There is something so cozy and charming about fall, especially when it follows on the heels of a very hot summer like we’ve had this year. In fact, it’s STILL pretty warm here during the days but the nights and mornings are cooler and that is a welcome shift. While I’m admittedly more of a spring/summer girl, I DO love all the warm and cozy fall vibes. Let’s get cozied up, shall we?
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How to Create the Perfect Fall Vibes at Home
Each season has it’s own charms but there is something especially “vibe-y” about autumn. Before we get started, let’s set the mood. Here is some lovely smooth jazz to enjoy as you read the rest of this post:
Books
Is there anything better than curling up with a good book on a rainy fall afternoon? Here are a few favorites for the season.
September by Rosamunde Pilcher
Autumn in Scotland when the heather is in bloom…Pilcher is one of the very best when it comes to painting a picture of cozy living. This one is worth an annual read.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A great stone mansion, the Cornish coast, and a haunting mystery make this gothic classic a perfect read while curled up by a cozy fire.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
“[A] delicious fantasy of witchcraft and love in a world where gardens smell of lemon verbena and happy endings are possible.” (Cosmopolitan)
Joy in the Morning: A Novel by Betty Smith
I bought an old copy of this in a used book store many, many years ago and really enjoyed it. Annie is only 18 when she marries Carl, a law student. Far from home, little money and out of her element, that first year of marriage is far more difficult than she had imagined.
Films
It was very hard to narrow down this category as there are so many great choices for a good fall movie. But I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these.
I’m sure you are familiar with the previous three films but this one may not have been on your radar. It wasn’t on mine until I watched it with my son a year or two ago. We both loved it! This small-town 1950s romance is worth watching for the cinematography alone.
Television
Here are three of my favorite binge-worthy television series.
My daughter and son-in-law gave me this one for my birthday and I’m enjoying it SO much. I had seen episodes here and there when it was airing on T.V. decades ago. Now I can watch them all.
Is there anyplace cozier than Stars Hollow? I think not. It’s always a good time to watch Gilmore Girls but it feels particularly suited to fall.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching this series, do yourself a favor and make time for it now. I admit that it took a few episodes for me but once I got into it I loved it. David and I watched it together a few years ago and the more we watched, the more we enjoyed it. Quirky and rather sweet with an incredible cast. This is one I really wish had more seasons.
Activities
- Puzzles – This is a great time to work on a big puzzle. Set it up in a place where you can leave it out. Encourage the whole family to work on it in odd moments.
- Board games and/or cards – Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Cards Against Humanity…choose your favorite and have a family game night. Or play a few hands of gin rummy once or twice a week. Most of us spend too much time on screens so the occasional old fashioned game night is a lovely change of pace.
- Hot cocoa on the patio – If you have any sort of outdoor space (patio, porch, balcony) enjoy steaming hot cups of hot chocolate outside on a brisk day.
- Take a drive – As soon as the leaves turn in your area, take a drive and admire the changing landscape.
- Rainy Day Read – At least once during the season, set aside a few hours on a rainy day to just read. I recommend choosing an old favorite for this – perhaps something like “Little Women” or another children’s book you remember fondly.
Food
Cooler weather means hearty dishes like stew or chili. It’s also a great time to bake some special treats.
This is a recipe I read about in “A Gentleman in Moscow” – delicious! I highly recommend the book, as well.
Pumpkin Bread ~ An Autumn Teatime Recipe
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Scones
Drinks
I drink hot tea every day of my life, no matter the weather but fall practically requires numerous cups of something steaming hot. Set up a coffee/tea center in your kitchen. Stock it with your favorite teas, coffees, cocoas and extras like flavored syrups, mini chocolate chips and marshmallows. I’m a big proponent of electric kettles. If you don’t have one yet, let this be the season where you learn that you can no longer be without one. This is the one I currently have:
A few hot drink recipes to try:
Dee’s Guide to a Perfect Cup of Tea
Clothes/accessories
Aside from being “sweater weather”, fall is a great time for warm and cozy accessories.
Boots – A good pair of waterproof boots make rainy days so much more pleasant. I bought a pair of black Hunter boots the year we hosted a three-day music festival in our backyard during weather reminiscent of Woodstock. Worth every penny! I still wear them often as we live out in the country. I’m currently trying to decide if I also need a red pair.
Umbrella – A good, sturdy umbrella is a must. While it’s handy to keep an inexpensive travel umbrella in your car or bag for unexpected rain showers, there is something to be said for a large, sturdy stick umbrella. Take a page from our British friends and don’t let inclement weather keep you indoors. Don your boots, grab your “brolly” and take a walk in the rain.
Tights – Keep your legs warm with a nice pair of tights. I wear dresses or skirts year round so tights are essential for me in cooler months. You may have to try a few brands but when you find some that fit you well, stock up! I like the HUE super opaque tights available on Amazon.
Scarves – I love scarves and have quite a collection. It’s always fun to wear them again in the fall. I bought this one in a green tartan plaid last fall and love it. They don’t seem to have that color at the time I’m writing this but they have several other options.
And just for fun, how about a beret? If it’s not cold enough for a “proper” hat, a wool beret can add a pop of color while keeping the top of your head warm.
Home decor
I have often thought that my home is at its best in fall and winter. In the summer I wish for more natural light indoors but it sure is cozy in cooler months. Give your house those warm fall vibes with cuddly throws and lots of twinkle lights. Make sure each room has a lamp or two and skip the harsh overhead lighting.
I like to switch out sofa pillows for each season. I recommend investing in some nice down pillow inserts. You can purchase pillow covers inexpensively and have lots of different looks throughout the year. Plus, down (or good quality down alternative) pillows are so much nicer to snuggle into.
An autumn wreath on the front door, a garland of fall leaves wound around the bannister, some seasonal scented candles and new fall tea towels for the kitchen will give your home a fresh look for the season without spending much money.
Welcome this new season with a few (or ALL) of these suggestions and enjoy every minute of this cozy time of year. What are YOUR favorite things to do in the fall?
You may also enjoy…
Autumn Turns My Heart Toward Home
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice ~ 10 Ways to Embrace Autumn
How to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall
So, apparently yours is another blog I’m not getting notifications for properly these days. Grrr! Thank goodness for your monthly newsletter!
Anyway, those are great suggestions for Fall themed entertainment and fun.
Sorry you aren’t getting notifications. That sort of thing is annoying. Glad you enjoyed the suggestions, though.