Falling for Green
We recently got back from a trip up north along Lake Superior in Minnesota to see the leaves changing color. It was absolutely stunning. The weather was cooler than in Minneapolis and scenic drives up winding roads opened to a breathtaking range of color across the hilltops. The beauty of yellow, orange, and red greeted us, but I was blown away by green. When we first think about autumn, we are well conditioned to think of the warm colors of dying leaves, but when you really stop to look, green is the foundation that sets all the other colors off.
When you really look closely at a portion of a forest as summer turns to autumn, green never entirely disappears. Whether it is still present in a changing tree or plant or tucked among the warm hues of other trees in the form of evergreens, it is still there to remind us of the living plants among the annual decay.
When selecting and drying the botanicals for Fall Fantastic, I was on the lookout for special specimens where green or other unexpected colors for fall might be found. In the end, my heart was captured by Amur Maple. At the time that I dried my branches, the leaves were a lovely color of green and their small lobes had a mix of green, yellow, orange and red. You can see the color variance in the image with the chipmunk mask and the green antique vase. I used this plant as my palette inspiration for both color and the proportion of color that I used on the table.
I selected complementary colored scarves for the table and installation from the wonderful goods of Martha McQuade at Scarf Shop. You can find them here. I also went nuts when it comes to fruit! Figs and fall fruits were not plentiful at the time of this photo shoot, so I had them sent to me from many places and the colors are just stunning! Green striped figs. Purple figs. Beautiful pears and mini apples. I was able to replicate the palette of the Amur Maple in the foods on the table.
It is amazing how one little snip of foliage can inspire an entire look. I really believe that nature’s palette shows us so many unusual color combinations that we can apply in home or fashion. Nature will not steer you wrong.
When I teach my workshops, we spend time talking about nature as a color guide and I love how every participant is drawn to different specimens that demonstrate the magic of nature’s palette. It always gives me the confidence to curate with color and balance the look well. It is quite fun to go on the hunt for all of the elements of your table from one little sprig of inspiration.
The best part of my Amur Maple love affair is that I have a TON of branches left over from the installation and I will get to enjoy these everlasting dried botanicals for many seasons to come. So, go find yourself a little green amongst the warmth of autumn and discover a different perspective on fall entertaining and décor. Happy autumn, flower friends!
