I also like your wreath from last year.

  31. I agree, the new basket and flowers have that WOW factor going on and it's very impressive. The only change I would make is to remove the white flowers, too. You're arrangement is beautiful and I can't wait to get out my things for Fall…I change out on Oct. 1st. Thanks for such a beautiful post and a WONDERFUL blog!!!
    Susan

  32. Sharing with Sherri says

    The BIG basket looks the best to me! Not TOO big at all… but I would have to go along with Glenda in that I would remove the white flowers from the arrangement as well. But it REALLY is gorgeous!

    Thanks for sharing, and being a wonderful hostess!

    Hugs, Sherri:)

  33. Susan, I love the large basket! It's perfect and your doorway is large enough to accommodate it….and as long as it doesn't "attack" your guests when they enter. The colors are beautiful, but as you mentioned, I probably would take out the white flowers. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.

  34. It is NOT too big, I LOVE it!! And you can barely see the white flowers, I think they add some nice contrast. What a beautiful fall door!

  35. I love the basket! What a great way of welcoming fall and visitors to your home!

  36. Like the white flowers–without them there would not be much contrast with the other flowers and the door. The large basket is great and different!

  37. Hi Susan…To me, the basket looks regal, wow factor awesome! Keep it just the way it is. Great job! And, as one reader suggested, add some big fat pumpkins to the porch! Susan

  38. As a professional florist, here's my opinion.

    The basket is not too large, but the flowers are too compact. I'd remove the white ones (even if they are not so white in person) and I'd also remove a few other others and make it taller and airier.
    Chicken wire is a good way to hold them, but sahara (dry floral foam) works well too and is not as heavy as wire.

  39. southerninspiration says

    I LOVE it!!! I think i agree with the comment to take away the topiaries, though. A good design trick is to form a triangle, so I would add some mums or pumpkins rather than the topiaries–they take away from the beauty of the basket, I think! Don't sell yourself short, you've got a GREAT eye!

    Suzanne

  40. love the basket with the flowers, Susan, it might be a little big but it does not look bad. If you raise it a little (if possible), it might look a little better but I really don't know unless I see it. I love your front door. I like the green basket too….Christine

  41. I love the last one. And rather than move the topiaries, just add some fall things to them. Leaves, a ribbon, whatever, just to pick up the colors of the flowers in the basket. I like it w/o the white flowers.
    Now could you help me pick paint for my kitchen??? 🙂

  42. Sue Murphy@life as a house says

    Must be something in the air today. I had trouble doing my post also and I'm not even on blogger.

    Anyway, I Love the basket on the front door. I love the bold statement. Your door is the perfect color for fall.

  43. Hirondelle Rustique says

    I absolutely love your front door area, it's one of my favorites! I don't mind the larger basket at all, in fact I think all the options look great so you can't go wrong either way!

  44. Susan,
    I love that basket!! I liked it full too. A fantastic change! Looks perfect for fall. Thanks for hosting.
    Sherry

  45. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Susan, your basket is gorgeous. I love how pretty and full itis. Your side door urns and plants are so pretty. What a wonderful and welcoming entry. Hugs, Marty

  46. Leave the white flowers in, and use the non-green basket. It looks stunning! Great job!
    Thanks for hosting Met Monday!

  47. I like the new basket. I think the big scale works. If you don't want the white flowers you can use a pair of pliers to cut them off the bunch then you don't have to return and redo. Thanks for another great party!

  48. Nothing is ever too big! I agree with some of the others ~ put the boxwoods away for just the Fall, but the basket is great. Maybe a few too many flowers packed in there, but I love the slight off balance, and since I'm a big fat ribbon lover, I'll just a couple of floral picks and get a big ribbons to hang down over the basket ~ maybe olive green and burlap. Does that make sense?! Flowy ribbons rock ~ especially if there is a Fall breeze out 🙂 LOVE IT! Great job!

    ~angela @ peonypatch
    http://www.thetasselhouse.etsy.com

  49. Janet - Birdland Treasures says

    I don't think it's too big at all – I think it's very exuberant and beautiful, and says "Fall Bounty"! 🙂 Love it!

  50. Hi Susan, your Fall entry is beautiful! I love the new arrangement … the bigger, the better !! The colors pop wonderfully against that gorgeous red door! Thanks for hosting such a fun gathering and letting me share my Fall dining room. Take care, Becca (Adventures in Decorating)

  51. Blue Creek Home says

    I love the new basket. I think the lighter color flowers are fine. Mums really come in that color, so it already has Mother Nature's approval!
    Rhonda

  52. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    I love that basket! It was bigger then I thought but it looks great on your door. Taller is better then wider. I might move your urns over toward the brick some since the basket is large.

  53. Susan, I like the basket with the flowers. You should leave it. You can always trade out with the wreath if you get tired of this look, but I personally think it looks terrific.
    Happy Fall! ~ Sarah

  54. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    I love it!!! Keep it! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!

  55. Entertaining Women says

    The basket is a great find. If the white flowers continue to distract, you could take a spritzer bottle with a bit of water & paint & add another color…maybe a deep maroon…or a bronze/gold. I don't think that the arrangement is too large, but I wonder if it is hung just a tad too low. I wonder if you could jerryrig the holder on the back so that the top of the basket hits above your door knocker and not below it. Thanks for hosting Metamorphosis Monday. I have to go write my post now. Cherry Kay

  56. Hi Susan,
    BIG is good! I think it looks fabulous and oh-so Autumn-y! You've given me incentive to change my front door wreath this year.
    Hugs!
    B.

  57. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    Thanks for hosting. Love the change to the front door!

  58. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    I like the basket, very pretty. I also like your red door. Thanks for hosting this party!

  59. Thanks for the party!!! I love the big basket. It's great.

  60. Heaven's Walk - says

    Hi Susan! I think your basket really makes a huge statement on your door! It's beautiful! And your arrangement is just stunning! 🙂

    xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

  61. Mary of Front Porch Ideas and More says

    Susan, I like the large basket stuffed with autumn flowers. It's the main focal point of your porch – your red door and that gorgeous autumn basket. I like the white flowers, too – they add some sparkle to your basket. Very gorgeous!

  62. Patricia Torres says

    oh my !! oh my!! your decor is beyond gorgeous!! Susan… how do you manage to do this all the time.. Its amazing!! *hugs*

  63. Enchanted Rose Studio says

    Fabulous basket, Susan! Definitely take off the white flowers. Great find! Love it!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Cheers!
    Tina

  64. I like the larger basket and wonder if you can use the wreath on the inside of the door. Both are just beautiful.

  65. Fifi Flowers says

    I look forward to welcoming Fall!!!

  66. Not too big but I suggest you move the topiaries slightly left and right because they are too close together.
    The basket looks lush and full. Love it.

  67. Ashley @ The Hillside Home says

    I happen to love the arrangement in the tan basket. Gorgeous. And different. Love it. Very fall looking. 🙂

  68. I love your front door basket. Thanks for hosting again this week.

  69. Thanks for hosting today. I can ee why you are having a hard time deciding on your door, because they are all beautiful! I kike the natural color basket the best~

  70. Susan, I love the new brown basket and the arrangement is gorgeous. Wish I could do this, we have a glass storm door on our front door, so I have to keep my decor pretty flat to fit in between the two. Love it!
    Linda

  71. They are both pretty, but I think I prefer the smaller green basket.
    If you cannot decide, why not alternate the baskets through the Fall.

  72. Just saw this blog do fall topiaries. http://singletongirl.blogspot.com/2010/09/pumpkin-topiaries.html Don't know whether that will help. I think I would start by taking the top left sunflower out, and if it's still too big, remove the one below it. Not really loving the white-ish flowers. You would always cut them off at the stem and mix them in (not all at the bottom). Just my opinion…for what it's worth. Please don't include me in the giveaway since I have no more room for dishes, but thanks, anyway! I'm sure you have some idea how that feels!

  73. Modern Country Style says

    Thank you for hosting!

    I think it looks great…but I agree about the white flowers (although I am aware that colours sometimes look very different in photos).

  74. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    Sending a sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm! I'm so happy to be back blogging and most of all participating in your Metamorphosis Monday meme! First of all, your basket looks wonderful, removing the white flowers is a good idea – the white is just too stark against those beautiful fall hues – you can cut them off and save them for your Christmas decorating, right? I liked the green basket too, but you might be right about the green against the red door. Either way you've done a great job! Happy to be back! Ciao, bella!

  75. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic says

    I love your arrangement, and agree that moving the topiaries over and filling in with pumpkins, etc, will balance out the beautiful basket perfectly. It really is WOW!

  76. I personally think the white flowers add a nice contrast and I love the size of the basket. After all, fall is all about bounty right? I have featured your floral arrangement on Craft Gossip today 🙂 http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/autumn-basket-for-your-door/

  77. Your door decor looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    Brittany
    http://www.prettyhandygirl.com

  78. The basket is fabulous. I am a proponent of "more is more". I love the dramatic effect its large size creates. White draws your eye like a beacon, so a little white will draw people's eyes toward your magnificent door. I wonder what it would look like if you raised it just a few inches??? I see that you have a peep hole there, but you have a few inches to spare before you block it!
    You have an amaaaaazing blog! Thanks for sharing it with us! Your blog is an inspiration to me!
    CC
    (Author of the new" Currentlychic.com)

  79. A Toile Tale says

    It might be a tad big, but then again, my motto is "It's not done until it's overdone"!
    Linda

  80. Basket looks great,can't wait to see the pumpkin topiaries!

    Thanks you so much for visiting LazyonLoblolly,and your comments are so appreciated,more than you know!

    -JO
    -LazyonLoblolly

  81. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    That basket is fabulous! What a find. Your front door always looks so inviting. Your fall arrangement in the big basket just screams welcome!

  82. My favorite is the last photo where you rearranged a bit and I'm loving the flower that is draped over the front of the basket. I would leave in the white flowers, as there are white mums, and they really add the perfect contrast to your white sidelights. You said you were changing the topiaries, and that will really make your front porch a 'slow down and stare' zone. Excellent job!

  83. Sorry, Susan. I can't help you; I love them all!

    Sue
    xo

  84. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    Hi Susan I love the big basket. My Bohemian style wants to say tug and bend a few flowers near the front down over the basket so it looks like they are tumbling over the edge. I'm just one of those gals who doesn't like things too neat.
    Have a great day.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

  85. ♥ Calamity Anne ♥ says

    What a gorgeous front door…and I LOVE the basket!

    Thanks again for hosting another party!

  86. The arrangement is beautiful, but a smaller scale would be much better.

  87. I love the last pic of the basket on the door! I like the larger size, I think it goes well with the topiaries. You mentioned getting pumpkins. Have you considered going to Michaels and getting their fake ones that look so real? stack 3 of those with grapevines wrapped around maybe some moss, I think they look real and won't rot on you. I am trying this, this year. I may have to cut off the stem that sticks up on the bottom two but think I can glue or wire them together.. Hope it works LOL!!

  88. I love all of it. Sigh…anything works on that gorgeous red door.

  89. Sandy at Teacup Lane says

    I love the last photo of your new basket and flower arrangement! It is simply gorgeous! I have nothing on my green door – you have inspired me to go out and get something to add some POP to it.

  90. Carmie, the Single Nester says

    What a lovely entry to welcome people into your home. Screams bounty!

  91. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    Guess what? We have the same basket on our front doors…mine does look a little bit smaller than yours! I think yours looks great…it's for sure a keeper! I will be posting mine later this week…come by if you get the time. Thanks so much for hosting the party!

    Blessings,
    Linda

  92. Susan- I love what you created! Your home is massive from the front- so go BIG!! If the white is too white -dip in some tea and tea dye 🙂

  93. Your basket turned out beautifully. I like the process you shared with us as you fiddled and played with it.

  94. I absolutely love your basket door decoration. I'm using my same old, same old wreath again this year and I'd love to do the basket. I prefer the tan basket to the green. Great idea!!!!

  95. I looked and looked at the pictures but it wasn't until I read some of the comments that it helped solidify what was just a tad off for me. I LOVE the arrangement but I think the topiaries compete with the size of the basket. Because they are tall and slender they make the basket look even bigger. I also like the last basket slimmed down. In a PERFECT world, I think it is just a tad too big. But so beautiful I don't think anyone would notice! Toni

  96. gnee @ Singing With Birds says

    Susan,

    Everything about your home is fabulous. I love your beautiful red door that is so welcoming, flanked by your topiary. Either arrangement is gorgeous…I'd opt to go with "less is more," and find another place for both!

  97. Hi Susan,
    I wanted to put my two cents in…I think the original arrangement looks great! Yes, it's big but to me it just makes a statement. I think it fits just fine! To me it just gives your guests a great big welcome. I love it! Have you been to Sherry's? She has lovely wreaths and they're big and gorgeous! I've made one too from her tutorials and get loads of compliments.

    Here are the links:

    http://creationsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-custom-wreath.html

    and

    http://mssharlottessouthernreflections.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-new-friend.html

    As always, thanks so much for all your inspiration!
    Sharlotte

  98. Laurie Jones says

    Honestly I'd say if I didn't like it, well actually I wouldn't I just wouldn't comment, but I love the big basket, I wouldn't change a thing! What a statement piece! Love your entry way!!

  99. I personally like the natural wicker basket WITH the white flowers. The white maked all the other colors pop not just blend together. The white also ties in to your white trim to make it a more stand-outish. Other wise it blends into the colors of your door too much.

  100. It appears everyone is giving this a thumbs up. I think if you have to ask the question, then it probably means you think it is too large and you aren't sold on it. If we could see it in a pic with the whole house included, it might change my opinion. I do think it's too large for the scale of the door. Sort of overwhelms it. However, the basket and arrangement itself was done very well and is pretty in and of itself. So I say go with your gut.

  101. I love the natural basket! It is not at all to big for the door. We have a Red Door Shop here in the city and they have had GIANT sunflower baskets on their doors for several weeks and I adore them. Wish I had a picture to show you. My vote is….it's a keeper!

  102. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    Susan, The arrangement is gorgeous! I would leave it just like it is. Perfect!
    Hugs, Sherry

  103. I love the big basket. The white flowers do seem to stand out, so I personally would remove those. Beautiful arrangement!

  104. A Hint of Home says

    I would remove the white flowers and stay with that basket. It's striking on the door.

  105. Love it Susan. So very cheerful and colorful. I love your red front door.
    I prefer the tan basket, but any of them look fabulous!

  106. I think your basket is to big and I don't care for the white flowers. It looks to heavy for that door. The smaller green basket looked great.

  107. Susan, I love the basket! As a floeal designer I do have some tips. We ALWAYS cut apart those premade bunches of flowers. That way they go ALOT farthere. Also I would get some fall ivy like pieces so you can trail that out of the basket. Don't get me wrong, I think you did a GREAT job! As far as the topiaries: there are several tutorials on doing them using real and fake pumpkins. I will look for them and send you the link. XO, Pinky

  108. I like it! About the white flowers: did you know that the craft stores carry spray paint made for for florals? I think it is probably water-based, and you can remove the "blossom" from the stem and change the color altogether or just adjust the shade. Pros do it all the time! It is also a great way to perk up old stock when it starts looking tired or you want to change the color scheme.

  109. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    My first reaction was that it was a bit large for the door, but it grew on me. When I looked at the smaller green basket, I realized that I did like the large one better. If the flowers are really cream and we just can't see that…I'd leave them. If they are white, I'll just pull the heads off, maybe snip the stems down inside the basket and leave the sunflowers as they are.

  110. I think it's striking!

  111. Susan, go with what you really like! There really is no wrong choice! You have to be happy with the final result!

  112. Susan, go with what you really like! There really is no wrong choice! You have to be happy with the final result!

  113. Lady Katherine says

    Susan, just take the white flowers off the wire and add a few pumpkins, or okra, lotus pods where they were. I agree it was too wide, the first photo's needed both side taken down and height added. Usually the rule is 1 and half time size of container, but exceptions are when they turn out great! Also I think something trailing down the front might look good and take away the look of the basket being so large. I do love your arrangement of fall colors in the basket. I use chicken wire too, I have many topiaries plastered in pots with round chicken wire cages,(called a frog) so the cage holds the flower stems and I can change it out when wanted. You did a wonderful job. Keep this basket on your door!

  114. Hi! Never posted here before…just wanted to tell ya I made some pumpkin topiaries over the weekend using "funkins" AKA fake pumpkins from Michaels. I explain everything on my blog! They were very easy! My husband drilled holes through the pumpkins and ran a piece of rebar through them. I used the planters that I usually have flowers in…they are full of dirt. I plan on making snowmen out of them when I am done! Hope that helps! I need to link up here sometime!

  115. Hi! Never posted here before…just wanted to tell ya I made some pumpkin topiaries over the weekend using "funkins" AKA fake pumpkins from Michaels. I explain everything on my blog! They were very easy! My husband drilled holes through the pumpkins and ran a piece of rebar through them. I used the planters that I usually have flowers in…they are full of dirt. I plan on making snowmen out of them when I am done! Hope that helps! I need to link up here sometime!

  116. I just found your blog and I LOVE it! You have some amazing pictures. I'll check back often!

  117. There might be some that think the basket is a bit big but I, for one, like it for the drama that that size evokes.
    Pam @ Becolorful

  118. Your door says "Welcome fall and come on in!"

  119. April @ HomeHinges.com says

    I love the new big basket you created for the front door. Your door is amazing by the way with the fluted molding on the sides and the dental molding on top. Beautiful. The basket gives it some variety from all the other such doors out here with fall wreaths. I like the blond basket against the red door better than the green one too. Good luck with the pumpkins.

  120. Sweet Souhen Gal says

    Susan, love love the new basket arrangement. Once you remove the green topiaries and replace them with the pumpkins and other fall things on either side of the door- it will look balanced. I would not change a thing on your basket – it looks marvelous against your red door. Great Curb Appeal. You always do such a marvelous job. You are one talented Lady. Have a Wonderful Thursday.
    Phyllis/SweetSouthernGal

  121. Susan, The re-worked basket in the last post is what you should keep up on the door, IMO. I probably would ditch the white flowers, though- maybe a bit too much contrast. This is similar to the basket I created for my front door
    HERE

    Can't wait to see your pumpkin topiaries. Would you consider using faux instead of real pumpkins? Then you wouldn't have to worry about rotting pumpkins!
    ~ Sue

    I hope the link works- 🙂

  122. Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch) says

    Hi, Susan – great basket and love the sunflowers! I, too, think it would look better without the white, I hope you don't mind my saying (you DID ask!) and since those sunflowers are so pretty, just get scissors or wire cutters and SNIP off the white flowers and their stems, no? You can use them somewhere else in a little vase. Well, that's my idea, but if you leave them in, it still looks great. 🙂
    Best,
    Gloria

  123. Judith Faulkner says

    I think the basket is lovely, but it is rather large. When you walk thru the door does the arrangement get in your face, or does it bang against the door when opening and closing? Regardless, it is like a statement necklace, meant to get your attention!

  124. I love this basket, especially where you placed it. Pinning his for when i buy my house

  125. I think the big, natural colored fall basket is kind of fabulous! Do you still use it? If not, pass it my way, LOL. LOVE!

    • No, don’t have it anymore. I ended donating it after a year or two. It was really big to store, so I reluctantly donated it. If I still had it, you would be more than welcome to it! Ali, thanks so much for your sweet comment on my post about retiring from APS. It’s funny because I feel like I could walk right back into the office and pick up exactly where I left off. But I have zero desire to go back. It was very much a thankless job at least from how CM’s are treated by the State. That position paid pathetically but surprisingly required a college degree. The state may not have appreciated the work we did, but I know of many of my clients did because my supervisor forwarded to me the letters they wrote to me after I left. I saved those and every now and then I come across them in a drawer and read them again. Helps make all the truly terrible moments worth it.

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