My stunning Autumnal Wedding bouquet |
For anyone that’s following me on social media, watching my YouTube videos and reading this blog, it will come as no surprise that Autumn is my absolute favourite time of the year. Well, strictly Autumn in to Winter…in fact, Rich and I got married on 1st November and the colours, menu and décor were a distinct nod to this fabulous time of year!
Our stunning Autumn Wedding Cake |
So whilst it’s still early Autumn and it’s not yet all about Halloween and Bonfire night (literally cannot wait for those…) I thought I’d share with you what I do at this time of year to start feeling the warm, cosy vibes of Autumn over here in the UK.
1. Crack out the warming candle scents
Without a doubt, the minute there is a slight chill in the air, and I can justify getting those autumnal candles out….I’m there! For me autumn is all about the smell of wood smoke in the air, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and all of the other warming spices that make you feel all cosy and happy inside. My absolute favourite scent has to be ‘Cosy by the Fire’ by Yankee. I adore this scent and have it in both the large and small candle jars, as well as the meltlets….I can’t get enough of it! I also really love the cinnamon Yankee Candle which is equally as warming! I have also recently discovered the ‘Fireside’ scent by WoodWick which is a close runner up…and it has the added benefit of crackling like a fire while it’s lit!
Yankee 'Cosy by the Fire' and WoodWick 'Fireside' |
2. Subtly decorate with autumnal colours
Although we’re living very much in a project house, I love to get the house feeling a bit autumnal where I can. I don’t go in for too much, but a few subtle nods to this time of year…I tend to buy small ‘munchkin’ pumpkins from Sainsburys as they don’t tend to rot or age, and they look cute! This year I’ve also been out and taken a few cuttings from the garden of anything that’s red and orange in colour as well as a few green foliage bits and have been pleased with how that’s looked! We also have a few left over bits from our wedding, all rustic browns and burnt orange ribbon that I can use in places. I bought some small mini ‘pumpkins’ from Etsy which I put in to jars and which look great.
Autumn Decor |
3. Go conker collecting
This is a proper childhood memory for me….my Dad and I used to go conker collecting when I was much younger, and I remember a certain road in Leamington Spa where there were was always an abundance of conkers and loads of leaves to kick through….back then conkers were for playing ‘conkers’ with, but these days putting them in a jar or vase looks nice around the house (and I was told they keep spiders at bay too…yay!).
4. Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Hopefully by now you’ve watched my video or ready my blog post on this…if you haven’t…shame on you…and hurry on over to my YouTube channel to watch it! But…it goes without saying that the minute the calendar switches to September there are references to Pumpkin Spice Latte (#PSL) everywhere….it’s a bit American really, BUT what’s not to love about the warming spices, coffee and milk….! If you can’t be bothered to make one…at least hit up Starbucks and get at least one this Autumn!
5. Go for a walk!
Whether you live in the countryside or not – I urge you to get outside at this time of year to really embrace the colours! We are so fortunate to have a garden that is vibrant and full of the colours of autumn, but when you drive around the countryside it really comes alive with all shades of orange and brown and it feels so peaceful! It smells amazing this time of year too – early morning walks are the best when its slightly foggy…get outside and go for a good walk (coming back to freshly baked cake and tea is always better when you’ve been for a long stroll outside too).
I am thinking of doing a video on this….simply because we’re lucky enough to have an apple tree in our garden (and some blackberries too if you want to switch it up a bit!). Honestly a hot, apple crumble with some cinnamon chucked in and covered in custard is such a warming, cosy comfort food for this time of year and so simple to make too!
7. Make sloe gin
From late summer through to autumn, the hedgerows are full of fruits – including sloes….! This is something we try and make every year, because it’s best enjoyed in cycles (i.e. drink it the year after making it). Sloe gin is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients, sloes, gin and sugar….why not take a look at my videos (part 1 and 2) over on our YouTube channel to see how easy it is to make! It’s such a warming drink when enjoyed neat, but equally as nice enjoyed in a glass of fizz too when the Christmas party season approaches!
8. Get cosy by a fire (blankets, cosy socks and onsie)
This is probably one of my all-time favourite things to do in autumn….and to be honest you don’t need a fire for this…it’s just extra cosy if you do (for those that subscribe, you’ll know were in the midst of doing out log burner at the moment). Regardless…with or without a fire, when it’s cold, grey or rainy outside, putting on your comfy clothes, cuddling up in blankets and enjoying a hot chocolate, pumpkin spice latte or just a cup of tea is one of life’s little pleasures! If you don’t have a fire, it’s worth thinking about all the lovely, independent country pubs out there who do have a fire, so why not go and have a drink by the fire at one!
9. Have a film and duvet day!
9. Have a film and duvet day!
Following on from number 8….if you have time, while you’re snuggling up with blankets, duvets and hot drinks….get a good cosy film on….! My guilty pleasure is Harry Potter……!
10. Treat yourself to some new pyjamas!
In my mind, there is no better time than Autumn/Winter to buy new PJ’s and/or loungewear! Being cosy at home means being comfy and there’s nothing like some new PJ’s to make you feel ready for the season ahead….! This year, I bought some snuggly long sleeve PJ’s from Primark, but Next is also a real ‘go-to’ for good PJ’s!
OK so, these are more Xmas, and they are last years...and slippers, but you get the idea! |
So this is my little ‘get ready for autumn’ list….I hope you enjoy this fire crackling, pumpkin spice latte drinking, snuggly, cosy season as much as I do!
Have a great Autumn...
Love Em & Molly!
p.s. I'll be back with a Late Autumn in to Winter blog too!
Have a great Autumn...
Love Em & Molly!
p.s. I'll be back with a Late Autumn in to Winter blog too!
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