With spring’s arrival (and the joy of new life growing inside me), I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the idea of renewal, and the little rituals that help awaken our bodies, souls and homes to a new season. I’ve always had a little fantasy of owning a set of 100% linen sheets – nothing symbolizes luxurious simplicity in quite the same way, does it? I love the idea of draping my bed with such a soft, breathable material during the summer months when the heavy duvet comes off and the windows are opened to let fresh air in. Since my linen sheets are still fantasy, how do I refresh and renew for spring? Well, there’s spring cleaning of course; I try to tackle some of the bigger jobs that don’t get done that frequently, like deep cleaning the oven and freezer, reorganizing the pantry and purging my closet of anything I haven’t worn in a while. I also replace my woodsy-scented candles with lavender and rose, put this soap in the bathrooms and of course stock up on the fresh garden roses and peonies that start to make an appearance in the markets. How do all of you embrace the season? I’d love to hear about any rituals that help give you a fresh start for spring!
*images: {row 1} Sarah Gawler via Ruffled, Christopher Baker via Sacramento Street, Sarah Gawler via Ruffled {row 2} NBarrett Photography via 100 Layer Cake , French Larkspur {row 3} Eric Kelley via Snippet & Ink, style me pretty, restoration hardware, note to self (anyone know original source?) {row 4} Robyn Thompson, William Waldron via elle decor, Robyn Thompson, Lonny via Mimi+Meg
Planting herbs is one of my favorite way to welcome spring, along with changing my throw pillow covers from velveteen and chenille to linen and cotton, preferably in light colors.
Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel sell some of the prettiest pillows, and you can buy the covers separately.
Great idea – I need to swap out my furry pillows throughout the house! I did plant basil and mint this weekend though… ready for lots of spring cooking!
Lavender is how I welcome spring into our home… it perfumes throughout the house and I love to spray freshly laundered bed sheets with a hint of it. I have a couple lavender plants outside and they are blooming right now. I’ll cut and dry them then add it to my guest bathroom basket. I also open up the windows, lift blinds all the way up and let the light shine in… I love spring!
Oooh, LOVE that ritual – I have lots of new lavender plants in the garden, but none look even close to blooming. Any ideas? The scent is heavenly already, though.
It takes about 3 years before the lavender will bloom… and they love full sunlight. How long have you had your plants?
I don’t think spring has officially begun until I can take my coffee outside in the mornings to enjoy on the screened-porch. There’s something about changing my morning ritual from coffee in front of the fire to coffee while listening the to birds that just says “Spring has arrived!”
Planting herbs in the garden and bringing beautiful, brightly colored flowers into the house is how I celebrate the spring season. Seeing all of the fresh foliage reminds me to breathe deeply.
Since you mentioned linen sheets, I thought I’d recommend rough linen. I have not indulged in a set yet, but I have been eyeing these (and everything else on this site) for months! http://www.roughlinen.com/sheets_new.html
I love the transition from winter to spring – it is just magical, year after year. I welcome spring by lightening up my meals/recipes. At this point, I’m “done” with heavy stews and winter comfort foods, and ready for salads and lighter meals. Even the simple ritual of making iced tea (rather than hot) is something I appreciate this time of year. I also welcome spring by taking pictures of the blossoming trees – I never tire of seeing it!
Camille, this has to be one of the most beautiful boards I have seen on your site. A great way to welcome Spring. You always have the best eye candy. I love your blog, definitely a daily read.
I tend to do my spring cleaning after Christmas when i’ve put all the deccies away! There’s nothing better than throwing yiur windows open and to feel the lovely, warm air outside!
Emma x
My favorite part about Spring is watching nature bloom. It is such a short period of time between all the blossoming and the sea of green that follows, that I cherish every moment of it. On those few weekends, my hubby and I get in the car and drive to Napa Valley, with no specific direction, just following all the trees in bloom. And every chance I get, I sit on my porch, basking in the beauty of our blooming wisteria. Oh, I wish this part of Spring lasted longer!
I love buying new in season flowers.
It’s kind of funny, because technically it’s Autumn here in Australia, but as I come from Ireland, the weather feels like spring. So I’m abandoning all acknowledgment of seasons here and decking my house out in spring as I know it.
I love these images. So fresh and clean.