It’s official we are at the cosy end of the calendar! I for one am totally here for it, big jumpers, blankets, fire lit, scented candles and best of all absolutely no need to shave my legs until at least February. Bliss!
I will share some of my Autumnal traditions that bring me joy, and really make the most of this time of year.
Seasonal Decorations
In the prelude to putting the Christmas decorations up, I go hard on the pumpkin décor. Home sense is a constant temptation, and I really don’t need to add to my already embarrassingly huge collection of beautifully orange ornaments. Pumpkin Garland? Yes please. Crochet pumpkin? I’ll take five!
Small businesses are my kryptonite when it comes to seasonal décor because I can justify the purchase to myself as a good deed supporting a fellow small business buddy. My house is packed full of gorgeous handmade bits that I think really make it feel a homely. Don’t even get me started on Halloween Jelly Cats or Maileg Mice in pumpkin carriages - their little smiley faces give me immense joy!).
The easiest seasonal decoration for this time of year though is a scented candle, simple and effective. Our Jar candles come in some gorgeous autumnal (and festive) scents, and they look the part too.
Hot Chocolate Station Begins
Epic hot chocolate with all the sprinkles (seasonal colours obviously) and squirty cream just tastes even better when prepared from a beautifully presented hot chocolate station. I have been making my own stations at home for quite a few years now, opening with the Halloween version and then swapping over to a Christmas theme mid-November. Obviously, this is also such a great thing for littles too, but honestly, I’ve been doing mine purely for myself for years! All you need is a beautiful mug, some recycled jars (we have used our finished candle jars here is you look closely!) for marshmallows / sprinkles / biscuits and arrange it all on a tray or shelf with a seasonal decoration or two, and if you really want to make it wow then add some twinkley lights too!
The cosy blanket
Invest in a quality cosy blanket guys, you will not regret it. My requirements for a top-notch blanket are weight, softness, and looks.
A good blanket needs to be a bit heavy in my opinion; I’m not talking weighted blanket heavy (although I bet I would love those too to be honest) but a bit of weight so it feels a bit like a blankety hug when your wrapped up in it.
Scratchy blankets can go straight in the bin – no no no!! Wonderfully soft blankets that kiss your skin and you just want to rub on your cheeks over and over. Never skimp on softness when it comes to blankets guys.
Then obviously it needs to be beautiful; this is each to their own, funky patterns, classic tartan, faux fur look whatever floats your boat. It’s your blanket; you do you.
I think I may have just described my ideal man as well as my ideal blanket there?! Embarrassing!
Movie Nights & Autumnal Walks
The earlier, colder nights are the perfect excuse to hide inside with some snacks and a movie, without feeling a scrap of guilt. Or if board games are more your thing and you want to talk to the person you are with! A puzzle even.
Crisp Autumnal walks also have a special place in my heart, even better if it’s at dusk; the Lincolnshire sunsets this time of year are something to behold – that golden pink sky – beautiful.
Round off the evening with a good soak in the tub, this time of year was made for long relaxing bubble baths; listen to some tunes, light a candle, and enjoy some alone to recharge.
Oh it’s such a wonderful time of year isn’t it, I haven’t even mentioned mahooosive jumpers and thick wooly socks, and pumpkin patches! Don’t mind me, just off to run a big bubble bath and light a Pumpkin Spice candle!