Fall Inspiration at the Table

I find myself with a bit of fall inspiration at the table this morning. It seems like fall barely arrives in all of its color and beauty and then moves on quickly.

I don’t want to miss any of it…do you?

So, as I begin fall reflecting this morning, a bit of sharing of the beauty and fall happenings just needed to happen.

First fall inspiration?

The 50th Fort Massac Encampment. History from the French and Indian war to the 1800’s are always part of the history lessons reenacted and taught. Last weekend was the encampment. We had forgotten to add it to our calendar…so a later in the day visit turned out to be perfect.

Scottish heritage means I listen to the bagpipes far longer than the rest of my family.

Fall temperatures and leaves were beautiful and the sounds and smells that greeted us did not disappoint.

We had never been to a closing of the day ceremony where all of the regiments gathered to lower flags, shoot cannons, and have their bands play their national anthems.

From bagpipes and plaids, to gold buttons and flutes, on to Indian dances and dress, canoes on the shore, and food and crafts of the era on display and for sale, it was a beautiful mix of what took place on this land as part of our history.

Besides the music—kettle corn, homemade root beer, lace making, and foods and crafts of the times were among our favorites.

Sights of the group living included cooking by the fire. I was intrigued.

As I meandered through their tents, I was surprised to see an actual wooden bed inside. The woman inside responded, “when you marry an officer, you get a bed.” Who knew?

Fall always brings apples to inspire me.

Before heading to the encampment, a visit to a local orchard brought a variety of apples home to add to the pantry.

This week, I shared a favorite apple bread recipe, that I hope you will love.

There are always two recipes I add to my pantry each fall with apples from local orchards:

• applesauce

• apple jam

Both of these are sooooo easy to make and the joy brought by those who love them is immeasurable.

I’m working on a few new recipes with those apples, so be watching!

Where do you find fall inspiration?

Is it a simple drive or walk through the changing leaves where you are? Visits to local shops and others out of town brightened my day.

Frenchtown Station with friends never disappoints.

Isn’t this lovely?

More pumpkin time…

Even stops along the way on an out of town trip this week brightened my day.

Did you see my fairy pumpkin house post?

This was a sweet addition to my great nieces’ fairy garden that was just too fun not to create.

Isn’t it the sweetest?

Oh, my goodness, I can’t tell you how much fun this was to make…

How about adding one to a little girl’s bedroom for the season?

My dress up, fairy loving, great nieces and granddaughters will love it!

Even Martha has one…here’s Martha’s version of a fairy house pumpkin.

More fall inspiration found this week…

• A beautiful dried flower wreath.
• This color may be the inspiration for a room refresh here.
• Love this table setting.
• Beautiful monogrammed pumpkin idea.
• Easy lasagna soup. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?
• A take on decorating trends.
• Love these ways to make your home cozy.

I realize that many of you are waiting to take down fall decor this week and go full on Christmas decorating.

I have always loved waiting until after Thanksgiving since I love Thanksgiving decorations so very much.

But, like many of you, Christmas decorations, ribbon and inspiration have already begun making their appearance in my home.

Not gonna lie! I’ve already wrapped 10 Amazon Prime day gifts. Yep. That’s actually happened. Who am I?

I always wish I could simplify Christmas and Magnolia always inspires me to lean that way. Wish me luck!

Isn’t the mantel Magnolia shared this week beautiful?

Biltmore reopens this week.

Speaking of Christmas…November 2 is the anticipated reopening of Biltmore in Asheville, NC. If you are close and can join them to help support this community and families who live here, you might add it back to your calendar.

One of my most treasured memories is Christmas at Biltmore…from candlelight evenings, daytime tours, and even a fireside chat by one of the previous employees at the estate when Vanderbilts still lived there.

We only have a few more weeks of fall…

As this next week ends October, the fall beauty of colored leaves and landscape will begin to transition.

So, today? I’ll enjoy their beauty.

Breathe in fall.

Anticipate a family gathering soon for my birthday.

Enjoy the transition of weather and seasons a bit more intentionally.

Happy fall inspiration, friends. May you enjoy each moment better than ever.

Much love for the season,