Fall is in the Air - A Review of 2020 Fall Favorites

 

Fall 2020

Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the chilly nights, the cool and crisp days, and the wonderful array of colors in nature.  Fall is the time for apples and carmels, sausage and sauerkraut, colorful mums, and fall festivals.  Fall is also the time for candy corn, Halloween, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie and of course Thanksgiving.  

Fall is also a wonderful time for photography.  The sun is not quite as intense and therefore the lighting is better for daytime photographs.  I love to wander in neighborhood parks and on trails and I always bring along my camera.  On this page I will review with you some of my favorite things from the fall of 2020.

Parks and Sculptures

This year in my town of , O'Fallon Missouri, we have ten sculptures on loan and displayed around town in various parks.  On my first fall outing, I visited three of our parks to photograph the sculptures.  It was late September and a little early for full fall color in Missouri, but I was pleased to catch a glimpse of color as I took my photos.

     Westoff Park

In this park I photographed a sculpture called Zig  Zag Zugguret by Michael Quintero.  I was also able to capture some pretty colors on the hillside.

     Dames Park

In Dames Park I photographed my favorite sculpture Solitude of the Journey by Jeremy Colbert.  I felt that whole photograph had a fall feel to it from the beautiful fall grasses surrounding the sculpture to the expressive clouds in the fall sky.

     Civic Park

My last stop on this outing was to photograph Blue Rail by David Lobel.  It was an interesting sculpture and I also photographed some of the colorful purple mums that were nearby.

Fall  Foods

In the fall I seem to have a renewed interest in cooking and baking.  I love baking apple muffins and pumpkin bread.  I especially like making anything with apples.  I made an apple cake last week and apple pie is always a favorite with my husband.  One of my favorite apple delights is homemade applesauce.  I love the smell of apples cooking on the stove.  My recipe is quite simple.  I just peel, core and cut the apples in chunks and then add them to a pot and cover them about 2/3 of the way with water.  I add some cinnamon and put them on the stove to simmer.  It only takes about 15-20 minutes and they are so good.  Can't you just smell them cooking in the photo below?

Another favorite is microwave apple crisp.  It is delicious and so easy to make.  See the recipe on the Zazzle magnet below.

Apple Crisp Recipe Magnet
by mbgphoto

Fall Decorations

I love to decorate my home for fall.  I usually put up my decorations in the first week of September and take them down after Thanksgiving.  My decorations are fairly simple, just a few colorful leaves and some pumpkins that I purchased at the local craft store.   The two special items that I have are the mini quilt on the entrance table that a friend made for me and the photograph on the mantle.  It is a photo that I took of a lighthouse in Minnesota during the fall and I was able to capture the fall leaves in the framing of the photo.  I had it printed on canvas and it sits on my mantle in the fall.  Here are a few photos of my decorations.

Front Door Wreath

Fall Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Happy Fall Coffee Mug
by mbgphoto

Autumn Reflections Poster
by mbgphoto

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Autumn Art

Colorful Autumn Art

Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  I love the cool crisp days, the wonderful foods that are popular in autumn (especially dishes with apples and pumpkins), the displays at farmers markets and especially all of the beautiful colors of fall everywhere.

My husband and I love to travel in the fall of the year and I have been fortunate to be able to photograph autumn throughout the United States and in Canada.  I love to use these photos to decorate my home.

In the photos below you will see the many different subjects that make great focal points for fall photography.  I also include some tips for photographers.

Fall and Lighthouses

I love lighthouses so it is no surprise that photographing lighthouses in the fall would be a favorite pass-time of mine.  In the photo above I was able to capture Split Rock lighthouse in Minnesota framed in fall foliage.  I captured this photo by climbing on a rock in a nearby campground and taking the photo between the branches of the tree.

• Photographer Tip---Framing your photograph can add interest to a subject.  Fall leaves are great to use in framing.

Fall in the Country

Fall is especially stunning in the countryside. In the photo above an otherwise simple fall path becomes especially pretty framed in fall foliage. The photo below shows the colorful leaves along a fence line at a friend's farm in Hermann Missouri.

Fall colors on Fenceline by mbgphoto
Browse Autumn colors Tiles

• Photographer Tip--Leading lines add interest to a photograph.  Try finding paths and fence lines to lead the eye into the photo.

Fall and Pumpkins

The photo above shows my young granddaughters picking out their favorite pumpkin at the pumpkin patch.  Pumpkins make great subjects of fall photography.   They are found everywhere and add to the color of the season.

In the photo below we were on a cruise stop in Quebec City Canada during late October.  Old Quebec City was full of colorful fall decorations.  The windows and doors throughout the area were decorated in the colors of the season.  I captured this pumpkin display in a small area between buildings.

Pumpkins in Quebec by mbgphoto

Learn more about custom digital photo printing

• Photographer  Tip--Polarizing Filters are a great way to bring out fall colors.  It is like putting sun glasses on your camera. 

Fall Flowers

In this photo fall mums are hanging down over a rock border.

Autumn Mums by mbgphoto

Make personalized stickers for favors online at Zazzle.

• Photographers Tip-- Flowers  make beautiful subjects, but make sure the flowers you pick are in good shape.  There is nothing like a dead flower to ruin an otherwise good photo.

Fall in Watercolors

I would think that fall would be a wonderful time for all types of artists.  My friend, Karen, was an excellent water color artist. She loved to make fall scenes come alive on canvass.  Below is a scene she painted of a pumpkin by the fence. Her work can be found on the Zazzle link below.  Karen passed away in June of 2015.  She will be missed. 

Pumpkin watercolor post card by kjmwatercolorsplus
Design unique photo postcard at zazzle.com

Fall Leaves

popular autumn scene

Fall leaves are a popular subject for autumn photography. 

Autumn Leaves

The photo below was taken at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit Missouri.  I was on a hike there during a photography class early one  morning.  The sun had just risen and I was able to capture these fall leaves in the early  morning light.

Fall Leaves by mbgphoto
View other Fall Cards at Zazzle.com

• Photographer Tip--Try moving in close for photos of fall leaves.

Fall Reflections

Autumn scenes with water always seem to catch my eye.  I love the way the colors reflect against the quiet water. 

In the photo below, I captured a deserted boat at the edge of a pond in Busch Wildlife Area near my home.

Autumn Morning at the Lake by mbgphoto
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Here is another of my favorite relection photos.  These brightly colored leaves are reflected in the pond at my friend's pond.

Autumn Reflections by mbgphoto

See other Autumn beauty Posters

• Photographers Tip--Although I use a polarizing filter for most autumn photograhy, reflections come out better without the filter.

My Zazzle Store Collection

I have many of my fall photographs on products in my Zazzle store.  The collection below shows you several of the items that are featured in the store.

Autumn Beauty
by mbgphoto

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Fall Leaves Placemats & Tablerunners Reviewed

Like many of our Contributors, I love the fall and the beautiful colors of nature.  The yellow, gold, orange, and red leaves falling all around are simply stunning.

With the fall, we welcome cooler weather which tends to keep us indoors more and looking out the windows at the beautiful landscape.  That makes me want to bring some of the beautiful leaves inside, which I have certainly done in the past.

Several years ago, I was doing a bit of early Christmas shopping when I spotted the gorgeous fall leaves cutwork placemats.  There were only two left, but that was fine for my kitchen table, which only seats two.  

We removed our large kitchen table decades ago and replaced it with a couch & chair.  Not only does that provide comfortable seating in the kitchen, but it forces us to use the dining room, which was previously only used for holidays.

The fall leaves cutwork placemats are perfect for my husband and myself at our smaller kitchen table.  Plus, they provide really beautiful fall decor in the center of our kitchen.

Fall Leaves Placemats

Forest Blanket with Poly-Suede Cutwork - 16 inch placmats (Set of 4)Check PriceMy fall leaves placemats are made of a faux suede material.  The cutwork design gives them a nostalgic look that appeals to us.  Our table is wood, a gift from my grandmother's home.  The wood table provides the perfect background for the fall leaves placemats.

When our daughter visited last fall, she commented on how pretty these placemats are on the table.  Normally, we all have very different decor preferences.  Apparently, these fall leaves placemats appeal to a variety of decor tastes. 

The current fall leaves placemats that are available are slightly different from mine in colors.  That is common with fabric due to different runs or fabric selection.  It could also be due to a different manufacturer.  Photography lighting can also affect an image.  Regardless, they are still stunning!

If you stop by my article about my grandmother, you will see the table in it's original place in her home.  That photo was taken on Christmas over 30 years ago.

Fall Leaves Tablerunner

Owenie Fall Leaves Table Runners,Thanksgiving Centerpieces for Tables, 13Inch x 34Inch Embroidered Maple Leaf table decor for Harvest, Autumn Farmhouse Decorations for Home Settings, Machine Washable.Check PriceOur kitchen opens up to our dining room where we have the large dining room table that seats 8-12 easily.  Recently, I came across a fall leaves tablerunner that compliments my placemats.  That ties the decor in the two rooms together nicely.  

The tablerunner is not an exact match, but that is not really noticeable unless you place them side by side.  That doesn't matter to us since they are used on different tables.  Plus, there is something naturally eclectic about them not matching, just as hundreds of leaves don't match when blanketing the yard.

If you were going to use the table runners and the placemats on the same table, I would recommend buying the exact same pattern all at the same time.  

More Articles on Fall Decor

Fall is in the Air - 2020 Fall Favorites by Mbgphoto

Decorating Your Bedroom for Fall by Barbara Cipak

Harvest Time Home Decor Review by Wednesday Elf

How to Create a Beautiful Fall Harvest Display

Check Out More Home Decor Reviews at
ReviewThisDecor.com

 Fall Leaves Placemats & Tablerunners Reviewed by:

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How to Create a Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for Your Yard or Porch

Reviewing Outdoor Fall Displays

As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change colors, everything appears to be gradually preparing for a long winter's sleep.  While the fall colors are beautiful, our yards don't seem quite as vibrant and colorful as they have been.  We desire a way to hold on to the beautiful summer flowers and green lawns, but to still embrace the gorgeous fall changes.  Some of us have found the perfect solution.  

It isn't time to really start decorating for Halloween, but we can start decorating our yards for fall in a way that will compliment the Halloween decor when it is time.  Plus, thanks to the milder weather, we can leave these fall displays intact until Thanksgiving.  By creating a beautiful fall harvest display in our yards or on our porch, we capture the brilliance of flowers and combine it with the great harvest fest.  Some of the vegetables or flowers may have to be replaced over the course of the next few months, but the backdrops and foundations can easily remain.

Start by choosing a beautiful setting in front of a tree with the dramatic fall color leaves, like a maple tree.  Or, build your display on your front porch where it will be better protected from weather.

Here are Some Ideas for Creating a
Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for your Yard or Porch

Foundations for a Fall Harvest Display

As with any creation, a strong, firm foundation will ensure the longevity of your fall yard display.   There are a variety of of items that are easy to obtain, or perhaps that you already have on hand, that make the perfect display base or foundation.

20 in. and 32 in. PVC Hay Bale Set - Reusable hay bales

1. Hay Bales
2. Wooden Benches
3. Wagons
4. Wooden Crates
5. Wheel Barrow 
6. Wicker Baskets
7. Wooden Baskets

Note:  The featured hay bales are PVC Hay Bales made for decorative purposes.  If you build your fall display with real hay, you can later use the hay to mulch your flower or vegetable garden, to prevent soil erosion, or to protect and cover seeds.

 

 

Decorative Items for a Fall Yard Display 

 5' Scarecrow Fall Harvest Halloween DecorationCheck Price
Once we have our foundation in place, we can start adding the fun, decorative items that we have chosen.  I usually add my main feature next which is most often an owl or a happy scarecrow.  You can always make your own scarecrow by stuffing old clothes with straw, creating a face or mask, and topping him off with an old hat.  Or, you can purchase a ready made scarecrow.

Additional Fall Decoration Suggestions for Your Display

1.  Pumpkins 
2.  Gourds
3.  Leaves
4.  Flowers:  Mums, Sunflowers, etc.
5.  Plants:  Ornamental Cabbage or Kale 
6.  Ornamental Grass
7.  Tall Corn Stalks
8.  Indian Corn  
9.  Pine Cones
10.  Sting of Lights
11.  A Bunch of Acorns  (You would need a bunch of acorns in a basket for them to show on the display.  Or, you could stuff the bottom of the basket and put the acorns on the top) 

If you build your display on your porch, you could even make a fall wreath for your front door that coordinates with your display.

Check Out More Fall Reviews  Here
on Review This Reviews!

 

"How to Create a Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for Your Yard or Porch Written by:

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A Review of Fall Farmhouse Decor

The Farmhouse style of décor is cozy, casual and welcoming. Originally found in farmhouses, which of necessity were largely functional in the modest rural houses built by American pioneers in the 1700s and 1800s to suit the agricultural lifestyle, the style of decor has evolved into many different variations. 

 Homeowners today appreciate the farmhouse style regardless of whether they live in a rural area or a small town.

While there are many variations to the Farmhouse style, including rustic, modern, country and primitive, the style itself is appreciated for its warmth and simplicity. This style is characterized by natural textures and materials such as wood or galvanized steel.

Today we will concentrate on decorating your Farmhouse style for the Fall.  If you already have pieces that form your farmhouse interior, you can always just add temporary ones to update them for the season. 

Fall Farmhouse Décor

When you decorate your home for the Fall, you can add small touches throughout the house or simply focus only on one nook or create a small corner filled with an Autumn theme. A few examples of this Fall magic are shown here.

Wreaths

A favorite Fall Decor is a wreath for the front door, in a window, or as part of an inside Autumn decoration, perhaps as a centerpiece surrounding a candle.

Maple leaves in red & yellow, berries and vine add to this Fall atmosphere in this lovely wreath found on Amazon.  Perfect for the Autumn season and the Thanksgiving festivities.

Fall Décor Candles

Candles are always perfect for any décor.  Since wood is one of the materials inherent to a Farmhouse theme, these wood candle holders made from logs fit in perfectly. 

Available in brown, harvest and orange and adorned with natural Raffia bows, these candle holders made from reclaimed wood fit the Tea-light or votive candles.  A lovely set for a table centerpiece or a fireplace mantle decoration.

Log candle holders are handmade by Sarah & Eddie of GFTWoodcraft on Etsy, where you can find a wonderful collection of rustic wood home décor. 

Tiered Trays Decorating

Tiered trays are very popular in this day and age.  They are the perfect décor item in any room in the house and come in all sorts of designs. This Farmhouse Decor Fall Tiered Tray was created by Crystal and is available in her Etsy Shop CKDesigns.  

This collection of hand-painted, laser-cut signs will make a really cute Fall Farmhouse themed décor.

Farmhouse Porch Décor

Continue your Fall Farmhouse Decor outside on your porch or patio with this Fall Planter Bucket.  It is created by Jackie for her home décor Etsy Store called Oak Knoll Creations.

This planter bucket is made from authentic galvanized sap buckets once used to gather sap from maple trees. The lettering and designs are made from vinyl and your bucket can include a rope around the top.

A cute Fall porch décor in a Farmhouse theme which would look lovely paired with pumpkins, mums, lanterns, and cornstalks to look festive and welcoming. 

*In addition, Sylvestermouse tells us how festive fall leaves place mats and table runners can be for your Fall and Thanksgiving table décor. 

Summary

The calming colors of the autumn will give any space the warmth and coziness that you would like to feel every day.

For more Decor Reviews, check out
ReviewThisDecor.com

Fall Farmhouse Décor Review written by

Wednesday Elf 

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Tips for Fall Photography

This week I'd like to share with you some of my tips on fall photography.

• Use a Polarizing Filter

If you have never used  a polarizing filter on your camera you will be amazed by the results.  Think about how fall colors look to you when you put on your sunglasses.  The tint in the glasses filters out some of the suns rays and what you see are strikingly more brilliant colors.  The same concept is what happens when you put a polarizing filter on your camera.

Be sure to buy one of the circular polarizing filters so that you can adjust the amount of light you are filtering out.  I have one for my SLR camera and I also have a polarizing filter to fit my Canon point and shoot camera.

The photo at the left is a tree in a nearby park that I photographed with the polarizing filter on my camera.

• Go to a Botanical Gardens   If you have a favorite garden in your hometown be sure to visit it in the fall.  Most gardens have special displays for the fall and it is a great place to take photos.  I love the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.  Here is a hubpage I wrote on the garden in the fall. Autumn at Missouri Botanical Garden  The photo below shows a scene from last fall at the garden.
  

• A Farmers Market is a Great Place for Fall Photos   I like to stop by my local farmers  market and photograph the produce in the fall.  The bins of apples, pumpkins and ghourds always make great photographs and many of the markets have special fall displays.
  
  
  
  

• Don't forget to include children doing fall activities in your photos.  The pictures below are my granddaughters enjoying the pumpkins in the fall.
• 

• Get in close for some interesting photos.  Leaves are often hard to photograph in the fall because when you look at them up close you find they have a lot of wear and tear from the year,  Be sure to look for some that are not too beat up and then zoom in close.

• My top tip for fall photography is enjoy yourself.  Have fun with your camera, enjoy the scenery and relax and you will capture some outstanding shots!

View more of my photographs of fall at Autumn Art

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