Late Summer Layers: Easing into Fall with Vintage Finds

Welcome to the Blog, Friends.

I love that we’ve stepped into August. It’s a quieter month, still full of summer light, but you can sense the slow shift toward September. Fall is just a few weeks away, and it’s one of my favorite times to refresh the house with a few simple changes. Today I thought I’d share an early look at the dining room as it begins to ease into the new season.

You can see in the picture above that I’ve started with the centerpiece on the dining table. A plaid table runner in creams, oranges, and browns sets the tone. The colors suggest Fall, but they’re still light and soft enough to suit the in-between days of late summer.

Resting on the runner is a wooden platform—made by my very handy husband—that adds a bit of height to the display. You’ll see more of it a little later in the post, but I really like the casual, slightly rustic touch it brings to the room.

The small wooden dough bowl sitting on top was a thrifted find, and it’s filled with decorative balls made from natural materials—also thrifted. The mix of textures works well with the colors in the runner and helps tie everything together without feeling fussy.

Another part of the centerpiece is the wooden plate stack you see pictured above. It adds a nice bit of layering and brings in that natural, earthy tone I always enjoy this time of year. On top of the stack sits a hand-thrown bowl, glazed in soft fall hues that complement the rest of the table. The bowl is filled with more of those textured decorative balls made from natural materials—simple pieces, but they work so well together.

The grain in the wooden plates is especially lovely. It adds depth and a subtle richness that catches the light in such a nice way. I really enjoy mixing these thrifted pieces—each one different, but together they create a cozy, collected feel that feels just right for the season ahead.

To one side of the centerpiece, I added a small stoneware pitcher I thrifted a few years ago. It’s one of those quiet pieces that catches your eye with its beautiful lines and gentle curves. There’s a bit of crackling along the base—just enough to hint at its age and give it that wonderful, timeworn feel I always look for in older pottery.

I filled it with dried hydrangea from the garden this summer. The blooms have faded to soft blues and greens, and they bring a lovely reminder of summer’s end—those slow, golden days spent outdoors, and all the joy the garden offered this season. It’s a simple touch, but one that feels especially meaningful as we start to shift toward Fall.

The last element I added to the table is a set of small wooden charcuterie boards that I often use when setting a more casual meal. I like to serve a few appetizers this way—just a little something to nibble on before the main course. Friends always seem to enjoy the variety, and the boards themselves add a nice visual layer to the table.

Each one is slightly different in color and tone, with its own grain and color variation. That mix of wood textures blends in beautifully with the rest of the natural elements on the table, enhancing the relaxed, gathered feel I was hoping for. They’re useful, of course, but they also contribute to the overall warmth and character of the setting.

Here you can see all the elements gathered together on the elevated board. The mix feels classic and understated—each piece contributing its own texture and tone without overwhelming the space. It’s a quiet reminder that nature itself is preparing for a shift. In just a few short weeks, the world outside will begin to change, bringing with it all the rich colors and cozy comforts of Fall.

The hutch also received a bit of seasonal attention. I added a few of my mother’s and grandmother’s china teacups to the display—such special pieces that bring a personal touch to the collection of vintage china already on display. The entire arrangement is a mix of thrifted finds with patterns from Spode, Coalport, Meakin, and Royal Doulton. I love how the colors and designs blend together, bringing in hints of both Summer’s lightness and Fall’s warmth.

A few stoneware pitchers are tucked in as well, their soft ivory tones and graceful lines adding a bit of quiet elegance. They balance beautifully with the more intricate patterns of the china. A small Waterford clock perches on a shelf, gently reminding us that time is always moving—an invitation, really, to savor the moment.

Tucked among the dishes, a tiny framed picture of an English castle adds a romantic note, while a crystal decanter set offers just the right touch of sparkle. Altogether, it feels like a gentle transition—a little nod to the season ahead, grounded in family memories and the joy of collecting.

Stepping back, you can take in the room as a whole. The combination of simple elements and the gentle influence of nature made this early Fall vignette a joy to put together. Nothing too fussy—just a quiet shift that reflects the changing season.

Thank you so much for joining me today as we begin the transition from Summer to Fall. I hope this little peek into the dining room inspires you to look around your own space, gather a few favorite pieces, and welcome the new season in your own thoughtful way. Until next time, friends.