Southern Charm-Summer Decor that Embraces Simple Elegance

Happy Monday, Friends! Have you heard the expression Back door guests are best? To me, it reflects the kind of relaxed hospitality and charming decor I want to embrace in my home especially during the summer months--so think of yourself as my virtual back door guest and come on in

I'm so excited to join 15 of my blogger friends for this Summer Home Tour and if you've hopped over after visiting our gracious host, Marty from A Stroll Thru Life, welcome! As always, Marty's home exemplifies casual elegance and beautiful chic decor. 

Today I'll be highlighting summer decor from my Texas kitchen and garden. Once you step inside the back door, you will be greeted by my cherished jadeite wall display. When I first started collecting the pretty vintage dishware, it wasn't unusual to score it on one of my thrifting adventures...but not anymore! The collected vignette is a constant in my kitchen but I enjoy switching up accents to reflect different seasons. 

One way to easily create Southern charm is by pairing vintage and handmade decor. 

*Watch for the pink links to shop my look! 

Knowing my fondness for a touch of whimsy, Dear Firstborn crafted these adorable cross-stitch hoops.  

I can't deny that our family appreciates a creative pun, but my oldest daughter has been making handmade embroidery for me since she was a little girl, so I especially treasure the thoughts and memories behind the gift. 

The beauty of charming decor is not merely its appearance but also the way it makes you feel. I remember first coming to this realization after feeling inexplicably drawn to vintage Pyrex dishes--until I realized that the true source of my warm fuzzy feelings was that my beloved grandmother served her banana pudding from "Fridgies"--and I've been collecting ever since! 

TIP: Optimizing vertical space showcases collections and prevents clutter. 

Another way to add simple elegance to any room is by bringing natural accents indoors. 

For your shopping convenience, this post contains pink affiliate links. See full disclosure here. 

If you're blessed with a large garden, wonderful! If not, snip some herbs from a container plant, pick a rustic bouquet of wildflowers when you go for a walk, or add a single bloom...

...to dress up a wreath! 

I am always on the lookout for unique vintage vessels to display fresh herbs or flowers like vintage spice jars or retro head vases. Although I did not remember it, my mother told me that my grandmother whose serving dishes sparked my fondness for Pyrex had this very vase! 🩷

While the term "repurpose" has almost been worn out these days, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much joy it gives me to decorate with pieces in unexpected ways. For example, the dish rack below is a vintage toolbox tray stacked atop a wooden caddy on its side--both upcycled thrift store finds. The cherry on top is the juxtaposition of pairing it with delicate vintage linens.  

Now for a little Southern hospitality! 

Can I get you a cup of coffee? 

How about a glass of iced jasmine tea with delicious honeysuckle simple syrup? 

Or maybe I can tempt you with a homemade rosemary and Asiago cheese bagel?

TIP: Pretty meets practical when you serve your baked goods on a lovely cake stand. 

You can find my healthier (and easier!) recipe, here!

Do you enjoy baking? These bagels are honestly my new favorite and I make them weekly! 

Although I've shared various vignettes, I want to emphasize that I use my vintage dishes daily. Here's my breakfast table featuring a relaxed setting on a thrifted quilt remnant.  

If you've seen many of my previous vintage tablescapes, you've probably noticed that I often feature jadeite in my outdoor table settings like these sneak peeks of my Flower Fairies tablescape.

TIP: Layer fragile dishes with table linens and use a basket or tray to safely carry them outside. 

I gathered flowers from the garden to create the watering can centerpiece. 

Whether you're styling a whimsical table...

...or creating cozy sitting areas, a garden setting really allows Southern charm to shine! 

TIP: Transform any bird bath or decorative urn into a soothing water feature with an inexpensive solar fountain pump!

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably already met the recent guest to my garden but I couldn't resist sharing this sweet fawn who dozed in my rosemary for several hours until Mama returned!

I'm so glad you stopped by today! Next up is Laura from Decor to Adore--she also happens to live in Texas and I know you will be charmed by her lovely style! 

 

Visit the featured bloggers each day for beautiful summer inspiration! 

Monday June 10th Lineup

A Stroll Thru Life - My Thrift Store Addiction - Decor To Adore - Our Southern Home

Tuesday June 11th Lineup

Calypso in the Country - From Farmhouse to Florida - Thrifty and Chic - StoneGable

Wednesday June 12th Lineup

Whispering Pines Homestead - Worthing Court - B Vintage Style - Chalking Up Success

Thursday June 13th Lineup

Bluesky at Home - County Road 407 - Pasha is Home - Bungalow 47