Embracing Fall.

...way back in September, many of my Ten on Tuesday friends wrote lists about getting ready for fall. I mostly wrote about enjoying a new baby, and being grateful I didn't need to think about fall just then. Fast forward to October 1 and I started to think about it. And finally, this past weekend, I embraced it. Full on.

I spent Friday re-working the containers on my front porch. Gone are the tired lantana, deer-chewed sweet potato vine and faded petunias (also gone is the dead sky pencil holly!)

Now we have living sky pencil holly, pansies, creeping jenny, dianthus and compact loropetalum (that the Lowe's gardener promises I can get to "weep" over the sides of the pots with careful pruning).

There's a welcoming wreath on the front door.

Inside, there are apples and pears, pinecones and a few candles adding a spicy scent.

(I still need candles for the dining room table).

Holiday menu planning is in full swing, too, inspired in large part by this ad that I stumbled across on Sunday.

Katie just gifted me that Sunday Suppers cookbook* so I have all the recipes. (thanks to a bit of on-line sale shopping, I have some pretty new table linens coming, too!)

It even feels like fall now, too. Low temperatures in the 40's and high's in the 60's. Our bright blue skies are back this week and it's sweater weather!

...now I just need to find a pumpkin or two and we're set! How about you? What are you loving about Fall?

*oh my, it's gorgeous! beautifully styled and the food looks delicious! She also gave me Dinner: A Love Story. Coming soon - an update on cooking inspiration!