I always jump the gun on fall…which is particularly defeatist since Southern California typically doesn’t see truly cool (a relative term) weather ever until late October or early November. Still, it’s my favorite season {with spring a close second} and I can hardly wait.
The acorns and sycamore leaves were gathered on my walk that first weekend in September
When our Austin family visited earlier this month, I found myself decorating the dining room table for fall. We have several September birthdays in the family and since September always reminds me that fall is close at hand, I thought why not?! Besides, we had the a/c running so you could pretend it was cool outside. 🙂
I saved the oak leaves from a visit to Big Bear and wrote the name of each guest on a leaf to use as place cards.
Redfern the pheasant is in his usual spot for the fall season.
There were lively conversations among the guests…Olivia (4 years) & Fae (1 year next month) {granddaughters}
I’ve dropped the ball where entertaining / cooking posts are concerned. So in addition to the table setting, I’ve included the menu items I served for our birthday celebration {in the season of almost autumn}. 🙂
Our dinner menu was very simple and due to the heat, instead of birthday cake I created an ice cream bar with a variety of flavors and toppings for each guest to create their own sundae.
Menu
assorted appetizers
Costco’s Bill Baily’s Santa Maria Tri Tip [Mr. B. grilled] served with Chimichurri Sauce
Crispy English Potatoes from Barefoot Contessa/Foolproof book
grilled green beans
Happy Birthday Sundaes
The Costco tri tip is pre-seasoned and can be grilled or roasted in the oven. The fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor of the Chimichurri sauce were a hit. I prepared Crispy English Potatoes from Ina Garten’s Foolproof Cookbook and you can prepare them earlier in the day and reheat when ready to serve. Mr. B. grilled the green beans on the grill using a veggie basket. Son #1 assisted since his signature seasonings for the beans are a family favorite.
I will add some pumpkins and mums during the later part of the month…
spruce up my autumn wreath for the front door, borrowing inspiration from creative people such as Studio Choo…
and give some thought to a dinner for sometime in October…which will be here before we know it.
Happy Autumn to you all! Are you decorated for the season, please tell me I’m not the only one overly eager for the season.
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
Good morning dear Karen! How I’d love to entertain in the fall…..so busy with school that it’s impossible to even think about making a nice dinner for guests. TOO TIRED on the weekends from work! But the cozy feeling is in the air and the thought of change and celebration is at least a lovely dream. And I love nature’s décor the best!
Enjoy your day! Anita
Karen B. said:
Dear Anita, Work often interferes with fun! Dang. I’ve really worked at finding entertaining shortcuts that are easy and tasty. But when our brain and body need a rest, we should follow the prompts. I allow myself more relaxation than my Type A personality used to allow. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:18 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jayne on Weed Street said:
Everything is still lush and green in coastal Georgia and its hot! I can’t pretend it’s autumn!,,
Karen B. said:
Jayne, Same here the last several days. Too warm for the first day of fall. It’s the irrational optimist in me that insists on building the *fall like* decor, in hopes that *it* will come. 🙂 Hope cool weather is on its way to both of our regions. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 4:39 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Karen, Your maple leaves are perfect! Such a festive fall table setting 😉 Your menu sounds delicious. Ina always has the best ideas .. I have several of her cookbooks. The ice cream dessert sounds perfect ~ too warm for an oven and I do remember those days. Funny about the air conditioning comment as I recall my mom doing that at Christmas time! Enjoy your day! xxL
Karen B. said:
Leslie, That made me laugh, your mom putting the A/C on at Christmas…I may try that if things don’t cool down by December. That, or move to Alaska, not sure which. Maybe we should move to Washington! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 7:50 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Marilee Friedrich said:
Karen! As always, I love your blog! Fall is also my favorite, and up here in Coeur d’Alene it is showing up! I’m not ready to leave! Xxoo Marilee
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Karen B. said:
Marilee, I don’t blame you. Lyn and I have seriously thought about moving to a cooler climate as we both prefer cool temps over warm. If we had a second home I would definitely stay where it’s coolest in the summer months. Thank you for stopping by and always for your kind compliments, I love hearing from you. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 7:57 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Good morning, Karen. Your table is so pretty- Redfern looks quite proud to be the star. Enjoyed seeing the pic of your sweet granddaughters. I can’t believe Fae is almost a year old already.
Your menu sounds yummy. I’ll have to try that tri tip. That’s my kind of menu, where hubby does the grilling and I only have to worry about the sides. (Although for me, that comes secondary to setting a pretty table! 🙂
Karen B. said:
Vicki, I think that is one of my favorite things about summer…Mr. B. does the main cooking and I come up with the extras. 🙂 Thank you for your sweet compliments, not only about my granddaughters, but Redfern! Table setting is so much fun. I love seeing new ideas and some of the early fall settings have been so clever. I’ve had to ‘pin’ several. Happy autumn, my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 10:09 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
After seeing your post, I’ve been motivated to start putting out my Fall decorations. Out comes my Fall wreath and the faux pumpkins and gourds for the entryway and dining room table. The Lori Mitchell Halloween figures will take center stage on the side board by the front door, and finally I’ll need to stock up on Jack-be-Little pumpkins to scatter around. How I love this time of year! Thanks for giving me a kick start to getting ready for it!
Karen B. said:
Linda, I know I jumped the gun, but it just felt right with our September birthdays. I know have some of my Lori Mitchell Halloween figures out. Only 1 real pumpkin so far…still pretty warm and I don’t want them to rot before Halloween. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 10:23 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Ah, yes, spring and autumn are my favorite seasons too. I adore all the subtle changes one experiences here in California (I know, not as distinct as my former home in England but changes are there to be sure).
I’m still enjoying the last of summer’s bounty including corn, luscious tomatoes, basil, and even sunflower bunches around the house. The farmers’ market is still full of this stuff but I did buy my first young brussels sprouts last weekend while passing by a farm stall on the way home from Half Moon Bay. Autumn is coming when sprouts are available!
I’m glad you are a fan of Studio Choo, which is local to me. Perhaps I’ll do a post on them one of these days. Adore their flower arrangements.
Your granddaughters are very cute, but you already knew that!
Karen B. said:
Hi CD, As a native, I’ve come to appreciate those subtle changes in our climate. I believe your region of California enjoys a little more of the cool coastal air than we do, but I can make the best of the season watching the sycamore leaves fall along with the liquid amber in all of it’s colorful splendor. There is a park along one of my walks that is planted with oak trees. I’m able to collect a few acorns with their caps only if I collect them soon. We have a population of squirrels that are working hard to prepare for El Nino? Maybe. I love brussels sprouts. Studio Choo does amazing work and I’ve followed their work for years. It’s so creative and unique. I’d look forward to a post on the artistry with flowers they produce. Happy autumn. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 12:56 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
Hello, Karen –
Happy first day of fall. Your granddaughters are so cute. And I love your fall table centerpiece. Neat coincidence – I just created a centerpiece with antlers and white pumpkins 🙂 But I need to borrow Mr. Redfern!! Cheers, L
Karen B. said:
Happy autumn to you, Loi. I’ll send Redfern over for your next dinner party! He’s special to me because my daughter-in-law had him made for me. She’s a sweetie. Thanks about the g-babies…they are really fun after parenting boys! xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 1:20 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Beautifully done Karen, I just had a gathering on Sunday and it really felt good to put out a few fall accents and white pumpkins!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Painting Central Park
Karen B. said:
Hi Karena, I love white pumpkins, it seems the internet does too. They are so sweet. I just love this time of year. Happy first day of autumn, Karena. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
We are hanging on to summer for dear life, but welcome the cooler days. When the leaves start turning, we’ll be decorating with white pumpkins! Happy Wednesday, Karen!!
Karen B. said:
You all need to come to California during the month of September…summer is alive and well in this region. Maybe we could trade homes for the month…I could enjoy some cool weather about now. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 5:35 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
Your granddaughters are so cute..I’m having a hard time getting into Fall when its so dang hot in Southern California!
Karen B. said:
Julie,
I’m with you. I’m actually feeling just a bit grumpy at this heat wave. I know it will eventually cool, buy hopefully sooner than later.
Aren’t grandbabies the best?!
xo,
Karen
D'Arcy H said:
Hi Karen- Not to make you jealous, but we have been having the most beautiful, sunny and 70-degree fall days. No color on the trees yet, though. I love Redfern! He’s “made,” not … stuffed? He looks real! I’m planning on switching my planters to fall plants this weekend … it’ll be fun!
Karen B. said:
Hi D’Arcy, Won’t you please send some of your cooler temps down our way? Speaking of heat, I worked in my kids yard last Saturday. It was 92 degrees! Their front yard looks great and I’m pretty sure I dropped a couple of pounds. 😊 Redfern is taxidermy. I love him but I understand the sensitivity to animals being preserved this way. I had always wanted a pheasant but those that I found in antique stores were moth eaten and sort of scary. Sarah knew of a taxidermist who was highly regarded and she had him made for me. Have fun in your garden this weekend. We’re warming with no relief in sight. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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D'Arcy H said:
I have a taxidermy wood duck from my great-grandma’s lake house. I never thought of using him as a centerpiece! Hope your weather cools off soon. I certainly had my fill of 90s this summer–so rare for up here!
Kristin Smith said:
The only fall thing I’ve put out are my $12 mums from Costco. It’s just been too warm here to put out fall decorations yet. I’m still clinging to my white jeans and flip flops!
Karen B. said:
Kristin, I agree, it’s summer here as far as the weather goes. But I have enjoyed the dining table set with the pheasant and fall touches…it reminds me of what must be around the corner. 🙂 Karen
On Thu, Sep 24, 2015 at 2:47 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie Harris said:
I haven’t started decorating for the Fall yet but reading this post definitely gets me in the festive mood. I’m so excited for this season, I love all the decorating that goes with it although this yoga training is verrrrryyy time consuming…so I might have to go light this year. Your granddaughters are so cute sitting there together, aw, I can just imagine the sweet conversations that you have. Love your leaf placecard, it’s those little touches that are so special.
hugs to you Karen,
Kelly - Talk of the House said:
You are light years ahead of me…but I have been thinking of fall decor. Does that count? I love all your fall details..especially the names on the leaves. Your grand daughters are beautiful. Enjoy them!! It is drizzling rain here, and the temps are a little cooler, so I could start with the decorating…if I could just figure out what I want to do this year!! Start by starting…
Dawn said:
Oh, Karen! Your granddaughters are so adorable. I can imagine the fun times you have together during their visits! I love your Autumn table setting and leaf place cards. I’ve just started decorating for Autumn, and have lots more to do! It’s still nice and warm here in the Midwest, so we are just easing in to the change of season. It will be such fun to finish decorating this weekend! Wishing you happy Autumn days, Karen! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, Thank you, those girls (granddaughters) are such a treat for us since we raised boys. We have had so much fun with more girl-stuff. 🙂 Easing into the season certainly makes sense, especially in light of our recent 90 degree weather here in SoCal. I’m eager to see your magic touches of fall once you’re ready. Enjoy the first weekend of fall. xo, Karen
On Thu, Sep 24, 2015 at 10:02 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
Summer went so fast, I haven’t even processed that it’s over!! The dahlias are still going strong and even just coming into their prime, so that sort of fools me into thinking the weather hasn’t turned yet.
I LOVE your placecards… and am reminded that I pinned your Christmas table setting as inspiration! I should get busy making it, maybe then I’ll actually have time to blog about it by December.
Happy fall!!
Karen B. said:
Sounds like your weather has started to cool. We’re hotter than we were in July. In fact we enjoyed a fairly mild summer. But I don’t let the sizzling temperature keep me from what I’m sure is fall…somewhere. Thanks regarding the placecards…I can only find these perfectly dried oak leaves in Big Bear when we stay with our friends at their house. So I collect them and carefully store them…crazy, but fun. I agree, summer has flown, in fact this entire year has been a blur, what month is is? Where am I? 🙂 Enjoy the weekend. xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 7:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
the table is lovely and oh so seasonal, the menu……i have to try, your granddaughters, precious1
Karen B. said:
Hello my traveling friend. Seriously, the menu is delicious a d super easy. Perfect for a busy lady like you. Hope the tour is going well. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Gretchen said:
Karen, your Fall table looks so festive! You are not alone in wanting to get the jump on decorating for autumn. Even though we’ve only been in our rental house for two weeks I have already brought out the pumpkins and fall wreath. I just ran across recipes for a pumpkin pecan cake and an apple spice cake. I can almost believe it’s fall when I smell pumpkin cooking.
The picture of the girls is so sweet!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, I’ve had an apple cake recipe sitting on the counter for a week just waiting to bake for a day that isn’t in the high eighties, low nineties. I hope we can at least start seeing some chilly temps at night. xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 10:11 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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