You guys, it’s my annual FALL HOME TOUR, but this year…
…we made it SPOOKTACULAR 🙂 .
Here’s the deal, I’m never less organized/more flustered/more confused when putting together a blog post than when it’s time for my annual FALL TOUR or my annual HOLIDAY HOME TOUR. In a given year, I write over 500 posts, but for some reason, these two get me the most discombobulated.
These were all thoughts in my head this week…
Does my house photograph better in the day or night?
Did I remember to turn on the fireplaces for a cozier look?
Shoot, why didn’t I remember to photograph the pantry?
Why is my family so messy when I’m trying to take pretty pictures?
Seriously, day or night which one is better? I’ll just do both.
Why am I doing this? My decorations do not change from year to year. Why?
My grandmother will be so disappointed if I don’t post. Must persevere and keep taking photos.
Seriously, why does my family just leave their stuff everywhere so that I have to move it to take said photos?
Needless to say, I hope you enjoy yet another FALL HOME TOUR here in my little blog world 🙂 .
Get cozy, light a candle and settle in.
If you were here in person, we would welcome you in with a cup of coffee and pumpkin muffin. Today, I have a whole lot of fall and Halloween decor pics to share, and very few captions. Please, please note though, my sweet dog who loves me so much that as I took these photos (over several different days) managed to always follow me from room to room and settle in. Geez, I love her.
Okay, I’ll just let my home do the talkin’ while you scroll through…
This. Because my sweet husband knew me well enough to know that I would be thrilled out of my mind over a new 12′ friend 🙂 .
Come on inside!
And because my husband lets me/supports me/encourages me to do 99.9% of the nutty things I want to do (and as you all know, I’m a handful…can you even imagine living with me?!), I sometimes indulge him in his activities too even if I don’t fully love/enjoy/understand them (because that’s 20 years of a happy marriage, y’all).
Andrew’s mom had this skeleton hanging in his kitchen growing up, and when we got married, she gave it to us to hang in ours. 🙂
Miss Ashby added a few details to her room…
…and Miss Madeley did too…
And of course, I added all the fall to my office…
Because every travel agency office needs one right?!
And we even have pumpkins on the patio…
From our home to yours…
…wishing you a SPOOKTACULAR OCTOBER!
Now, don’t forget, if you’re curious about where we store all of our holiday decorations, make sure you check out THIS BLOG POST where Andrew and I take you inside our storage unit in a video tour.
Also, some of the most common questions I get each year after this post are:
1. WHERE DO YOU STORE ALL OF THIS? See THIS BLOG POST for details!
2. WHEN DO YOU DECORATE/TAKE DOWN? We almost always decorate on September 1st and then we will take it all down and put up Christmas on November 1st. Yes, I know that’s early, but it’s so much work and we love it so much, that we do it early.
3. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO PUT IT OUT? A few hours! I always do it one day while the kids are in school.
4. WHERE DID YOU BUY____? I’ve had this stuff for years and years! Some of it, almost 20 years! I would say that my go-to places for holiday decorations outside of specialty stores are Pottery Barn and Hobby Lobby. My friends Amanda and Amy make all of my holiday signs that you’ll see and then my friend Lori decorates all of the plates and platters with my kids’ hand prints on them.
I also wanted to remind you again that…
…right now, Life in Lilac is offering my readers 15% off my three favorite fall/winter candles in THIS BUNDLE!
I was burning two different Life in Lilac candles in my house that I love last week, so I emailed them directly (as they’ve been very sweet to work with in the past), and asked if my readers could get a discount code on my favorite fall scents. Within minutes they emailed me back and enthusiastically said YES! Isn’t that awesome? They asked me which three I wanted to bundle and BETTER THAN PIE (a yummy fall apply scent), BACKYARD BONFIRE (a nice wintery/smoky scent) and FALL FEVER (it’s like cinnamon pumpkin goodness) were all three I had loved in years past and currently burning/had at home, so that’s what I selected.
I love that these jars are white, that the candles burn clean, and that the scents fill up a room nicely every time.
Don’t forget that we’ve updated so many rooms in our house! If you’re looking for specific sources from specific rooms, these posts here will be the best bet for you to find that information:
Have a wonderful Thursday, friends!
I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Nicole says
Lovely home tour!!! I’m with your grandmother and love these posts. Your home is always beautifully put together. Thank you for sharing.
Elspeth says
I love your home tour posts always fun to get a look inside!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
polly pover says
Are the squashes/pumpkins real or fake? Some look fake, but a lot look like the real deal! Do you use them for decor and then cook ’em up?
Mix and Match Mama says
They are all real! By the time we’re done with them, they’re pretty sun damaged and icky from the heat.
Laura says
This is one of my favorite posts! The whole house looks amazing. What does the playroom look like now that your children are older? Would like a sneak peek. 😉 Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s really an empty room now. We keep meaning to do something with it, but other than two chairs and a bookcase, it’s pretty empty.
Erika Slaughter says
It looks super spooky and cozy! Just what you were going for this season!
Lyssy in the City says
This is always one of my favorite posts of the year! It inspires me to decorate my NYC apartment and blog about it each year. I dream of one day having a front porch to decorate 🙂 Have a spooktacular day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bet your NYC apartment is so COZY right now!! xx
Beth says
Your home is so beautiful. Love all of the pumpkin pillows, especially. I have a burning question. Why is the landscape painting in your living room set up sideways? When I look at it, I can see it is a landscape with a sky and clouds, mountains and a lake. But it’s sideways. That’s my big question. Happy fall and thanks for this post!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s actually abstract, so it goes both ways. You see that (which is so cool!), Ashby always says she sees mountains. I love this burning question 🙂 .
Leticia says
I had the same burning question!
Amy McConnell says
I’m with your grandmother, I always love this post 🙂 Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! The moose makes me laugh! And do you mind sharing where you found the large painting above your mantle in the living room? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
There is a store in Southlake, TX called Sally Lynn Home, and I bought it there. Thank you for the sweet comment! xx
Karen says
Your home is so lovely! I do see adding twinkling lights to Mr. Moose for Christmas!
Julie Gannon says
I want a giant skeleton so bad! Have you seen the big ones that look like they’re crawling out of the ground? It’s like a 5-ish foot tall skull and then the arms. Maybe your skelly needs a friend? 😄
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m texting Andrew about this right now! bahahaha!
Lisa D says
Lovely! Everything looks so festive and “Fall” 🎃
Kara says
Your countertops always look so shiny! What cleaner do you use on them daily? Love all the fall decor!! thanks! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We use Weiman Granite and Stone Clean and Shine. We buy it at our grocery store.
Mary Straus says
Hi Shay,
Was wondering if you remember where you purchased the velvet pumpkins in the library/living room???
Also, noticed that HUGE elk or moose head. Did Andrew get that hunting??
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought those from my local grocery store last year. Aren’t they fun?! And yes, a few years ago, Andrew did get that moose…it just took a long time to get it to my house. I hope his next wife loves it as much as he does 😉 .
Elizabeth McCracken says
But what is the moose (elk??) named?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know that it has an official name, but I always think of him as Mo. Ha!
K.K. says
He’s definitely a Mo!!! ha ha ha… Or Mo, short for Morris! 😉 Thanks for the amazing tour, Shay!!
Bev byerly says
Your home is lovely but I would not fret over a messy house. A home is a place where you make memories with your family. Remember “a house is made of walls and beams; a home is built of love and dreams”. Blessings to you!
Kristin Nichols says
What brand is your range/stovetop/oven unit? I love the size of it.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a Viking range. I bought it so long ago that off the top of my head, I do not know the size.
Beth Valenta says
So adorbable and fun! Love your new outside man.
Kay says
Awww, I’m sure it’s so much work to get the house in order (mom of three teens and two golden retrievers here!) but for what it’s worth, your Fall and Christmas tours are my ABSOLUTE favorites ever! And even if you show some of the same decorations year after year, it never gets old. It’s comforting! Kind of like how we all re-watch our favorite Christmas movies once a year you know? Familiar but delightful.
Do you happen to know where you got the cozy flannel blanket (in a basket) next to your chair in your office? I love the colors in it!
Happy Fall and Halloween to your adorable family! Thanks for sharing.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do!!! That’s a new purchase actually from Hobby Lobby! I just bought it about a week ago. Thank you, thank you for the sweet words and encouragement! Happy Fall!
Diann says
Everything looks so cozy and beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Where did you get your flat, festive desk calendar from?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m obsessed with it!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B4FQFRJH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Katie White says
So cozy! Where did you get the halloween sheets and the little village halloween houses?
Mix and Match Mama says
The sheets are from PB Kids (but years ago) and the houses are from Snow Village. It’s their Halloween collection.
Kristy says
I love the home tour. Your house is always beautiful and reflects you so well. And I don’t believe that your house is ever messy! The moose may be my favorite thing. One year I saw someone hang some wool ball garlands from antlers and I have been trying to recreate it in my home. Thanks for the Life in Lilac bundle, I ordered and love this candles. And I keep thinking about yesterday’s post. I do a lot of what you have listed but one more that I do and love is cloth napkins. I love using cloth versus paper. I started collecting them and we use them for every meal. I did buy some very inexpensive ones from IKEA that are our everyday, grab it for breakfast and lunch type. But also have a fun collection that I love to use for dinners.
Kacey says
So cozy!! I love all of the different pumpkin accents you have. The calendar hanging on the door in your kitchen is absolutely adorable. I’ve never seen one like that and I love it! I also love that your dining table is always set so nicely.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jenn says
I know this is supposed to be a fall post, but I am always just obsessed with your RH lighting/furniture. Looks fab
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Thank YOU!
Sharon says
Which dog follows you around? I can’t tell your white dogs apart. I hope you never stop blogging. You were especially funny today saying Andrew supports most of the nutty things you do. I think you would be fun to live with or have as a friend.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! Thank you so much!!! You’re too sweet. Seriously, too sweet. That’s Poppy. She’s 11.5 and loves me the most 🙂 .
Sharon says
You probably guessed by my name that I’m older than your average reader, somewhere between your mom and your grandmother. My husband supports the nutty things I want to do too. A couple years ago when we flew to Missouri to visit relatives we stopped in Dallas and drove to McKinney just so I could eat lunch at Spoons.
Since you aren’t doing the podcast right now, I would like to see you and Erika do a video Q & A like you have done with Andrew.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwwwwww!!!! You did?! I love that!!!! Spoons is amazing!!! Thank you for coming and supporting our local diner.
Shannon says
I like the moose head…I didn’t realize your husband was a hunter!
Andrea says
I love a holiday home tour, although I did get distracted by your wood floors! We are in the planning stages of a big remodel. Is there a post where you share the details on them, and have they held up well with kids and dogs?
Mix and Match Mama says
Check the link at the bottom for the Great Room! I’m pretty positive the deets are there. And YES! It’s real wood that we’ve stripped and stained, and it’s held up well.
Stephanie says
Can you tell me more about the little tiger on Madeley’s bedstand???? I have a tiger obsessed little miss! Thanks! We are a Halloween family and love all things pumpkin! This is beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think you’re looking at her Alexa for kids!! She uses it every day!
Tina says
It took me a second to figure out what was different in the study/library.🫎 Dare I say that I love it even more now??…and I’m typically a “No, you may not put that animal’s head in my house” kind of girl.😄 It really made that room even more cozy though! Like a mountain lodge feel. Love it!
Jeanie says
Your house is lovely but I think the moose head is sad. I guess it’s a Texas thing but it’s shocking to see such a huge and beautiful animal cut down just to hang as a trophy. I guess we will have to agree to disagree,
Anyway, I have enjoyed the Tuesday tours. I like that you haven’t changed your style on a whim or fad.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I’m a born and raised Texan who comes from an anti-hunting family, so we’re going to need Missouri for this one 😉 . I always think your home should be what brings you joy at the end of the day, calms you, relaxes you and makes you feel safe…in my opinion, trends and fads don’t typically do that.
Jessica Foster says
Agreeded fads seem very chaotic to me to. I have always adored your elegant, classic French country decor. I often look at your home pictures for inspiration for my home. Thanks for the tour.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much for the love! xx
Angela says
Your last sentence in this comment, Shay… so true! Thank you for sharing this. As we are remodeling and renovating our entire home… I’m going to keep this in mind as I begin the decorating phase. I don’t need to go with all the latest trends, I need to decorate with what calms me and relaxes me. I love your style and thank you for always sharing your home tours. As another reader commented… It’s like re-watching your favorite Hallmark movie… It brings coziness and comfort and I’m so happy you continue to do your home tours on the blog!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the sweet reply! Enjoy your cozy fall home!
Colleen T says
I believe I already know the answer but the kid Halloween plates and the kid bedsheets are both from pottery barn correct? I have the hardest trouble finding both of those items and I think they are so fun for the kids to use and having their bedroom. Thanks so much.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s correct! They’re years old, but yes!! Happy Fall!!
Kristin says
Do you have two Sea Shulls signs? A nice reminder when you’re not on Nantucket 🙂 xx
Mix and Match Mama says
We do have two! We bought this one first as a motivator/encouragement to one day get a home there…and then we bought the second one after we closed on our new home. 🙂
Marisa Tompkins says
OMG. You have a MOOSE. That is a BIG moose. A REALLY BIG moose. Is Andrew a hunter? He must have a name? LOL. My brother hunts and is heading from SC to Canada this winter to add a MOOSE is on his collection.
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew is a hunter. My dad has often remarked at his disdain that I married not just a hunter but a Yankee hunter. I’m such a failure.
polly pover says
‘nother comment about the moose….did he at least keep the meat? or donate? In my neck of the woods, hunting moose is something people do for food. They also (sometimes) keep the head as a trophy! i cracked up about your “next wife” comment…so funny!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was an entire ordeal/adventure/sounded like my personal Hell for him to get it. The community where he had to go to find it kept all of the meat. It was very valued by them and appreciated. Andrew did partake while he was there as well. I’m not interested in moose meat at my house. His screening process for Wife #2 really should include questions like “do you eat wild game”.
Sharon says
My favorite post of the year! A topic that does not get enough “air time” on your blog is your beautiful antiques! Where do you source your antiques from? Estate sales? Antique shops? I’d also love to know where you got the beautiful oil painting of the trees/neighborhood scene in your dining room with the circle table.
Mix and Match Mama says
That could be a big ole post. I have collected them for years and years. Some are passed down from my grandmother, some are from foreign travels, some are from estate sales/consignment shops/antique stores locally. The art is *mostly* acquired over our years of travels. I need to do a post!
Elisabeth says
How do you like your slim Keurig in your office? I’m getting my husband one for his birthday and went with the K-Elite but the slim is soooo much smaller and I’m tempted to return the Elite and get the smaller size instead. Thoughts?
Mix and Match Mama says
It works really well for one cup. It’s great for an office space.
Heather says
I agree! I think he needs some lights around him for Christmas. My son puts lights on the deer antlers he has in his room. ☺️
Gale says
Enjoyed your home tour so much! Everything looks so cozy and inviting! One question: What do you do with all of the real pumpkins you’re decorating with at the end of the season?
Mix and Match Mama says
They are typically pretty yucky by the end of the season. The ones that we spray to make extra shiny (which we actually haven’t done yet this year), we discard because they’re not safe for animals. The other ones, Andrew puts out at his deer lease.
Shanna Corn says
Love your home tours! Random question, did Andrew shoot the Moose or did you guys buy it? Either way, he’s beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew harvested him!
Lauren says
Is that a typewriter I see in Ashby‘s room? My daughter would love something like that! Potential Christmas gift maybe? Could you please share where it’s from?
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!!! It was a gift from Santa, and she actually uses it all the time! Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SWV2X82/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sheaffer says
The pillows are my favorite!!! And just fyi, my fall decorations right now consist of 3 little velvet pumpkins nestled into a rattan tray on my coffee table. And I haven’t bought one real pumpkin. I know I should be ashamed.
Lisa Foley says
Thanks, as always, for the home tour and the inspiration! I absolutely love the fabric on the shade in the kitchen area. Do you have a source for that? I’m local (in Plano.) Thanks so much!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I did! I’ve had those installed for about 9 years, so I’m not sure. I’m sorry! Thank you for the sweet comment! xx
E says
Your home tour looks lovely, and festive. I don’t know how you put everything up in only a few hours! Perhaps, a man cave is in the future for Andrew so the head can go there, or a closed door. I hope you are infinitely appreciated for this marital compromise.
Mix and Match Mama says
It helps so much that I put everything in the same place every year. I can just on muscle memory get it all up pretty quickly. And your compromise is perfect! xx
Marisa Tompkins says
Lovely! Thank you for tour. Do you know the blue paint color in your upper loft area?
Mix and Match Mama says
In the upstairs family room? I have it listed at the bottom of that blog post! You’ll see it linked at the bottom of this post.
Shea Andrews says
I love your home. Everything is decorated beautifully. Do you paint everything the same color? If so what color?
Mix and Match Mama says
SW Moderate White 🙂
Lauren says
Your home looks beautiful! Could you please share where you get your fireplace covers from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you! Most of them are from Front Gate 🙂 .
Lauren says
Thank you!!