mums in terracotta pots

Fresh Fall Curb Appeal, Perfect Blazer Coat And More

Some tips for Fall curb appeal, or anytime of year for that matter, include pulling out overgrown or unhealthy bushes, trimming the mature plants and installing larger or more modern address numbers. Also, sprucing up your porch with a little seasonal decor.

I’m also sharing great things I received for my birthday like an entertaining book, warm croissants delivered to our door and a fun Fall outfit. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!

1. Fresh Fall Curb Appeal Ideas

Landscaping: We have some new tropical landscaping since the yard was all torn up from building the pool in the back.

Tip: Remove unhealthy shrubs, trim existing ones and add local plants and ground cover. Have you noticed that often when homes go on the market, scraggly overgrown bushes are removed to let the home shine?

Address numbers: We added new larger address numbers in a prominent space for a fresh look. These are 8″ high.

2. Simple Fall Porch

It’s so hot in Florida that real pumpkins won’t last long so I mix in real with faux terracotta-like ones from last year.

The preserved boxwood wreath can change seasonally with a ribbon.

These washed terracotta pots are from Home Depot (as are the mums). Later, closer to Christmas, we might add poinsettias.

The sturdy Adirondack rocking chairs are from Polywood.

3. Door Dash Fresh Croissant Delivery For Birthday Present

My brilliant friend, Annie sent these still warm croissants to our door the morning of my birthday. What a good idea!

4. New Book: Entertaining By The Sea

Mercedes and Mark gave this book to me “Entertaining By The Sea”. Lots of inspiration!

I think those are the last of the hydrangeas from our garden.

5. Blazer Coat Light Layer For Fall

Howard gave me this unlined and comfortable blazer for my birthday. I took it back to J. Jill for the correct size and it was on sale for 40% off (grab it while you can). I had enough money left over from the return to add the soft scarf. Update: I think the blazer is sold out online. Check your store.

The boot crop jeans are soft too…I like the dark wash. The waterproof booties are from last year. These are similar as are these.

Shop the post:

If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.

Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:

Cindy Hattersley Design

Most Lovely Things

18 Comments

  1. Happy Birthday again, MA! Howard knocked it out of the park with that jacket … perfect for fall and I love your entire outfit. Speaking of knocking it out of the park, warm croissants on your doorstep. Way to slay, Annie! Your front porch is looking good and fall ready … I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t done mine yet. Happy Sunday! xo

  2. Sydney Haskell says:

    Happy Birthday Mary Ann! Your home is lovely. My parents lived out their retirement in north Tampa area. They always had a lush yard as well. Your look lovely in your new jacket and scarf. I love that idea of sending croissants for a surprise birthday gift!

  3. Francesca B says:

    Happy Birthday Mary Ann ! Such a lovely post and the coat is so chic. Please can you tell me what paint color did you use for your front door and how did you get it so glossy! I am about to have my house painted and l cannot wait ! Thank you.

  4. Phyllis Sisson says:

    Happy Birthday!! I love the tips for decorating in a warmer climate and you inspired me to try something new. It is still in the 90s here in Phoenix, and some Fall decorations just seem strange in the desert. Mums don’t like the heat and the wildlife love the pumpkins. So, we adjust and embrace something different. I bought some beautiful Mexican Talavera pumpkins for the hearth on our outdoor fireplace and a croton instead of mums for the flower pots. The colors are Fallish and more in keeping with the Southwest, and I get my Fall fix.

  5. Catherine says:

    The coat looks very nice on you. I have a similar coat I bought many seasons ago. It has a short “wearing window” here in the Midwest, but good to know I’m still in style! The link for your coat wasn’t working (at least on my end). Love the new house numbers, as well.

  6. Great curb appeal – and thank you for flying the flag.

    1. Catherine says:

      I was going to mention the flag, as well. Yes, thank you.

  7. I love your front porch and landscaping. would love to know what the plant in front is, the one with the blue flowers, thanks…..

  8. Love your front porch, as well, Mary Ann. And the Door Dash (or similar) idea for a birthday surprise is GREAT!

  9. Happy Birthday, Mary Ann 🥳 Your home is lovely and curb appeal shows pride of ownership. Yard maintenance in FL is a year round full time job. Everything grows like a weed (especially the weeds) but I’ll never tire of the tropical lushness. Your new coat and scarf would be perfect for a NC mountain getaway! Have you ever been to Highlands, NC?

      1. Oh, You would love it. Town of Blowing Rock is fun too. Boutique shopping and dining in town and minutes out of town you will find beautiful waterfalls, cozy wineries, easy hiking trails around lakes or trails along cliffside. Dogwood blossoms in the spring, Rhododendron and Fall foliage keeps us going back year after year. It’s the closest thing us Floridians have that compares (kinda) to CA wine region towns.

  10. What kind of rug do you have on your front porch? It looks great and I would like to try it.

  11. Hi Mary Ann

    Well didn’t Howard do a good job for your birthday! I think what I got you might blend as well! Your front porch is so inviting!

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