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Ode to An Autumn Urn


While urns seem to be year-round staple in many Washington homes, they've always reminded me of autumn— the doorstep version of a cornucopia. As with any vase, the possibilities of what to fill them with are endless, but here are some festive fall ideas to get you started...

 
 

Urns have a particular ability to elevate the status of whatever decorative object they happen to hold. I've never thought of pumpkins as particularly regal, but place one in an urn, and it looks quite noble, don't you think? I love the contrast of formal vessel and humble content!

The last picture of the book urn isn't exclusive to fall, but it was too lovely not to include. We have a large book basket in our living room that holds recent magazine issues, but now I think I should keep an eye out for an old urn the next time I'm at Old Lucketts, where they practically have an urn farm.

What other creative uses have you found for the versatile urn?

(Images: 1, 5, 6, 7: Country Living, 2: House Martin, 3: Kari & Kajisa, 4: via Brightwood Living, 8, 9: Woman's Day)

Comments (6)

Thanks for this inspirational post! I have a rusty urn standing around empty and useless because I don't like it being planted the traditional way. But I had no other idea with it. Until now...

posted by MollyHeyer on October 24th 2009 at 3:28am
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the house number idea is adorable! might have to get out my linoleum cutter and try it.

posted by mudbug on October 24th 2009 at 7:11am
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Great examples of this classic shape. Love that last one.
As for the house numbers, mrc011, you could also try painting them on.

posted by mirandabee on October 24th 2009 at 8:09am
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Nothing against the "festive fall ideas" mentioned in this post. I love fall... and urns... and ellipses. But, seeing all the pumpkins and gourds, I couldn't helpt but be reminded of this: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2009/10/20nissan.html , which I read earlier today.

posted by lulu77 on October 24th 2009 at 4:00pm
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We've put vintage barntop spinners in our urns that turn with the wind. So much easier than watering topiaries! I'll post pics on my blog tomorrow (thanks for reminding me of what I see in my yard every day and take for granted, AT!).
fishgirl

posted by fishgirl on October 24th 2009 at 10:40pm
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lulu77 - that linked post was hilarious. could not stop laughing.

posted by stephaniemw on October 27th 2009 at 8:25am
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