I wasn’t always enthusiastic about autumn. As the days got shorter and colder, I often found myself feeling gloomy and counting the days to spring. Over the years however, I’ve learned to embrace the uniqueness of each season. I now enjoy the cozy, autumnal atmosphere along with doing activities for autumn to make this season special.

For me, autumn has become the season to find comfort in nourishing meals, cozy settings and peaceful activities that allow me to reconnect with myself. That’s also why I created this guide – to inspire others to fully embrace this season.

Grab a cup of tea and read along as I take you through my favorite autumn home decor ideas, autumn movies, dinner ideas, and more. – All in the spirit of promoting inner peace and calmness.

My Favorite Activities for Autumn to Fully Embrace the Season

1) Declutter and simplify your home

I know, this doesn’t sound fun and it’s probably not the kind of suggestion you were looking for. But as we prepare for the quiet months, decluttering our homes can help create a sense of spaciousness and peace. I declutter to let go of what no longer serves me and make space for rest and rejuvenation.

Also, I declutter my home because it’s way more satisfying to decorate it for autumn when there’s actually space to do so. So, put on your favorite playlist, an audiobook, or a podcast and start preparing your home for calm and coziness.

2) Create a serene space with autumn decor

Now that your home is decluttered, it’s time to get the vibes just right! Some of my favorite autumn home decor ideas include:

• Changing a few pictures around the house: I have lots of framed pictures on my walls and changing them out occasionally, is an easy way to create a different atmosphere in my home. I simply take the poster that was in the frame already and put it behind the new poster. That way, I can easily change between different motives whenever I want to. There are tons of cute autumn posters out there, including these that I think are really cute!
  
• Warm colors and textures: Decorate with autumn’s signature colors—deep oranges, rich browns, warm yellows, and soft burgundies. Incorporate plush throws and cushions in these tones to add softness and comfort to your space. – Again, one of the things I do to make this easy and budget-friendly is having a few cushions, but then also having a variety of cushion covers that can be changed to match the season.
  
• Seasonal accents: You can bring in the outdoors by incorporating natural elements like dried leaves, acorns, or pinecones. A vase filled with dried flowers can evoke the feeling of autumn in a minimalist way. A small serving tray with decorative pumpkins looks really pretty as well.
  
• Go to Pinterest for more inspiration: When it comes to home decor for the seasons, Pinterest always has your back. If you type in something like “fall decor” you’ll get tons of ideas on how to make your home super cozy.
  

By creating a cozy, serene atmosphere in your home, you can invite more calmness into your life. Also, once your home has become an autumn oasis, it’s really nice to curl up with a good book or movie. Which leads me to another one of my favorite activities for autumn:

3) Enjoy the best autumn movies and TV episodes

Curling up with a good movie is one of the best ways to relax during autumn. Especially when you pair it with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, or with a hearty autumnal dinner.
My top suggestions for the best autumn movies are:

• “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) – Set against a backdrop of beautiful fall foliage, this romantic comedy captures the evolving seasons of friendship and love, with plenty of autumnal scenes that inspire warmth and nostalgia.
  
• “You’ve Got Mail” (1998) – This feel-good romantic comedy, set in the charming streets of New York City during fall, is full of cozy moments and bookstore charm. It’s perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. – Actually, last year was my first time seeing this movie and it reminded me of how much I still love a 90’s romcom.
  
• “Little Women” (2019) – The warm, inviting tones and themes of family and growth in this period drama evoke the spirit of autumn and the transitions it brings. There’s a dream cast in this movie as well – I especially think Laura Dern is killing it!
  
• “Good Will Hunting” (1997) – Set in the academic world of Boston during the fall, this film delves into themes of self-discovery, healing, and the power of relationships.
  
• “Dead Poets Society” (1989) – Set in a prestigious all-boys school in New England, this film is perfect for autumn with its themes of self-reflection, nature, and poetry.

If you have Disney+, you can also go check out their Halloween Collection. Here you’ll find suggestions for both Halloween-related movies and TV episodes.
I personally love watching the Halloween episodes from Modern Family as well as my favorite childhood shows (such as Phineas & Ferb or Lilo & Stitch). – There are lots of different shows to choose from, so you’ll probably be able to find your own old favorites!

4) Get inspired by these nourishing dinner ideas for autumn

In autumn, our bodies naturally crave warmth and nourishment. I try to cook from scratch at least a couple of times a week and embrace the flavors of the season.

Preparing comforting, wholesome meals can be a meditative practice that grounds us in the present moment. Here are a few of my top easy-to-make dinner ideas for autumn that provide warmth and comfort:

• Butternut Squash Soup: I get tons of videos of the most delicious butternut squash soups up on my TikTok feed these days! – Roasting butternut squash and other veggies, and then blending it with broth and warm spices creates a creamy, nourishing soup that soothes the soul. Pair with a slice of rustic bread and your favorite TV show!
  
• Red lentil curry: I make this a couple of times in a month. It’s budget-friendly and has an amazing warm and balanced flavor. My absolute favorite recipe for a red lentil curry is this one!
  
• Pumpkin Risotto: This creamy rice dish made with pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and a touch of parmesan feels indulgent yet super comforting.
  I gotta be honest though: I’ve actually never cooked risotto myself because my partner is the assigned risotto-maker in our household. He never follows a recipe, so I can’t tell you exactly how he does it. – However, I’ve found a pumpkin risotto recipe with great reviews right here!
  
• Apple pie or apple crumble: Okay, I guess you can’t count this as dinner. But for dessert, apple pie or apple crumble is a must in autumn! I usually go for an apple crumble because I find them quicker and easier to make, but I promise they taste amazing. There are tons of different recipes out there – one of the most popular seems to be this one.

The above dinner ideas for autumn are simple, delicious, and nurturing—perfect for cultivating calm as the days grow shorter.

5) Play board games or make a puzzle

Sometimes, the best way to slow down and connect with loved ones is through simple, old-fashioned fun. Autumn evenings are perfect for cozying up indoors with a good board game together!

If you don’t have anyone to play with, I recommend doing a puzzle instead. I love doing 1000-piece Disney puzzles; They strike a good balance between difficulty and solvability (is that even a word?). – I’m completely in love with this Halloween-themed Disney puzzle, which is unfortunately unavailable in my country…

Not only do these activities help you unwind, but they also allow for mindful engagement—focusing on a task that’s both relaxing and rewarding.

6) Go for a walk

Another one of my favorite activities for autumn? Going for a walk. During autumn, the crisp air and vibrant colors of the falling leaves make it even more special. I find that walking outdoors, especially in the park or one of the forests near my home, helps clear my mind and brings a sense of peace. The rhythm of walking allows me to let go of stress and turn my attention to the beauty around me.

If you want to be a little extra, bringing a cup of your favorite beverage can make your walk extra cozy. I also recommend taking tons of autumnal photos, just for the fun of it.

7) Visit a pumpkin patch (and carve pumpkins!)

I actually did this for the first time this weekend, and I absolutely loved it. There’s something really calming about spending time in a pumpkin patch. Whether you go solo or with friends or family, it’s a great way to slow down and enjoy a simple autumn tradition.

Take your time picking out the perfect pumpkins, then bring them home to carve or decorate. Once they’re finished, the glow of a candle-lit pumpkin lantern will bring lots of autumnal coziness to your space.

8) Get creative

Autumn’s slower pace is perfect for creativity as well. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, crafting, or painting, autumn is the perfect time to explore your creative side.

Personally, I try to journal more consistently this season. Writing down my thoughts and reflections helps me feel more centered and calm. I also love settling down for the evening with a coloring book, but I’m not always good at prioritizing it.

You might also want to try seasonal crafts—like making a wreath from fallen leaves or knitting a cozy scarf. Whatever you choose, tapping into your creative side can be incredibly soothing and rewarding.

Again, if you need more inspiration on how to get creative in the autumn, I recommend doing a Pinterest search!

9) Do extra self-care

The cooler months is a great time to focus on nourishing yourself, both inside and out. For me, taking a warm bath in my portable mini bathtub is a really nice way of doing this. I live in a tiny apartment with no bathtub, so buying a small, portable one was a good solution.

Autumn is also a great time to revisit your routines—swap out lighter summer products for richer skincare or indulge in comforting herbal teas. Small acts of self-care can go a long way in promoting inner peace and relaxation.

10) Build a bonfire

Lastly, if you have the space, building a small bonfire is a really cozy activity. Where I live, there are also places in the forests that are prepared for people to make bonfires.

There’s something primal and peaceful about gathering around a fire, feeling the warmth on your skin and watch the flames dance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to unplug, share stories, and enjoy the crackling sounds and peaceful atmosphere. For an extra cozy touch, I suggest you bring some marshmallows!

I hope this list of cozy activities for autumn inspires you to make the most of this season.

I’m also curious about you guys’ favorite activities in the autumn! Please comment below so we can inspire each other!

General disclaimer: All content on this site is meant for inspirational and entertainment purposes only and I am not responsible for any loss or damage related to use of any content on this site. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Affiliate disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. I will update this disclaimer accordingly if this changes. You can read more about my use of affiliate links here.