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

Summer home tour

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. 

Summer home tour

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. 

Summer home tour

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

*Watch for the pink links to shop my look! 

Summer home tour

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

Summer home tour

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. 

Summer home tour

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. 

Summer home tour

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

Summer home tour
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...

Summer home tour


Summer home tour

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! 🩷

Summer home tour

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.  

Summer home tour

Now for a little Southern hospitality! 

Summer home tour

Can I get you a cup of coffee? 

summer home tour

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

Summer home tour

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

Summer home tour


Summer home tour

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

Summer home tour

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.  

Summer home tour

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. 
Summer home tour

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

Summer home tour

Whether you're styling a whimsical table...

Summer home tour

...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!

Summer home tour

Summer home tour

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!

Summer home tour

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! 
 

Summer Home Tour 2024


My Thrift Store Addiction
summer home tour

Visit the featured bloggers each day for beautiful summer inspiration! 
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Would you like to comment?

  1. What a gorgeous summer home Cecelia! I adore the embroidery. Your wee guest is so cute! So happy to be on tour with you!

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  2. So beautiful, Cecelia! You have so many pretty pieces that look lovely styled for summer. And that fawn is darling! It caught my eye because we get them often and we have one on our front porch today!! Great to tour with you again! Pinned!
    Shelley

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  3. All of your collections are so fun! I just ordered a beginner embroidery kit for myself. I love seeing your daughter's creations. Your outdoor spaces are breathtaking!! Happy summer. :)

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  4. I love love, love it all. Your collection of jadeite is amazing and you've displayed it so beautifully. Your kitchen is lovely and those bagels look devine. Made me hungry. Thanks so much for joining the tour this season, just a delight to visit your home.

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  5. How fun to be greeted from your back door to such a charming collection of Jadeite. I love the added garland too. My goodness, now I want a vintage head vase! It's adorable. And your kitchen with its metal table brings back such great memories. Happy summer. Stay cool!

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  6. A glass of iced jasmine tea with honeysuckle syrup sounds divine! Your home looks so inviting with all the summer touches. The way you've incorporated your collections and memory pieces is just perfect. Thanks for sharing!"

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  7. Cecilia, your collection of jadeite never fails to impress. Your summer table looks like the perfect place to enjoy a summer lunch or dinner. Your cross stitch sayings are perfect for summer with the mention of herbs. Our summers may be hot, but the use of jadeite looks cool and refreshing.

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  8. Cecilia,
    What a lovely home Tour!! I adore all your vintage pieces...The jadite is just wonderful!! Thanks so much for sharing and also for taking the time to visit!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

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  9. Cecilia, thank you for all your beautiful details. These small details are so important in making a space a room that reflects you and your style. I love honeysuckle and the simple syrup is a must-make. Just lovely! Blessing and love, Yvonne

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  10. Oh my goodness, Cecilia your kitchen is fabulous!! I am envious of your Pyrex and that Jadeite!! Just beautiful:-)

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  11. I simply love your decorating style! I love how you put your vignettes together! Have a wonderful summer!

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  12. Your kitchen has such a welcoming warm feeling with your wonderful collections. I love the photo of that adorable fawn laying in the rosemary. Did you use a telephoto lens or were you able to actually get close to it...it's so sweet. Karen (Back Road Journal)

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  13. I'll take those bagels and that precious baby deer! xo Kathleen

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