ReDESIGNS by Ava
Loving the Change of the Season
“Autumn’s beauty does not depend on the temperature outside or the turning of the leaves. I don’t see it as a precursor to a long, dark, cold winter. Fall is the perfect season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have. The simply daily rituals of home-making, baking, nesting, decorating, and preparing for the winter holidays ahead create a sense of peace with what we have right in front of us.” ~ Melissa Michaels
I am thankful that I live in an area where I get to experience the changing of the seasons. After a long summer, it is so refreshing to feel the crispness of the air, see the beauty of the season as the leaves change their color, sip on hot apple cider, and smell pumpkin bread baking or soup simmering on the stove. Fall invites you to participate in the season and gives you the opportunity to add touches to your décor that will help your family enjoy it more.
Adding fall décor doesn’t have to be complicated. Elements of nature are perfect additions. Here are a few ideas of mine and some I found on Laura’s blog, The Turquoise Home (for pictures and more check out “11 ways to add FALL to your home” @theturquoisehome.com).
Pumpkins….stack, pile or nestle into a bed of fall foliage. A trip to the Pumpkin Patch is always a fun outing this time of year.
Apples…..use to decorate (place a bowl or basket of apples on your kitchen counter) or to eat. Fall means all things apple, like apple cider, apple pie, apple muffins, apple cake, and apple butter.
Chalkboards….add typography with a quote for the season….. “Hello, Fall” done in chalkboard art is welcoming. Check out the free printables on the blog ( 25 + gorgeous FREE FALL PRINTABLES).
Natural elements……bring leaves, sticks, pinecones, acorns, etc. inside for free décor that packs a punch.
Burlap…. Use it to make a wreath, a table runner or a bow. This textured fabric is perfect for fall. It makes me sneeze but I love the look.
Mums…..they are gorgeous to use inside and out. If you do nothing else but place them in a pretty pot or basket by the front door, their addition will say ‘fall’ is here!
Pillows…..there are always some cute ones for fall.
Candy…..find a pretty candy dish and fill with candy corn.
Chili…..nothing says fall like a pot of chili simmering on the stove and your family will love it!
Plan a trip to the NC mountains to enjoy the foliage or to go to an orchard for apples….. always one of my favorite ways to celebrate this time of year. Happy fall, y’all!
I am scheduling appointments and due to COVID, I am being cautious. I wear my mask and ask that my client wears theirs. Need help updating your décor and getting your home ready for the holiday? Call to schedule an appointment.
Apple Dapple Cake
We lived in the North Georgia Mountains for 18 years and every fall we would drive across the mountain to Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia, to buy apples. I loved to make this recipe, a family favorite, with the Rome Beauty variety.
1 ¼ cup Wesson Oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a tube pan. To ensure the cake doesn’t stick, I cut a piece of wax paper to fit the bottom of the pan.
You can mix together by hand. Mix oil and sugar with a whisk. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; add to oil mixture and mix with spoon until well blended; add vanilla. Stir in apples, coconut and pecans.
Bake for 1 ½ hours @ 325.
