If you’ve paid any attention this summer to all the brightly colored blankets adorning beds and couches, patio chairs and lounge chairs, and going from design on less than a dime to the better lives of the rich and famous, you’ve undoubtedly smiled and maybe even cheered for the familiar underdog. The serape, or Mexican blanket as it’s often referred to, has been living it up all summer, getting quite used to the spotlight and showing up in all sorts of unexpected places. And why not? These traditionally inexpensive long rectangular blankets full of colors and patterns can compliment any palate or style and just scream happy design – making them the ideal candidate to help you warm up to the idea of summer’s eminent departure.
Getting up off the floor and making it’s way past the couch, the serape has stepped into the limelight in a million ways plus one. From curtains to benches, to planter boxes and table runners, the serape has made an impressive name for itself showing up in Instagram feeds galore and glossy ad campaigns alike. Always a hard worker and ready for the task, the blanket spread its’ threads in a major way this season and truly capitalized on it’s moment in the sun. So it should come as no surprise it’s ready to take on one more task, your perfect transition piece to wrap up your summer until you wrap your head around fall.
And with as many colors to choose from as a picture perfect sunset-set itself, serapes in deeper shades are ideal place settings for your early fall parties and their likeness can be easily added to any home decor. So whether you choose to keep your blankets around all year long, or you’re simply wishing for an Indian summer, it’s an easy trend to scoop up and pile on. The possibilities are as endless as the colors combos themselves.
And now that you have the who, what, when and why down, let’s get to the where, as in where to stock up. You can’t beat Amazon.com for the cheapest and widest selection of the simple serapes (unless of course you live near the source). Buy the blankets the dozen if you’d like and then let your imagination go wild, cover furniture, make throw pillows or seat cushions; set the scene for entertaining and use them as table runners, placemats, tablecloths. You could even make planters, picture frames and the perfect place for your pooch to pass out. Inspiration abounds and this trend has proven it has some serious staying power so dip in or dive in, either way you can’t go wrong.
If you want something more unique or if you aren’t quite as versed as you’d like on your DIYs, not to fear, Etsy’s got you covered as does Lulu and Georgia in the chicest way possible. I mean, leave it to Lulu and Georgia to make a Mexican blanket look simply sexy with their take on an endless summer interior.
Also stretching summer’s persona for all it’s worth, but in a slightly more masculine way, is my favorite chair, Knibb’s Negril Accent Chair. Featured in and around the Line Hotel in Los Angeles, designer Sean Knibb managed to turn the traditional woven textile into a modern showstopper, leaving you little wiggle room for an excuse to refuse.
And in addition to warming up your space, the season-less serape shouldn’t be overlooked for your big events, dare I even say your biggest? I absolutely love the idea of a fall wedding adorned with the pops of color these blankets will provide and the happy atmosphere they can ‘t help but create. Throw the blankets over chairs to cover bare shoulders when the sun sets, let them show off the Tequila bar and prepare them to the vibrant colors could save you a fortune on flowers.
But you don’t have to go big to go serape, a simple Sunday brunch or festive fall birthday would be equally vibrant with an old friend enjoying new beginnings.
For more inspiring Mexican blanket ideas and photo/website credits check out my Pinterest board and serape away! Inside or out, discover how this simple blanket is your one stop shop for effortless fall transitions.
Follow Messy By Design’s board South of the Border Style on Pinterest.
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