Embracing the Best of Autumn: My Top 14 Fall Obsessions

Fall is finally here! I love the autumn season and it’s my very favorite time of the year – no matter where I am. The temperatures are FINALLY cooling off and there is a crispness in the air that I absolutely love. Pumpkins and fall décor are appearing on doorsteps and fall colors are rich and vibrant. I am obsessed with the fall season! This quote is one of my favorites and it is posted in my office.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L.M. Montgomery, “Anne of Green Gables”

The fall season – and October – bring SO many things to make me smile. Here are my “Best of Autumn” 14, including my FAVORITE easy apple butter recipe below!

1 – Fall T-shirts

It’s so fun to welcome in the season with fall colors and motifs. These t-shirts are comfy and work perfectly with jeans. Somehow it really feels like October when I can slip on a soft t-shirt and head to a football game, festival, or other outdoor fall activity.

2 – Fall Decor

We enjoy spending time on our outdoor patio this time of year. These mats are perfect for both the front and back door. The pillow covers are easily stored and just came out this weekend for the bench on our porch – and for the recliner inside. Our family room is stocked with plenty of cozy throws, and, honestly, these items bring us so much joy!

3 – Wreaths and Foliage

These are the season’s treasures that I absolutely adore. The wreath is a wonderful fall welcome and the natural look seems fitting to this time of year. The small potted plants are scattered around our bookshelves and throughout our home to infuse a bit of nature. The autumn leaves look so warm in vases, creating a homey atmosphere that brings the outside in.

4 – Coffee

Yes, I like PSL (Pumpkin Spice Lattes) but there are so many other fall flavors to discover. The Salted Caramel Mocha is my favorite, but the Maple Walnut and Vanilla Nut Cream flavors are simply decadent. If you happen to need a recommendation for a coffee maker, the Nespresso is one of the best!

5 – Sweaters

The crisp fall air, the leaves crunching beneath my feet, and the smell of fall in the air just screams that it is sweater time – and I am totally ready for it! There’s something about sweaters that bring a relaxed comfort to my world and they are the best of autumn to me.

6 – Candles

Fall scents have a remarkable way of evoking a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. The warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, the earthy aroma of fallen leaves, and the sweet, scent of pumpkin and apple can create a sense of warmth and security to me. Inhaling these scents trigger positive emotions, making me feel grounded and ready to embrace the beauty of the autumn season. I also use a Pura diffuser and the Nest Pumpkin Chai is a hands-down winner! However our favorite candle company is Bella Vela, and they have just come out with a wonderful new fall collection. Check it out here.

7 – Jeans & Long Pants

Shorts are great – but I really am a jeans girl. Longer pants and cooler weather are a perfect combo. After a record-breaking, long summer of extreme heat, long pants just sound AMAZING!

8 – Halloween Decorations

These cute decorations won’t scare, but they will certainly delight the little ones!! The small touches keep the fun in the season. The kit above is ideal for pumpkin carving, but the stickers make it easier and certainly convenient!

9 – Soups

During the fall season, a bowl of soup feels like a comforting hug from the inside. The way it warms you up, both physically and emotionally, is like a remedy for the chill in the air. It’s the perfect companion for crisp autumn days – and I love to make lots of varieties. Le Creuset has the BEST Dutch oven to make a large batch of soup, and this one is my favorite. The white bowls are the ideal size to hold this warm comfort food. And for some reason, I rarely have a good ladle handy – but now I can recommend this one!

10 – Bonfires

Bonfires on the beach are the best, but it’s not always accessible or easy. These smaller firepits give a similar ambiance, and certainly are convenient. However, when we are in the mood for s’mores, which is a big fall treat for us, a portable burner does the trick perfectly. Special touches like these bring the best of autumn to the forefront.

11 – Family and Friends Visiting

We tend to have lots of visitors during the fall season, which I cherish. Recently I found these Eddie Bauer flannel sheets which are so soft and easily transition from October to December. With deep pockets, they fit perfectly on the blow up mattress, which is so handy to have. The kids love it and the mattress packs easily into the closet when deflated.

The seasonal towels create a nice touch when visitors come into the kitchen, powder room, and the guest baths. I especially enjoy nice Turkish towels and these come in autumn orange. Win-win!

12 – Apple Butter

My VERY favorite recipe for this season is fresh apple butter – made in the crockpot. I make it every single year and give it away to family and friends during October. It’s been a fun tradition – and thought I would share it with you. Once you try it, you will NEVER go back to store-bought. Did I mention that it is EASY? This is so good that I made THREE batches last season.

Apple Butter

5 lbs apples (roughly 10-12 apples)

**You may need more or less, but fill up your crockpot.

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp allspice

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup water

1. Peel, core, and quarter the apples.

2. Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the apples inside, filling the slow cooker up to the top.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.

4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

5. Uncover, stir well, and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 2 hours on LOW or 1 hour on HIGH. This allows the apple butter to cook down and thicken.

6. Use a hand-blender to puree until smooth OR puree in regular blender in batches.

7. Store in jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks OR in the freezer for up to 3 months.

13 – Orange Stanley Cup

I love my Stanley cup which holds a whopping 42 oz. I fill it with water and ice, and it is amazing how well it stays cold through the day, even through refills. The orange color just makes me happy – and encourages me to drink plenty of water, too.

14 – Pumpkin Everything!

REAL pumpkins on my front porch are a huge treat, mixed with mums and other plants. However, inside I tend to decorate with paper mâché pumpkins, but these velvet ones are extra special! A few years ago, a friend gave me a glass pumpkin, which was so unique. It has been a treasured possession which is proudly displayed every year.