Happy July, friends! Thank you so much for the warm responses to my post about our new door color. We love it — it brings us joy every day. With flowers blooming all around our yard this time of year, I’ve been enjoying the simple ritual of keeping the lantern filled with a fresh bouquet. It’s an easy, seasonal way to welcome guests. If you don’t have a wall lantern or room for one, any lantern works: set it on the porch or on a table by the door.
Like many small pleasures, this has become a therapeutic habit that takes only a few moments but lifts my mood all day. At first I worried I wouldn’t keep up with changing the flowers regularly — I’ve let seasonal displays linger before (hello, Christmas chalkboard quote that lasted through spring!). But with the lantern it’s become a simple habit: when I check the garden each morning, I snip a few blooms and pop them into the lantern after refreshing the water. It never needs to be perfect; fresh flowers look lovely even in an easy, casual arrangement.
If your yard doesn’t provide enough fresh blooms or you prefer not to change them often, consider keeping a few faux stems or seasonal accessories on hand. That way you can enjoy a display for months without worrying about wilting flowers. I plan to use faux or sturdier pieces during in-between times so the doorway always looks inviting.
Now that I’m changing the lantern flowers more frequently, I’m also thinking about gathering different vases, vessels, and accessories so I can swap looks quickly. Being prepared would make it even more fun to experiment. I’ve enjoyed changing the lantern for each season using what I already have, but collecting a few go-to pieces will make spontaneous decorating even easier.
I love decorating on a whim and keeping things casual, but I admire the people who plan displays months in advance. They often have the perfect seasonal items ready to go. Whether you’re spontaneous or highly organized, the important thing is to decorate in a way that feels like you. Let your personality show — set the bar where it makes you happy.
Being okay with imperfection feels freeing to me, but knowing how much I enjoy styling this lantern makes me want to collect special pieces to use on the fly. I might dig through the garage and cabinets for vases and containers, or visit a flea market to find seasonal accessories that fit just right. I haven’t been to one in a long time, and I remember how much I enjoyed secondhand shopping for art during quarantine — I should share more of the pieces I found. Shopping for art and small treasures kept me inspired in that long season at home.
Whether you swap fresh blooms weekly, use faux stems for a low-maintenance display, or mix both, the point is to enjoy the process. Keep a few favorite vessels and accessories handy so you can change the look in minutes and keep your entry feeling fresh and welcoming.
Happy weekend, friend!
Find more inspiration:
If you missed our door makeover before-and-after post, check out the details on the door color and project.
I’ve shared several simple seasonal looks for lanterns and ideas for permission to embrace imperfection when decorating.
For summer decorating ideas and seasonal inspiration, browse past posts and photos to spark your creativity.
Notes:
Door paint color: Blue Suede Shoes by Benjamin Moore.
Brick paint color: Reserved White by Sherwin Williams.