It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon. - Sarah Addison Allen, “First Frost”

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the warm and inviting tones of autumn, there's no better time to embrace the spirit of change and renewal within the comfort of your own home. If you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you’ll know that I have a profound passion and excitement for each season, and I think there is no seasonal change more exciting and intoxicating than the transition from summer to fall. From the captivating aroma of cozy fall fragrances to the artful interplay of seasonal prints and fabrics, I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks for turning your home into a haven of autumnal bliss.

Fall Fragrance

Whether it's through the flicker of scented candles, the gentle release of essential oils, or the simmering of potpourri on the stove, fall fragrances have the remarkable power to awaken memories, evoke a sense of nostalgia, and create an ambiance that is equally invigorating and soothing. Fragrance not only heightens the sensory experience of your space but also offers a warm and inviting welcome to all who enter. Fragrance has the power to transport us back to memories, both near and distant, and sets the tone for your mindset and day. Waking up and enjoying a warm cup of tea while you light a cinnamon, pumpkin, or apple-scented candle creates an ambiance of warmth and coziness.

When it comes to candles, a few of my favorites for fall are Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte, Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove and Boulangerie Pumpkin Soufflé. And, if you’re working from home or enjoying a lazy Saturday on the sofa, here is one of my favorite recipes for a stovetop potpourri — start with the recipe below and about 1 cup of water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and just keep adding water all day for a fragrance that will envelop your entire home in a warm, autumnal hug.

Autumnal Stovetop Potpourri

1 apple, sliced

2 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Touches of Seasonal Fabric

Changing out some of the fabrics in your home for warm, fall tones and seasonally-appropriate prints is a great way to change up the look of your home and bring in the lovely amber tones from outside into your home. To keep things budget friendly, I recommend focusing on changing out your table linens, pillow covers, shower curtains, and blankets and throws around the home. You can find beautiful table linen sets and pillow covers for as low as $20 at Target and Amazon, or for a slightly more luxurious shopping experience, Anthropologie and Frontgate are a few of my go-to stores for home decor.

Cozy Beverages

While it’s a highlight for me each month, I am especially excited for my Sips by monthly tea subscription to arrive during the fall months. Sips by is a monthly and fully personalized tea discovery club. From the moment the box arrives, anticipation builds as you unveil a carefully curated selection of handpicked teas, thoughtfully chosen to suit your unique preferences — for me, that’s flavored black teas (hello, Earl Grey and Lady Grey!), cozy herbal blends with lavender and chamomile, and sweet tea treats like their Cookie Tea offerings. The Sips by monthly tea subscription box is more than just a collection of beverages; it's a passport to a world of flavors, a ritual of relaxation, and a true testament to the enchantment that tea can bring to your daily life. If you’re not already signed up, there’s no better time to treat yourself than this fall as the weather cools and the leaves change colors.

For $15 off your first Sips by box and 200 bonus points towards a reward, use this link: Sipsby.com.

For an adult beverage, I love a glass of mulled white wine, especially in the evening with a slice of my go-to Chai Pumpkin Cake recipe (keep reading below for the recipe). Here’s my recipe for mulled white wine below — just add everything to a pot and heat until just simmering. Serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick for extra fall flavor and fun!

Mulled White Wine

1:1 ratio of white wine (Effingham Manor Winery’s Viognier is one of my favorites for this recipe) and apple juice (no sugar added)

1/2 packet of Crown Mulling Spices (1/2 packet for 1 bottle of wine, 1 packet for 2 bottles of wine)

Mood-Setting Playlists

Music has a remarkable ability to evoke deep-seated emotions and instantly shape the contours of our mood, painting the canvas of our inner world with its harmonious hues. As the sun rises on autumn mornings, I love listening to the soothing notes of light jazz gently dance through the air, infusing a sense of serenity and contemplation into the start of the day. Throughout the day, you’ll find me listening to the melancholic and relaxing piano from my Eric Christian playlist on Spotify, taking momentary pauses to admire the changing leaves out my office window while I work. And as evening falls, I like to light a candle and let the allure of dark academia melodies take center stage, casting an enchanting spell that harmonizes with the season's mysterious and introspective ambiance.

Baked Treats

Is there anything more nostalgic and warming about the feeling of fall than the scent of something spiced baking in the oven? I think not!

As mentioned above, one of my favorite go-to recipes for fall baking is Half-Baked Harvest’s Chai Pumpkin Cake with Maple Browned Butter Frosting. For a healthier option, I love these quick and easy Oatmeal Raisin cookies from Fab Lunch and these addicting Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from SkinnyTaste (can you tell that I love pumpkin?). If you’re looking for more fall baking inspiration, I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to some of my favorite recipes here.

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