I’ve always said that fall makes me feel the most myself. It’s a season when I can lean into the coziness of life. More than that though, fall lets me get quiet. I can embrace moments of perfect stillness—those that would feel unaligned with the energy and erratic vibrancy of the warmer months. Beginning in September, I start to slow down. Travel ebbs, and I see once again the transformative value of staying at home, going inward, and connecting with what feels most nourishing and real. It’s in the crisp air, the shifting light, and the gentle rustling of leaves outside my window that I rediscover the beauty of simplicity. It’s for those reasons that deepening my understanding of how to romanticize fall has always been a priority.
The world feels softer and more intentional. I find myself savoring small moments that often slip away in the busyness of summer—quiet mornings with a cup of tea, the golden hue of late afternoon light, or the simple comfort of a new book. Fall invites reflection, a return to self, and a kind of presence that feels both grounding and tender, reminding me that there’s beauty in letting life unfold at its own pace.
Why Fall Is a Perfect Time to Romanticize Your Life
Throughout my career as a writer, I’ve learned to balance my skepticism of trends while not writing them off completely. While some may roll their eyes at the push toward romanticizing everything, I find it a refreshing representation of the many ways people are stepping into the opportunities to make life all the more beautiful. And though there are many truths about our lives that feel more monotonous than meaningful, I believe there’s always an opportunity to weave intention into every day.
Romanticizing fall isn’t about escaping reality, but about heightening our awareness of it.
Fall, in particular, offers endless possibilities for infusing that intention. It’s a season ripe with sensory experiences—the scent of cinnamon, the sound of crackling leaves underfoot, the warmth of a favorite sweater pulled from the back of the closet. There’s something undeniably poetic about these rituals, and I’ve come to realize that romanticizing fall isn’t about escaping reality, but about heightening our awareness of it. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary and choosing to celebrate the small, simple pleasures that ground us in the present.
How to Romanticize Fall: 30 Ideas to Help You Cozy Up
If you’re ready to embrace the magic of the season, here are 30 ways to bring a little more romance into your fall days.
1. Savor a cup of chai by the window. Let the warm spices wrap around you as you watch the leaves fall like a slow, golden rain. This is my favorite recipe—it’s perfectly spicy and sweet.
2. Light a candle in the early morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love sleeping in. But in the fall, there’s also something so magical about leaning into this peaceful ritual that brings a soft glow to the stillness of your waking moments.
3. Take a sunset walk. The fading light and rustling leaves make for the perfect backdrop for an evening reset.
4. Bake a loaf of pumpkin bread. Fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and ginger straight from the oven. Camille’s pumpkin bread recipe is the best I’ve come by.
5. Take a poetry deep dive. Find a new favorite poet or revisit someone you’ve loved reading in the past. While her writing resonates throughout the year, I love spending time paging through Mary Oliver’s poetry. Keats also captures the essence of fall with perfect, poetic precision.
6. Write a letter to a friend by hand. There’s something timeless about putting pen to paper in a season that’s all about slowing down.
7. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and watch a classic film. Let nostalgia take over as you curl up with an old favorite, warm tea in hand. These are our favorite fall movies—I’ve watched Love Story twice since the start of September.
8. Collect fallen leaves and press them into a journal. Capture the fleeting beauty of autumn by preserving its colors between pages. It’s a beautiful, physical object to return to throughout the year.
9. Host a fireside evening with friends. Gather around the warmth of a crackling fire, sharing stories and sipping mulled wine.
10. Take a drive to see the changing foliage. Let it be a reminder of the beauty of transition.
11. Pick apples at a local orchard. Embrace the crisp air and fresh harvest as you gather fruit to turn into homemade pies.
12. Indulge in a weekend getaway to the mountains. Escape to a cabin surrounded by towering trees and cool air, where time seems to stand still.
13. Create an autumn playlist. Fill your home with acoustic melodies and moody tunes that echo the quietness of fall. This is my quintessential fall vibe.
14. Decorate your home with seasonal flowers. Bring in the beauty of chrysanthemums, dahlias, and sunflowers to brighten your space.
15. Wear your favorite oversized sweater for a whole day. Is there anything better than the feeling of being enveloped in warmth while the cool air lingers outside?
16. Visit a farmer’s market and pick up seasonal produce. Fresh squash, root vegetables, and apples—ingredients that make every fall meal feel more special. Consult our guide to the best, in-season fall produce.
17. Wake up early to watch the sunrise. The fall’s soft morning light is the perfect reminder to slow down and savor new beginnings.
18. Make homemade spiced cider. Don’t deny it: we’re all craving the scent of simmering cloves and orange peel. Cozy up with a mug and your favorite book.
19. Spend an afternoon journaling. At home or in the coziest coffee shop you can find. Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink and let your thoughts flow.
20. DIY an autumn wreath for your front door. A simple, beautiful way to welcome the season and its guests into your home.
21. Take a morning walk in the crisp air. Feel the refreshing bite of fall as you move through quiet streets or nature trails.
22. Make a gratitude list at the end of each day. Fall is a time for reflection, and jotting down what you’re thankful for can make each day feel richer.
23. Host a cozy dinner party with seasonal dishes. Invite your closest friends to share a meal that celebrates the flavors of fall.
24. Rearrange your space with warm textiles. Layer your home with soft blankets, wool throws, and plush pillows to enhance its autumnal warmth. Follow these tips to make your home a true cozy haven.
25. Visit a local bookstore and find a new fall read. There’s nothing like getting lost in a story while the world outside turns golden.
26. Create a gallery wall of your favorite fall moments. Fill your space with memories of past autumns—polaroids, pressed leaves, and snapshots of joy.
27. Plan a picnic with cozy blankets and thermoses of soup. Take your meal outside and let the fresh air and vibrant colors set the scene for a perfect day. Steal our favorite soup recipes—and get ready to cozy up.
28. Spend an evening stargazing. The quiet calm of the night sky in fall offers a rare moment to reflect and dream.
29. Bake an apple pie from scratch. Is there anything more quintessentially fall than making the perfect autumnal dessert? The process of peeling, slicing, and assembling reminds you that some of life’s greatest joys are simple. This apple pie recipe will inspire all of your weekend baking sessions.
30. Create a seasonal vision board. Fill it with images, quotes, and inspirations that reflect the intentions you want to bring into fall. This is the perfect place to get started.