HGTV Obsessed Episode 33: Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

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In this episode, Marianne is talking about fall decorating with sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman of the lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess. They discuss if it is ever too soon to decorate for fall and why you should have a fall bucket list. They also chat about their favorite fall crafts and fall decor trends. Both sisters agree their favorite fall decor items are wreaths and garland. Emma says, “If you’re only going to make one thing, I would make a wreath for your front door or garland for your mantel. Something that you can see every day that makes you excited.”

In our Defend the Trend segment of the podcast, Marianne asks if the sisters think the pumpkin-spice-everything trend has gone too far. Emma admits that she would “worship at the church of pumpkin spice if such a thing existed.” Elsie thinks it’s a fun theme, but feels it is sometimes taken too far and she cites pumpkin-spice cheese as an example.

Teri Johnson, fragrance expert and founder of the Harlem Candle Company, joins Marianne to talk about how she started her business and where she gets her inspiration for all her candle scents. Teri shares a lot of practical information about how to keep consistent, long-lasting scents in your home. She also shares the two most important ways to maximize the life of a candle. The first time you light a candle, burn it for a couple of hours to prevent “tunneling," explains Teri. “Candle wax has a memory. The very first time you burn it is actually the most important.” Teri also adds that wick trimming is key because it will prevent the candle from burning too hot, thus lasting longer.