I can almost smell the hyacinths, feel the sun on my face and see the bright emerald of the tender shoots reemerging in my garden. Oh my goodness, but I am so ready for spring this year. In fact, all of us at Nell Hill’s have raging cases of spring fever, and we are excited to pass this seasonal disorder, with all its joy and energy, on to you! If you have the bug, there are two cures:
First, come have a blast with us at our first-ever in store Spring Open House at Nell Hill’s Atchison and Nell Hill’s Briarcliff on March 14-15, during regular store hours. If you thought we did the holidays and fall decorating up big, just wait till you get a load of how we transform the stores for spring.We have all this in store for you, and more:
- Elegant and whimsical spring tablescapes
- Spring door decorating ideas
- Amazing new window displays
- Gorgeous gifts for your home and garden
Can’t make it to the spring open house? Cure your spring fever with these four fun steps:
1. Fill Your Table with Wonder
For an instant pick me up, set your dining tables for spring. Pack each place setting with lots and lots of whimsy, like we did on this magical tablescape at Nell Hill’s. Start with an interesting base, like this wicker charger. Then layer up with a mix of plates, perhaps a basic white dinner plate topped by a spring salad plate, the finished with a sorbet cup.
We used old fashioned floral plates in this example to show you how you can re-imagine old patterns, making them feel fresh and new. (If your old dishes are now leaving you cold, bring a plate to Nell Hill’s and let us help you give them a new lease on life.)
Clear glass is a great addition to a spring table, whether it’s your stem wear or serving pieces, like this simple glass cake plate that serves as a riser for this cute-as-a-button tea pot. This romantic pattern, done in pinks, blues and reds, has been wildly popular at Nell Hill’s. It has a vintage feel thanks to its floral motifs, yet feels so young and fun.
Have fun with your spring centerpieces. Start with wonderful containers to hold grasses or flowers or succulents, live or artificial. Then add in accents like little votive candles. We filled this centerpiece with glass votive cups held aloft on stakes. The little clip-on birds perched here and there throughout the arrangement reward the careful observer.
This woodland house is a charming addition at the base of the centerpiece. Looks like home for a gnome, and peering in the tiny windows will delight your inner child.
2. Dress Up Your Door with Spring Greens
Your front door décor tells everyone what to expect inside. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of time on a look that grabs attention.
Have just a second? Hang your monogram on the door, entwined with a few twists of spring greens. For the stunning but simple look above, we hung one of our wooden paddles (used as a tray or serving piece usually) from the door knocker. Then we mounted a metal monogram. These were a HUGE hit at Nell Hill’s over the holidays and can be used year round in your décor. Don’t like black? Spray paint the letter white or a playful spring color like magenta, tangerine or apple green. Finish off this door treatment with strands of spring greens or ribbons.
If you love the simplicity of a front door wreath, less is more this season. The wreath above is sparse and simple but full of cheer.
If you can’t find a wreath you like, make your own like we did by connecting seven inexpensive moss balls from Nell Hill’s. Stop there or give the wreath added movement by weaving in faux spring vines, like ivies and honeysuckle. You could thread in a spring ribbon, too.
I am over the moon about these inexpensive wicker wall baskets. Hook them to your door knocker or an “s” hook hung over the door, jam-pack them with flowers, and it’s spring. We tucked in a few moss balls and silver orbs for visual interest. You could sub those for little birds’ nests – cute!
3. Liven Things Up with Spring Linens
All it takes is a few yards of spring fabric to give your home new energy. One of my favorite tricks is to take a yard of fabric, hem it on all sides, and use it as a table topper. Turned on the diagonal on my dining table, it sets the stage for seasonal magic.
Perk up your place settings with spring napkins and placemats. It doesn’t take much to add some sparkle to your table.
This is also the perfect time of year to get going on those window treatments you’ve been putting off. Everything outside your window is going to start getting pretty, so frame your windows with a great treatment. My favorite looks are Roman shades or panels, jazzed up with interesting finishes. Check out how amazing the monogram looks on my friends Kristin and Matt’s kitchen Roman shades!
Another simple but gorgeous finish for shades and drapes is to outline the sides and bottom with a Greek key tape.
4. Wake Up the Garden with Goodies
I don’t have a lick of ability when it comes to planting or tending a garden. But I do love to accessorize them! Dot your beds with interesting focal points like a bird’s bath, a trellis, a garden statue or an urn holding a shrub or flowers. Remember, when it comes to garden décor, less is more. Just a touch here and there is all you need.
On your patio or porch, focus your attention on creating comfortable and attractive seating areas. I love this little metal garden chair we just got in at Nell Hill’s. Other favorites? Outdoor accent tables and ceramic garden stools. If you want to freshen up your weather-worn outdoor cushions and pillows, start now so you will be ready on the first warm day of spring.
Next Week … Another great way to invigorate your home for spring is with accent pillows, either tossed on your furniture or woven into your bedding ensembles. I’ll show you the season’s hottest looks.
PS Hope to see you at the Spring Open House at Nell Hill’s Briarcliff and Nell Hill’s Atchison. For more information, visit www.nellhills.com.
Ramon says
March 3, 2014 at 9:54 amLiterally counting down the days, this will be my first time at briar cliff and can’t barley contain my self.
Ramon
Rowhouseblog.com
franki says
March 3, 2014 at 4:33 pmWell…I’ve got “cabin fever” (live in a log cabin!) Spring can not come too soon!! Lovely ideas!! franki
Barb says
March 3, 2014 at 5:16 pmJust KNOW that the Spring Open House will be wonderful! I love the little Woodland House. Is there just the one style or are there others? What is the price range for these?
Thanks!
Mary Carol says
March 3, 2014 at 5:58 pmHi Barb, those cute houses come in two different styles and are around $40. Give us a call at 877-746-4320 for more details. Thanks!
Marilyn McKenzie says
March 3, 2014 at 6:27 pmDo you have any monograms at the store? I remember you showing them some time back & I thought they were wonderful. Thanks, Planning to come to the Spring Fling !!!! Marilyn
carol bartling says
March 3, 2014 at 11:19 pmThank You for so many different spring ideas for windows, tables, enterance doors, china/glassware, centerpieces etc… all in one article. The pictures are so pretty & helpful in invisioning what can be done. I look forward to your newsletter each wk and disappointed I won’t be able to attend the store’s open house as I’ll be in Australia for the month of March. Thank You
Jan Justice says
March 3, 2014 at 11:38 pmThank you for giving us a taste of “Spring Fever”! Love all your ideas, especially the front door ideas. I was immediately loving the little metal chair. Are they available at both stores? What is the price of these darling chairs, please. Hoping to make it to your open house. Thanks!
Lou Probasco says
March 4, 2014 at 6:36 amI love it, Mary Carol! I too, am not known for any gardening skills- since most of us women don’t have time to garden anymore…….However, I like the idea of “accessorizing” the area…..Maybe I could fake it after all…..Do I need to find that “Ziggy” tip on how to make your artificial plants look like they are dying so they look real…..Maybe that would work outside too……Lou
Lisa Fernandez says
March 4, 2014 at 9:18 amHow inspiring! I just love this. I am enjoying these photos because it is so so cold that all I can think of is Spring and getting my house ready and saying goodbye to Winter.
It’s so depressing, but your blog and your inspirational ideas lift our spirits up. I can’t wait to see photos from the Nell Hill Spring Open House. Hope it is a success! Everyone post photos please!
xoxo
Lisa
leeshideaway.blogspot.com
Jodie Teaff says
March 4, 2014 at 5:18 pmI am in love with the red and blue fabric on the sofa in the part that talks about drapes. I have seen this fabric as a window treatment on your Pinterest page as well. Can you please tell me the name of the fabric – I would love to get my hands on it!!! By the way I love your blog and hope to someday visit your store 🙂
Mary Carol says
March 7, 2014 at 5:43 pmHi Everyone, Sounds like you all are as sick of winter as I am!
Great questions above. Can you each give us a call at 877-746-4320 so we can address your questions fully?
I will be so excited to see those of you who can come to our first in-store Spring Open House (Carol – have a blast in Australia!).
JEAN WALDROP says
March 8, 2014 at 10:45 pmDo you sell the round wicker chargers? Price?
Mary Kay Niles says
March 9, 2014 at 12:16 amI love the “aqua spring salad plate” in your blog. I would like to order about 6 of those.
I visited your store and your home with Dianne Rasmussen of Oklahoma City. We had a very special time. Thank you very much.
Mary Kay Niles
Yukon, OK
405-642-4354
Mary Kay Niles says
March 9, 2014 at 12:19 amI would like to order several aqua spring salad plates that appeared in your blog.
Mary Kay Niles,
1492 Summerton Place
Yukon, OK 73099
I am a friend of Dianne Rasmussen and we enjoyed our visit to you store and your home last year, 2013.