Sunflower Summer

This summer is flying by...Once 4th of July is over I like to pack away all of the patriotic decorations and move to sunflowers.  I love the change since all the red/white/blue has been up since the week before Memorial Day.  

The lantern above was a purchase from Aldi years ago...I used to have it on our screen patio, but decided to move it to the foyer.  I added the bow and sunflower for a little color and like the way it turned out.  It continues the theme of sunflowers on our front door - 

We keep the Ukrainian flag on our wreaths all the time until the terrible time is resolved, and it goes so well with the sunflowers, too.

I like to have something seasonal in the foyer to welcome guests - 

and thanks to a many bloggers who make printables available I can always find something that is seasonal to put in a frame.  This is a new frame that I found at Goodwill....very heavy and good quality.  I was using inexpensive frames that looked nice but would not stand up straight.

Simple white enamel pitcher with sunflower like flowers, my battery tapers, and a white ceramic ball from Dollar Tree.

These flowers are so pretty...the photo does not do them justice.  I bought them a few years ago at JoAnn Fabrics - they were expensive but on a rack for 75% off - and I love them.  They look very realistic and I don't have to water them!

Just a touch of sunflowers in the hutch - a plate from Dollar Tree and some Dollar Tree sunflowers in a coffee carafe I bought at the Pottery Barn outlet.

I switched out my wine bottle lamp for this little one from Target - I like the touch of black.  The tray is old - from Kohl's - and stays as a background all the time.  The little bowl and the mug that says "you're the bees knees" are from Dollar Tree.

Some sunflowers and bee items - plate from Dollar Tree, honey pot from Target Dollar Zone - and not sure where the ceramic lemon came from but it adds some color.

Sunflower bottle was a gift and when I found this wine with the sunflowers on the label I thought it was perfect.  Hah - I always joke that I buy wine by how pretty the label on the bottle is !

Some simple green balls, a plant  - both from Amazon - an old green candle and a little bird.  Just enough for our coffee table.

The beads and votive holder are from Dollar Tree.

All of the plants are faux as we get a lot of light, but not a lot of sun to help things grow.

Like to have a book open on the side table...most of the time it is open to Annabel Lee by Poe - I change it to The Raven in October!

Van Gogh sunflowers pillow - we picked up this cover when we went to the Van Gogh Experience a few years ago.

Found five of these sunflower chargers on a big sale at Hobby Lobby a few years ago, so I use one as a table decoration on the porch.

And a sunflower pillow from JoAnn Fabrics many years ago brings the sunflower feeling to the porch.  This is where I am heading with my cuppa tea when I finish this post.  Love sitting out on the patio and reading a good book.

All of this sunflower stuff will stay out until Labor Day...then I will add in a few fall leaves until it is time for a full autumn decor.  I have been trying to discard items I am not using and pare down all of my seasonal decorations.  Not having too much success with that - but trying to simplify.

How about you?  Do you decorate for each holiday/season?  Have you simplified any of your decorations?  I would love to hear from you - please leave a comment below!

Thanks for stopping by Our New Vista - have a fabulous day!