Fall-Inspired Mantle

Although the forecast for today is near 100 degrees, I am anticipating the arrival of fall. I have been purchasing fall wardrobe items, and this weekend, I decided it was time to transform my mantle from summer to fall.
In past years, I have typically only changed the mantle in my living room at Christmastime. However, in mid-June, I decided I needed to make some changes to my decor. Due to budget and time constraints, my best solution was to create a summer-inspired mantle.
My inspiration for the fall mantle came from a variety of sources. I got many great ideas from Pinterest, of course, and from thinking about some of my favorite fall things. However, as I ventured to Home Goods on Saturday morning, I really had no clue what I was looking for. I ended up spending a little bit more than I had for the summer mantle, which only cost me $30. The total cost for the fall mantle was around $45.
This is what I started with...my blank slate.

Similar to the summer mantle, I used both newly purchased items and other items I already had in my house. 

My inspiration item was the sign with the fall words. When I saw it in the store, I knew I had to buy it. It was the first thing in my cart and on the mantle. I arranged all the other items around it.

In addition to the sign, the newly purchased items included the pumpkin and owl. 

What I loved about this process, in addition to going shopping for new items, was the ability to re-purpose old ones. Like the wreath I bought many years ago, which has been sitting on the shelf in the pantry, untouched. Or, the apples I purchased at the dollar store that haven't been used in several years.
For the rest of the weekend, I was excited to walk into my living room, surprised each time by how much a few changes can have such a big impact. 
Fall brings change. Change in the weather and color palette. Change in the food we eat, switching from cool, summer salads to warm, homemade soups and chilis.
Now, I am officially ready for fall! I feel cozier already.
Have you made any changes for fall?