7 Ways to Romanticize Autumn

Well, it's officially almost here. The Autumn season is upon us which means it's time for cozy drinks, warming meals, and Gilmore Girls marathons galore. Up until about 2 years ago, Fall was my absolute favorite season. In fact, each year in college, I'd do an annual Autumn decor shopping trip to Michael's where I'd roam the aisles and pick all of the best decorations. Michael's tends to have amazing deals, which I loved as a college kid and now as an adult. But recently, I've turned my attention to Spring - a season which I cared little to nothing about until last year. Even so, fall still has a warm spot in my heart. And when it comes to romanticizing a season, I feel like the colder months are definitely where it's at.

That time of the year where it's not swelteringly hot outside, but cool enough for a cozy sweater. When pumpkin spice everything takes over the Western world. And when something as simple as a leaf can spark immense amounts of awe and wonder. Yes, fall really is that girl. And this year, I've got 7 easy ways to romanticize her.

Notice the leaves

I don't know what is more astonishing to me.. the flowers blooming in the Spring, or the flaming red leaves that line the sidewalks in the Fall. This season, go for a cozy walk and notice the beauty of nature and the miracle of the leaves changing colors and dropping to the ground. Every year it reminds me how important it is to release what's old to make space for what is new.

Cozy Homemade Drinks

I know the PSL has like the entire market on Fall flavorings and beverages, but dare I say there are other options people! And how dare we forget about yummy warming flavor combos like cardamom and rose, chocolate and cinnamon, apple cider, eggnog, or a cozy vanilla chai with oat milk foam? This is your sign to step away from the Starbucks app and reclaim your kitchen as a sanctuary of fall flavor. Whether you're curling up with a book or or a spooky movie, these homemade drinks invite you to slow down and sip something special.

Some of my favorites to make this time of year:

• Spiced cardamom rose latte

• Cinnamon hot cocoa with coconut cream

• Warm apple cider with clove-studded orange slices

• Toasted vanilla chai with almond milk

• Maple tahini golden milk

• Lavender honey steamer for cozy evenings

No drive-thru necessary. Just mugs, mittens, and a little magic. Click here for my latest decaf latte recipe obsession.

Fall Baking

Last fall, I made a delicious apple cider donut cake that absolutely rocked my world. Between that and my pumpkin cinnamon rolls, I have to admit — fall baking is simply superior. There’s just something about the scent of warm spices dancing through the kitchen, the coziness of a crackling oven, and the golden hue of late afternoon light filtering in while something sweet bakes away.

Honestly, the only baking season that comes close is Christmastime, with gingerbread men and sugar cookies galore — but until then, you’ll find me knee-deep in cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered sugar. I love how fall recipes invite us to slow down, gather ingredients with intention, and embrace the ritual of making something beautiful from scratch.

A few of my must-bake favorites:

• Apple cider donut cake (moist, warmly spiced, and topped with delicious caramel)

• Pumpkin cinnamon rolls

• Spiced apple galettes with flaky crust

• Chai snickerdoodles for tea time

• Brown butter blondies

• Toasted pecan shortbread cookies

If you’re new to baking, fall is the perfect time to start. Everything smells like heaven, tastes like comfort, and pairs perfectly with a cozy sweater and your favorite playlist.

FALL VIDEOS on PATREON

I don't always do this, but I've unlocked one of my Fall baking videos from Patreon for you blog readers! Enjoy the cozy vibes from our apartment last year and be sure to make this delicious recipe. Join the Patreon for more videos like this coming this Fall!

Dress for the Season

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons when it comes to fashion. My personal favorite fall fashion icon? Miss Blair Waldorf, of course. Earthy tones, gingham skirts, little coats with velvet buttons, and patterned tights that say “I read Edith Wharton for fun” — she nailed it every time.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to live on the Upper East Side to embrace a fall wardrobe that feels chic and intentional. Even here in my sleepy coastal town, I like to imagine I’m walking to lunch on the steps of the Met. Even if I'm just taking a trip to the beach. The key is to romanticize what you wear, even if you’re just going to the grocery store.

A few of my favorite pieces for a feminine fall wardrobe:

• Wide-leg trousers or long skirts in oat, rust, or forest green

• Soft turtlenecks layered under linen dresses or with vintage cardigans

• Gingham, plaid, or houndstooth anything

• Patterned tights (Blair would never do plain black)

• Ballet flats, vintage boots, or Mary Janes with a little heel

• A structured coat in camel or navy — bonus points if it has big buttons and a swing to it when you walk

• Hair ribbons. Always.

  
  

Fashion in the fall isn’t about trends — it’s about texture. Wool, cashmere, cotton & corduroy.

So even if you’re just at home lighting a simmer pot and baking an apple cake… put on the outfit. You’re the main character here.

Go Apple Picking

Our micro farm doesn't only have flowers - it also boasts two apple trees that came with the property when my family bought it back in the 90s. Fun fact? My brother used to tell me the apples were poisonous. So I spent majority of my childhood terrified to touch them much less pick them and make any seasonal treats.

But a few years ago, our gardener told us that these apples are actually well sought after and delicious! Which led to my mother making several apple pies which we enjoyed all season long. Apple picking season is one of my favorites and it's the perfect opportunity to do some Fall baking with locally grown treats. Head to an apple farm with your favorite wicker basket and enjoy the delights of seasonal baking and eating!

Make Dried Fruit Decor

I started drying oranges, apples and other seasonal fruit this time of year back in 2022 when I stumbled across a gorgeous photo of a Christmas tree with all natural elements. It had dried oranges, baby's breath, dried roses and it was stunning. At the time, I tried to recreate it on my YouTube channel and it was one of my favorite Christmas trees I've decorated to date. Last year, I had so much fun drying them again here at Marigold Manor as decoration for our new home and for our tree, yet again.

But this year, I'm doing something new - my plan is to dry them once again and hang the garland over our sink where the bow garland was during the Spring and Summer. If you're unsure what I'm referring to, I made a fabric bow garland this year and hung it in my new kitchen. I've loved having it but I'm so ready to transition the season to something more rustic and natural.

For an orange drying tutorial, you can check out this video I made from last November.

Fall Movies & Media

There are a few things I will never forgive in this life, and one of them is the fact that they changed the actress who played Marnie in the fourth Halloweentown. No shade to Sara Paxton, loved her in Aquamarine but Kimberly J. Brown IS Marnie. And when I found out that Disney didn't even let her know they were re-casting?!? Jail. Everyone. Straight to jail.

I would love to say that I have some unique and fun movies for y'all to watch during spooky season that you haven't seen before but let's get real - I rewatch Gossip Girl every year starting in Autumn. Mixed in between episodes of Gilmore Girls, and various Halloween dcoms. Because let's be honest, the classics are classic for a reason. And I'm no better than any other girl born in the 90s. I will be watching Hocus Pocus, Twitches, Beetlejuice and every Halloweentown - even the fourth one (eye roll).

Fall is everyone's favorite season for a reason. It's cool, calm and cozy. We could all use a little magic this coming Autumn season, so I hope this post gave you some fun ideas to help make this Fall your best one yet!

Whether it’s in the swirl of cinnamon sugar over apple cider donuts, noticing the fiery red colors of the leaves, or the quiet joy of lighting a candle at dusk — lean into it. Romanticize the heck out of your routines. Bake the cake. Take the scenic route. Wear the sweater. Life doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful — it just needs your full presence.

Wishing you the softest, coziest, most golden autumn ever. 🍂✨

xo,

F.