It’s officially fall so this week’s inspiration board is dedicated to the brilliant reds and golds of autumn leaves, cool brisk nights and fall parties with friends. Let these fun ideas get you in the mood to celebrate the changing seasons!

1) Send Thanksgiving greetings to those near and far with new and simply gorgeous photo cards from Tiny Prints. Crate and Barrel’s maple leaf plate makes serving appetizers fun and festive.

2) White pumpkin candles and cranberry vase filler from Pottery Barn are sure to transform any gathering into an elegant holiday affair!

3) Mini pumpkin spice cake with orange glaze from Sara Lee of Semi-Homemade and pumpkin patch cupcakes from Martha Stewart are pumpkin inspired, mouth watering treats for kids and the kid at heart.

I was giddy when I realized that today is the first day of autumn. While I love the warmth of the summer sun, I also love when the leaves all start to turn into beautiful orange tones. It is this season in particular that makes me think of my family. I think that is because we had a lot of fun on the weekends doing traditional fall activities.

So, to kick off the season, below are some of my favorite things to do in the fall:

Apple Picking - It’s always fun to spend the afternoon with your kids at local apple farm. Apple picking is a great all-weekend activity.  When I was younger, my family would spend Saturdays picking apples and then we would get together on Sunday to make apple pies and candied apples, while we enjoyed some warm apple cider.

Visit a pumpkin patch - As Halloween approaches, it is always fun to get together to pick the perfect  pumpkin(s) to decorate your home or front step.  And, while you are there, make sure to take a hay ride throughout the field.

Have a pumpkin carving party - Once you have your pumpkins, get together with friends and family and have a pumpkin carving party.  You can even make it a formal event with these cute Halloween invitations.

Check out my creation from last year, below:

Watch Football - If you are not a fan of the cooler weather or just feel like a relaxing afternoon at home, why not enjoy a game a football with your friends and family?  Hold a potluck or make healthy tail-gating snacks for your guests while you cheer on your favorite team.