Cozy Fall Decorating Inspiration from Years Past

Every year when the seasons begin to shift, I can hardly wait to pull out my favorite bins of pumpkins, garlands, and little bits of cozy charm. But this year is a little different, my home is on the market, and since I'm preparing for a move, I’m holding off on my usual full fall decorating spree.

Instead, I thought it would be fun (and honestly, a little comforting) to look back and share some of my favorite throwback fall photos from years past. Even though I won’t be decking the halls with pumpkins just yet, these snapshots are still filled with timeless inspiration you can use in your own home this season.

A Warm Welcome at the Door

One of my favorite spots to decorate has always been the front porch. A simple wreath made of leaves or wheat, a stack of pumpkins, or even a bucket Fall flowers inside can instantly set the mood before you even step inside. These photos remind me how easy it is to make a porch feel festive with just a few seasonal touches.

Vintage Treasures for a Cozy Table

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love mixing vintage finds into my decor. From old, tarnished silver to thrifted dishes, I’ve always found ways to let these little treasures shine on a fall table. Add in mini gourds, branches, or a plaid napkin, and suddenly your everyday table feels like a seasonal centerpiece.

Layered Textures in the Living Room

Nothing says fall like layers and cozy throws, plump pillows, and maybe even a basket of firewood waiting for a chilly night. Looking back through my photos, I realized that every year I layered differently, but the effect was always the same: comfort. Even though I won’t be pulling out all the blankets and pillows this year, I hope these ideas inspire you to create your own cozy nest.

Pumpkins, Everywhere

White, orange, or even the quirky little green ones, pumpkins never go out of style. In past years, I’ve tucked them into witches, piled them in bowls, and even placed a few in unexpected spots like the kitchen counter (yes, pumpkins in the kitchen…...why not?). They’re versatile, charming, and a must-have for fall.

Why I’m Looking Back This Year

Selling a home means keeping things clean, staged, and uncluttered, so my usual fall decorating will have to wait until after the move. But sharing these throwback photos reminds me (and hopefully inspires you) that fall decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some of my favorite looks came together with what I already had on hand, mixed with a few seasonal touches from the yard or the farmers market.

While I may be pressing pause this year, I’m already dreaming of next fall, settled into a new home, unpacking my favorite treasures, and bringing out the pumpkins once again.  Until then, I’ll enjoy the season through these memories and look forward to the fresh inspiration that comes with a new space to decorate.

Tell me, which throwback detail is your favorite? Do you lean toward cozy textures, vintage finds, or pumpkin overload?

Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins that Melt in Your Mouth

 A soft, bakery-style muffin bursting with blueberries and a hint of tangy richness.

There’s something magical about a tray of muffins fresh from the oven, the way the tops rise into golden domes, the sweet scent of berries filling the kitchen, and that first bite when the still-warm blueberries burst with flavor.

These sour cream blueberry muffins are my go-to when I want something a little extra special without a lot of fuss. The sour cream makes them incredibly moist and tender, while the blueberries give that pop of juicy sweetness in every bite.

Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, pack them for a picnic, or bring them to share with friends, these muffins always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love Them Too

• Bakery-style domed tops without fancy equipment

• Extra moist and tender crumb from full-fat sour cream

• Bursting with blueberries (fresh or frozen work beautifully)

• Easy to make ahead because they freeze well

Recipe: Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

Makes: 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20–22 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup full-fat sour cream

• 1 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, see tip below)

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries)

• Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling tops

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter & sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

5. Add sour cream: Mix in sour cream until smooth.

6. Combine wet & dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, don’t overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

7. Prepare blueberries: Toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour (this helps prevent sinking) and gently fold into the batter.

8. Fill muffin tin: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

9. Bake: 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool & enjoy: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Muffins

• Frozen berries: Use straight from the freezer, no thawing. Add 2–3 minutes to baking time.

• Don’t overmix: This is the #1 way to keep muffins light and tender.

• Extra flavor boost: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh twist.

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Storing & Freezing

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

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Serve these with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an irresistible breakfast treat.

Bakery-Style Blueberry Muffins at Home