I always say autumn feels the most real to me. This is a season where I can enjoy a comfortable life. More importantly, autumn makes me quiet. I can embrace moments of perfect tranquility—moments that feel at odds with the energy and erratic energy of the warmer months. Starting in September, my pace started to slow down. After the travel ebb, I once again saw the transformative value of staying home, going inward, and connecting with what felt most nourishing and authentic. In the fresh air, changing light, and the gentle rustling of leaves outside the window, I rediscovered the beauty of simplicity. It is for these reasons that deepening my understanding of how to romanticize autumn has been a priority for me.
The world feels softer and more intentional. I find myself enjoying the little moments that often slip away in the busyness of summer – a quiet morning with a cup of tea, the golden light of evening, or the simple comfort of a new book. Autumn brings reflection, a return to myself, and a presence that is both grounded and gentle, reminding me that there is beauty in letting life unfold at your own pace.
Why fall is the perfect time to romanticize your life
Throughout my career as a writer, I’ve learned to balance skepticism about trends without dismissing them outright. While some may roll their eyes at the romanticization of it all, I find it a refreshing representation of the many ways people are taking advantage of to make their lives better. Despite the fact that so much of our lives feel more monotonous than meaningful, I believe there is always an opportunity to incorporate intention into every day.
Romanticizing autumn isn’t about escaping reality, it’s about heightening our awareness of autumn.
Autumn, in particular, offers endless possibilities for infusing this intention. ‘Tis a season ripe for sensory experiences—the scent of cinnamon, the sound of leaves crackling beneath your feet, the warmth of pulling a favorite sweater from the back of your closet. There’s something undeniably poetic about these rituals, and I’ve come to realize that romanticizing autumn is less about escapism and more about heightening our awareness of reality. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane and choosing to celebrate the small, simple joys that keep us grounded in the present.
How to be romantic in fall: 30 ideas to make you feel cozy
If you’re ready to embrace the magic of the season, here are 30 ways to add a little romance to your fall.
1. Enjoy a cup of milk tea 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 – spicy and sweet.
2. Light a candle in the morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love sleeping in.
3. Take a walk at sunset. The fading light and rustling leaves provide the perfect backdrop for an evening’s rest.
4. Bake a loaf of pumpkin bread. Fill your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and ginger fresh from the oven. Camille’s pumpkin bread recipe is the best I’ve ever seen.
5. Study poetry in depth. Find a new favorite poet or revisit someone you enjoyed reading in the past. While her writing resonates year-round, I love spending time flipping through Mary Oliver’s poems. Keats also captures the essence of autumn with perfect, poetic precision.
6. Write a handwritten letter to a friend. In a season of slowing down, there’s something timeless about putting pen to paper.
7. Wrap up in a cozy blanket and watch a classic movie. Let nostalgia take over as you curl up in a ball with a cup of hot tea of your old favorite. These Are Our Favorite Fall Movies—I’ve Seen It love story Twice since early September.
8. Collect fallen leaves and press into journal. Capture the fleeting beauty of fall by preserving color between pages. This is a beautiful entity worth returning to at any time of the year.
9. Host a fireside night with friends. Gather around a warm crackling fire to share stories and sip mulled wine.
10. Take a drive to see the changing leaves. Let it remind us of the beauty of transition.
11. Pick apples at a local orchard. Embrace the fresh air and fresh harvest as you gather fruit to make homemade pies.
12. Enjoy a weekend getaway to the mountains. Escape into a cabin surrounded by towering trees and cool air, where time seems to stand still.
13. Create a fall playlist. Fill your home with acoustic melodies and moody tunes that echo the tranquility of autumn. This is my typical fall vibe.
14. Decorate your home with seasonal flowers. Introduce the beauty of chrysanthemums, dahlias and sunflowers to brighten your space.
15. Wear your favorite oversized sweater all day long. Is there anything better than the lingering warmth of the cool air outside?
16. Visit a farmers market and buy seasonal produce. Fresh squash, root vegetables, and apples—these ingredients make every fall meal feel a little more special. See our guide to the best fall produce in season.
17. Get up early to watch the sunrise. The soft morning light of autumn is the perfect reminder to slow down and savor new beginnings.
18. Homemade Spiced Apple Cider. Don’t deny it: We all crave the scent of cloves and orange peels. Get cozy with a mug and your favorite book.
19. Spend an afternoon journaling. At home or at the coziest coffee shop you can find. Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink and let your thoughts flow.
20. DIY a fall wreath for your front door. A simple, beautiful way to welcome the season and guests into your home.
21. Take a walk in the fresh air in the morning. Feel the fresh scent of fall as you walk through quiet streets or nature trails.
22. Make a gratitude list at the end of each day. Fall is a time for reflection, and writing down the things you’re grateful for can make each day richer.
twenty three. Host an intimate dinner with seasonal dishes. Invite your closest friends to share a meal that celebrates the flavors of fall.
24. Rearrange your space with warm textiles. Add soft blankets, fleece throws and plush pillows to your home to enhance the warmth of fall. Follow these tips to make your home a true haven of comfort.
25. Visit your local bookstore to find a new fall read. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a story when the world outside turns golden.
26. Create a gallery wall of your favorite fall moments. Fill your space with memories of autumns past—Polaroids, pressed leaves, and snapshots of joy.
27. Plan a picnic with a cozy blanket and a bottle of soup. Dine al fresco and let the fresh air and bright colors make for a perfect day. Steal our favorite soup recipes—get ready for comfort time.
28. Spend an evening stargazing. The autumn night sky is quiet and calm, providing rare moments of reflection and dreaming.
29. Bake apple pie from scratch. What better way to embrace autumn than to make the perfect fall dessert? The process of peeling, slicing, and assembling reminds you that some of life’s greatest pleasures are actually quite simple. This apple pie recipe will inspire all your weekend baking sessions.
30. Create a seasonal vision board. Fill it with images, quotes, and inspiration that reflect your intentions for bringing into fall. This is a perfect place to start.
